“I heard that the successor of Old Monk Xumi is quite arrogant. Back then, my father had a chance to devour Old Monk Xumi and always regretted not doing so. Now that Xumi’s successor has appeared, let this divine son devour him. Zhang Ruochen’s life is mine—no one else can touch it.”
These domineering words came from Yan, the eighth son of the Ghost Lord, as bold as Zhou Yu of Paradise Realm, as if Zhang Ruochen was already his prey.
Who is the Ghost Lord? A titan of the Hell Realm’s Ghost Clan, having survived twelve Ghost Tribulations and cultivated the legendary Primordial Ghost Physique, his strength is beyond imagination.
He has nine offspring, each exceptionally talented, though most have reached the Great Saint Realm. Only the eighth and ninth sons remain in the Saint King Realm.
The Ghost Lord’s ninth son, Chang, appeared at Luoshui but was repelled by Old Mother Qushan and later obliterated by Tianchu Fairy upon her emergence.
The eighth son, Yan, is far stronger, undisputedly the top Saint King of the Hell Realm’s Ghost Clan, his prowess no less than Zhou Yu’s.
Rumors say Yan is a divine disciple of the Dark Temple, mastering the Path of Darkness with unpredictable methods. Those who face him are inevitably devoured.
“Targeted by both Zhou Yu and Yan, does Zhang Ruochen have any chance of survival?”
“One should keep a low profile. Being too bold leads to ruin.”
“Zhang Ruochen isn’t weak now, and as the successor of time and space, he shouldn’t be so easily killed.”
“Successor of time and space or not, he’s still too young, a step below the absolute top powerhouses.”
…
Everyone knew Zhang Ruochen’s recent prominence had provoked both Paradise Realm and Hell Realm.
On the surface, Zhou Yu and Yan had declared their intent to deal with him.
In reality, they weren’t the only ones eyeing Zhang Ruochen—others were simply less vocal.
Yet, despite the outside world’s uproar, Peacock Manor remained serene.
Zhang Ruochen, the focus of all attention, ignored the external chaos, dedicating himself to healing in Peacock Manor.
It took half a month before he emerged from seclusion.
Not only had his injuries fully healed, but his cultivation was solidified, his spirit and energy reaching a new peak.
“Zhang Ruochen, you sure know how to stir trouble, just like this emperor in his prime. You’re now the center of attention, with plenty of people vowing to take your life,” Xiao Hei said, gloating.
Zhang Ruochen replied calmly, “I don’t seek trouble—it finds me. Over the years, countless people have wanted me dead. If I weren’t resilient, I’d have died who knows how many times.”
Since leaving Yunwu Commandery, he had faced endless trials, surviving countless life-or-death ordeals. To many, his survival was nothing short of miraculous.
“Anyone wanting to touch Junior Brother will have to get past us first,” Jin Yu snorted.
Zhang Ruochen said, “No need to overthink it. I’m not someone they can easily handle. If they come for me, they’d better be ready to be counter-killed.”
“Compared to these matters, I’m more concerned with uncovering some truths from 800 years ago.”
At this, Kong Lanyou, Jin Yu, and the others’ expressions shifted slightly.
Kong Lanyou sighed softly. “Cousin, I know you’re focused on Grandfather’s coup. You’ve likely guessed the reasons.”
“There were two reasons for Grandfather’s coup. First, Uncle’s disappearance left Saint Ming leaderless and chaotic. Grandfather, always ambitious, saw a chance to seize control of the Saint Ming Court.”
“Second, Grandfather was controlled by the Blood Empress. Chi Yao wasn’t wrong—Grandfather, as a seven-colored peacock, swallowed the Blood Empress but failed to kill her. Instead, she broke through her cultivation and left a terrifying blood poison. The Blood Empress then used the Blood Soul Technique to control him.”
“The Blood Empress aimed to dominate the Saint Ming Court through Grandfather. But then, the Chiqing Central Empire waged war. In its chaotic state, Saint Ming couldn’t resist, quickly crumbling.”
“I only learned these truths later. It’s all a matter of fate. If Uncle hadn’t vanished, no matter how cunning the Blood Empress, she couldn’t have disrupted Saint Ming.”
Recalling those events, Kong Lanyou was filled with emotion and regret. Reality was brutally harsh.
Her “Uncle” was, of course, Zhang Ruochen’s father, Emperor Ming.
Zhang Ruochen fell silent. According to Kong Lanyou, the Blood Empress was indeed alive, making the identity of the one in the Endless Abyss who wished to see him clear.
“How is this tied to the Blood Empress?” Jin Yu asked curiously.
Not just him—Luo Chen and Bao Lie were equally puzzled.
Though they were Emperor Ming’s disciples, they were unaware of the connection between Emperor Ming and the Blood Empress.
Zhang Ruochen said, “Because the Blood Empress was my mother in my past life.”
With no outsiders present, he revealed this monumental secret without reservation.
“The Mistress was the Blood Empress? How is that possible?”
Jin Yu, Luo Chen, and Bao Lie exclaimed, incredulous.
Who was the Blood Empress? Eight hundred years ago, she was the Undying Blood Clan’s mightiest, so powerful that even Emperor Ming couldn’t defeat her alone, requiring Emperor Qing’s aid to counter her.
Even now, to the trio, the Blood Empress was a legendary, fearsome figure.
Zhang Ruochen gave a bitter smile. “I didn’t want to believe it either, but it’s the truth. I despise the Undying Blood Clan, yet my mother from my past life was one of them—ironic, isn’t it?”
“It was all the Blood Empress’s scheme. Even Uncle was nearly deceived. Cousin, you’ve died once and are no longer tied to the Undying Blood Clan. There’s no need to dwell on this,” Kong Lanyou said, comforting him.
Jin Yu nodded. “Lanyou’s right. We don’t care about the Blood Empress. To us, you’re Zhang Ruochen, Emperor Ming’s son, our Junior Brother. Nothing else matters.”
“Exactly. The bond between us brothers will never change,” Bao Lie added.
Though Luo Chen said nothing, he nodded earnestly, placing a hand on Zhang Ruochen’s shoulder.
Looking at Kong Lanyou and his three senior brothers, Zhang Ruochen nodded firmly. “I understand. Rest assured, I won’t obsess over this.”
Their support warmed his heart. What did it matter if his past life’s mother was the Blood Empress? Reborn, he had no ties to the Undying Blood Clan and would never side with them.
