No need to elaborate on how the Lin family and the other major clans explained matters to Fang Zhentian’s divine sense, nor is there any need to dwell on the extent of Fang Zhentian's rage; none of that concerned Ye Jingyu in the slightest…
The unconscious Ye Jingyu had already been carried by Xiyang to the secluded cave where she resided, laid gently upon the fiery red stone bed within…
Seeing the deathly pallor of Ye Jingyu’s face, the whitening of his lips, the cold sweat drenching his entire body, and the continuous tremor running through him, Xiyang’s heart filled with profound worry…
In a frantic rush, she poured the life-saving spiritual elixirs her mother had left her straight into Ye Jingyu’s mouth, but no matter how long he swallowed, his complexion showed no sign of improvement…
“Brother Ye, don’t frighten Xi Xi, Xi Xi doesn’t want you to die, I absolutely do not want you to die!” Clasping Ye Jingyu’s arm tightly, Xiyang’s voice broke into a sob, her tears perpetually tracing paths down her cheeks, dripping onto his arm…
At this moment, Ye Jingyu was utterly unaware of Xiyang weeping for him outside. Deep within his Sea of Consciousness, the azure ancient bell had ceased its rotation, merely suspended silently in mid-air. Wisps of hairline cracks had begun to spiderweb across the bell’s surface, and the entire artifact remained unnervingly still, as if all the spiritual energy within had been utterly depleted…
A figure lay before the ancient bell—it was none other than Ye Jingyu himself. But in this state, his expression was one of utter exhaustion, as if he had just run seven or eight thousand meters; he couldn't muster a shred of strength in his limbs…
Yet, his gaze was locked steadfastly upon the azure ancient bell, filled with perplexity, tinged with melancholy, and the deep, sharp ache of regret…
“Alas, what a magnificent treasure, now utterly shattered. What am I to do now?” Ye Jingyu stared blankly at the ancient bell, a sigh echoing deep in his heart. He had dared to venture here alone solely because of this peerless magical implement. Fang Zhentian’s Fang Tian Pagoda, which had managed to withstand the full force of Dugu Bachen’s strike, had still had its apex smashed by this very bell—a testament to the bell’s supreme echelon.
Even though he couldn't utilize the bell’s true power, not even a sliver of it, it was still a formidable weapon capable of preserving his life. Just like this instance; if not for the bell, he would surely have been reduced to a meat paste. Even if his Chaos Physique was truly immortal through the ages, the time required for a complete restoration would be unknowable…
But now, the ancient bell was fractured. Without it, what recourse did he have? Gazing at the motionless azure bell, Ye Jingyu suddenly recalled a popular song from his previous life…
“In the days without you, I must cherish myself even more; in the years without you, I should…”
“Singing? Stop that racket, it’s awful!” Before Ye Jingyu could finish two lines, a voice resonating with absolute authority boomed directly within his Sea of Consciousness…
“Who are you? Who said that?” Startled by the colossal sound, Ye Jingyu leaped up in shock. This was his Sea of Consciousness, the divine space where he reigned supreme. Yet, someone was speaking here, and he hadn't detected them at all—how could this not astound him?
At that moment, the azure ancient bell suddenly flared with a soft blue luminescence. A figure slowly materialized beneath it: a majestic man clad in Imperial robes. Though merely a projection, an immense, sweeping aura of majesty emanated from him. Under this oppressive pressure, even Ye Jingyu felt a profound tremor, an almost irresistible urge to prostrate himself in worship…
Still, he struggled to his feet, stubbornly resisting the overwhelming might bearing down upon him.
“Who exactly are you?” Seeing the man suddenly appear before him, capable of radiating such potent authority within his own Sea of Consciousness, Ye Jingyu’s heart hammered wildly. This was undoubtedly a powerhouse, one whose strength transcended the very limits of conception.
“Do you truly have no memory of Me?” the man inquired of Ye Jingyu, speaking with studied casualness…
Ye Jingyu froze. His mind flashed back to the vision he had encountered before—the scene of the man in Imperial robes conquering everywhere. Was that not the very man standing before him now?
Recalling the terrifying creatures slain by his hand, recalling the powerhouses capable of treating a planet like a mere plaything who had fallen before him, Ye Jingyu’s spirit trembled.
“You… you… you are… you are…” Ye Jingyu’s eyes showed a terror so extreme it bordered on frenzy, his mouth stuttering incoherently. Seeing Ye Jingyu’s state, the man’s lips curved into a faint smile—a subtle expression of satisfaction, clearly pleased that Ye Jingyu was suitably awed by his legendary renown…
“But I still don’t recognize you,” Ye Jingyu managed to stammer out after a long, halting effort.
“Er…” Now it was the man’s turn to look momentarily stunned. Did he genuinely not know his own identity?
“Then you must know the tales of myth and legend, surely?” The man persisted, unwilling to concede, feeling that for someone of his stature not to intimidate this youth would be a profound loss of face…
“Hmm? What myths? Are you referring to Pangu splitting the heavens and earth? Nuwa creating humanity and mending the firmament? The great battle for supremacy between Xuanyuan and Chiyou?” Ye Jingyu inquired curiously.
“Yes…” the man nodded. “Those very ones…”
“But even if I know them, what does that have to do with you?” Ye Jingyu’s face remained clouded with confusion.
“It has everything to do with it, for I am one of the figures from the myths and legends you know—the Demon Emperor—Di Jun!” The man puffed out his chest slightly with pride as he spoke. He had once been a figure dominating the Three Realms; even the Primordial Golden Immortals and Ancient Great Gods had bowed respectfully in his presence.
However, after a prolonged pause, the expected torrent of flattery and worship never materialized. Di Jun blinked, glancing back to see Ye Jingyu staring at him blankly, looking as clueless as a simpleton…
“Excuse me, may I ask, who is Di Jun?” Ye Jingyu frantically scanned every figure he knew, but he couldn't place Di Jun. Was his own knowledge simply too shallow?
“Ugh…” Di Jun’s expression darkened with awkwardness. This fellow didn't seem to be faking it. How could he not know Di Jun? He knew of Pangu, yet not the man who stood contemporary to Pangu?
“Ah, I forgot. That is My name. But I have another title you must have heard—Donghuang Taiyi!”
(Donghuang Taiyi! A legendary powerhouse! Xingchen mentioned that more excitement lies ahead, so please give lots of support! It's three chapters these past couple of days; I need to rest and adjust. We resume the big push on Monday—brothers, show your support!)