Yan Zhaoge retracted his palm, his fingers clean and wholly untainted.
Wang Zhengcheng’s body vanished before him as if it had never existed.
The Yin Yang Earth Mountain River Diagram and the Origin Opening Sword that were clashing in the distance shook simultaneously.
The Yin Yang Earth Mountain River Diagram erupted with an unprecedently powerful aura as it jolted away the Origin Opening Sword before transforming into a streak of light and shooting off in the direction of Kunlun Mountain’s Southern High Peak.
This treasure belonged to the Earthly Sovereign at the end of the day. After its current owner Wang Zhengcheng had died, the restrictions left in it by the Earthly Sovereign had activated as it had automatically returned to headquarters.
Yan Zhaoge ignored it as he simply retrieved the Origin Opening Sword before turning to look at the Encompassing Emperor.
This Emperor had not been weakened like the black-clothed Brocade Emperor had.
Additionally, he also had an Immortal Artifact with him.
If he had not already suppressed Wang Zhengcheng beforehand and had his life literally in his grasp, Wang Zhengcheng might have survived if the Encompassing Emperor had intervened.
Still, having watched Wang Zhengcheng get killed before his very eyes, the Encompassing Emperor did not appear enraged and furious, seeking to take action.
There was a stunned look on his face at how he had wished to save Wang Zhengcheng but it had already been too late.
The Encompassing Emperor had a complex look on his face as he gazed towards Yan Zhaoge.
It was a long time before he slowly said, “Fallen Deity, you have really been rash this time.”
“Even if the Sword Sovereign is willing to offend the Earthly and Concealed Sovereigns for you father and son, he would not be able to bear that pressure!”
The Encompassing Emperor said in a heavy tone, “While it is often rumoured that the Earthly Sovereign is the head of the Three Sovereigns because the Concealed Sovereign has always supported him, with him being oldest and most experienced too, these are not the most consequential reasons.”
“The most important reason is that he is solidly the most powerful of the Three Sovereigns, being the undisputed current number one expert of the World beyond Worlds as even the Concealed Sovereign who was also one of the Kunlun Nine Luminaries is inferior to him in terms of might!”
“While your grandfather too was one of the Nine Luminaries, there were differing relationships even amongst them. The Concealed Sovereign’s relationship with the Earthly Sovereign is far more than his relationship with your grandfather was,” The Encompassing Emperor sighed, “With a conflict arising between the two sides, the Concealed Sovereign is sure to support the Earthly Sovereign.”
“If you did not kill the Earth Exalt, the Concealed Sovereign might still have been able to remain neutral, helping neither side. Still, since the Earth Exalt has died by your hands, if the Earthly Sovereign makes things difficult for you, the Concealed Sovereign will simply support him.”
The Encompassing Emperor looked helplessly at Yan Zhaoge, “This old man thought you would understand these underlying relationships. While you have occasionally acted recklessly over the years, Fallen Deity, from my observation of you, you have always known what you are doing. Today, however, it really is…”
“I do indeed know of these underlying relationships,” Yan Zhaoge said mildly, “I even know that the Earthly and Concealed Sovereigns both have Immortal Artifacts of the Tranquil level.”
The tranquillity of Daoism and the tranquillity of Buddhism were two different concepts in this world.
The tranquillity here was a cultivation realm for Daoism.
“In that case, this old man is even more unable to understand this,” The Encompassing Emperor sighed, “Granted, the Concealed Sovereign has still yet to exit seclusion and the Earthly Sovereign is far away in extradimensional space. Fellow Daoist Jie of Jade Sky Peak will not make things difficult for you and this old man does not intend to get too involved too as you and your father can pretty much do whatever you like in the current World beyond Worlds.”
“Still, the Earthly Sovereign will ultimately return and the Concealed Sovereign will also emerge from seclusion sooner or later. What do you intend to do then, Fallen Deity?”
“Go to the Roving Jade Heavens?”
The Encompassing Emperor gazed at Yan Zhaoge with a complex look on his face.
He would naturally not wish for outstanding, newly arisen talents like Yan Zhaoge and his father to be forced into leaving the World beyond Worlds and going to the Roving Jade Heavens.
Even ignoring how Yan Zhaoge had become the descendant of the Dim Radiant Emperor upon acquiring the Dim Radiant Wheel, this was truly no fault of Yan Di’s as it was just fate that had dictated it.
“The Roving Jade Heavens?” Yan Zhaoge asked noncommittally.
The Encompassing Emperor said slowly, “If your Broad Creed Mountain really intends to head to the Roving Jade Heavens, they would probably welcome you there. Still, the Sword Sovereign would not be able to go there with you.”
“Many descendants of the Prime Clear lineage died beneath the Sword Sovereign’s Origin Opening Sword that year. A treasured disciple of the Roving Jade Heavens’ old Grand Master also died by his sword.”
“Even if the Profound Sovereign and the Dragon Spring Emperor can ignore this, countless experts of the Prime Clear lineage, that old Grand Master included, have never been able to forget this.”
The Encompassing Emperor shook his head, “While the Profound Sovereign is powerful, the old Grand Master is ultimately her Master as the deceased was also her fellow disciple.”
“While the Roving Jade Heavens can accept your Broad Creed Mountain, they would definitely never be able to accept Jade Capital Crag. If you intend to contact Jade Capital Crag, joining forces with the Roving Jade Heavens to counterattack the World beyond Worlds, there would be a higher possibility of the Roving Jade Heavens teaming up with Qilin Cliff to make things difficult for Jade Capital Crag.”
“Having slain the Earth Exalt, you can head to the Roving Jade Heavens. Yet, what is the Sword Sovereign to do then?” The Encompassing Emperor sighed, “Fallen Deity, you have really been reckless this time.”
After calmly hearing the Encompassing Emperor out, Yan Zhaoge smiled, “Thank you for your concern, Encompassing Emperor.”
“This Yan will be going to check on my mother’s situation now. Please excuse me.”
With that, he cupped his hands towards the Encompassing Emperor before turning and heading east with the Origin Opening Sword.
The Encompassing Emperor gazed helplessly at Yan Zhaoge’s departing figure, “Does he think this old man is trying to scare him? He has to be mindful of this!”
“After a few thousand years of peace, I wonder how this sudden great chaos will ultimately end.”
After taking his leave of the Encompassing Emperor, Yan Zhaoge rushed off to the eastern Vast Heaven Territory.
Just like Wang Zhengcheng and the black-clothed Brocade Emperor, Yan Zhaoge was unclear on whether the Eastern Exalt Daoist Oneheaven had perished beneath Yan Di’s sabre with the latter having arrived in time to save his wife or if he had already been too late.
Therefore, after taking care of the Earth Exalt Wang Zhengcheng, Yan Zhaoge cast everything aside and hurried to the eastern Vast Heaven Territory.
He had naturally taken the Encompassing Emperor’s words to heart.
While he was unclear on some specifics of this, Yan Zhaoge had already known before killing Wang Zhengcheng basically what kind of repercussions there would be.
Still, all this did not mean that Yan Zhaoge would stay his hand and show Wang Zhengcheng mercy.
Having done it, he would not regret it.
Since he knew of these negative consequences, Yan Zhaoge would naturally have to think of a way to alleviate them.
Whether or not the solutions he co
uld think of were effective, just sitting there and waiting to die was definitely not an option.
Today’s battle was only the beginning.
“I hope that I did not see wrongly back then,” Yan Zhaoge murmured to himself as within his mind surfaced the diagram acquired when he had previously looked at a map at Kunlun Mountain before consolidating and connecting all the places that his mother, Xue Chuqing, had fled to and resided in in recent years.
History's Strongest Senior Brother Chapter 1161: Mother and son mee
HSSB1161: Mother and son meet
Yan Zhaoge sped along as he pondered on what he should do next.
Joining the Roving Jade Heavens was naturally an option. Still, Yan Zhaoge did not intend to do so unless there was really no other choice.
It was not that it would be a loss of face if he were to flee. Instead, he would lose all that he had acquired in the World beyond Worlds so far, such as his business, connections and Broad Creed Mountain’s development to date.
It would really be quite a pity if he had to move elsewhere and start all over again.
This matter had come upon them all of a sudden as there had been no time to consider all aspects. Something would have to be given up no matter what.
Additionally, the Sword Sovereign Yue Zhenbei would also be put in a spot by this.
After all, Yan Zhaoge had borrowed the Origin Opening Sword to deal decisive damage to Wang Zhengcheng and the black-clothed Brocade Emperor. Jade Capital Crag would inevitably be held responsible for Wang Zhengcheng’s death somewhat.
With the current state of Daoism, the Earthly and Concealed Sovereigns would not try to kill the Sword Sovereign unless there was some irreconcilable conflict between them.
Still, the Sword Sovereign definitely had to think for his disciples, Wang Pu, Nie Jingshen and the rest.
If Yan Zhaoge’s family simply ran off just like that, the tensions would fall between the Sword and Earthly Sovereigns as the former would effectively be Yan Zhaoge’s scapegoat.
While the Sword Sovereign, being a disciple of the Exalted Gold Luminary, would probably bear this for the Yan Family, shirking all the responsibility would weigh on Yan Zhaoge’s conscience.
Still, whatever the case, Yan Zhaoge had to be assured of Xue Chuqing’s safety first.
It would naturally be best if Xue Chuqing was safe and sound. Still, Yan Zhaoge inevitably felt rather awkward as he thought about potentially having to meet her later.
To be honest, this mother of his was more like a symbol or a tale to him than an actual living person.
While he had seen images of her before and knew what she looked like, even having some memories of her from a long time back, strictly speaking, this was a person he had never met or interacted with for real before.
It would be fine if it were anyone else. Still, this was his own mother. This made it feel very awkward.
Yan Zhaoge had a close relationship with Yan Di now as he was also on great terms with Ah Hu, Yuan Zhengfeng, Xu Fei, Fang Zhun, Sikong Qing and Fu Enshu etcetera.
Still, this was based on the foundation of the many hardships which they had gone through together all these years.
They had lived together and shared in both fortune and calamity.
After he had first awoken in the Eight Extremities World that year, he had interacted with Yan Di and Ah Hu for the span of a few months to nearly half a year before gradually losing his awkwardness as well as perpetual caution.
Now, seeing that he might have to go through this yet once more, Yan Zhaoge felt rather helpless.
While Yan Zhaoge had been extremely young when he and Xue Chuqing had been separated, with many years already having passed since then, blood was ultimately thicker than water.
Yan Zhaoge was really finding it a little difficult to properly grasp things here.
He had also never been through a similar situation in the past.
How to act in front of outsiders was simple enough.
Regarding his mother’s safety, whether or not they had been separated for many years, Yan Zhaoge naturally had to give it his all.
Moreover, Yan Di would definitely go all out here.
While Yan Zhaoge was unfamiliar with Xue Chuqing, he had formed a deep relationship with Yan Di over the years.
It was just that being face to face with Xue Chuqing would inevitably be rather awkward.
“It so happens that the situation now is very pressing. After we meet and I ask after her, we should immediately get down to talking about the important stuff!” Yan Zhaoge pressed his right fist with his left hand, “If we talk about and handle official matters first, there will be no need to talk about private matters. Afterwards, we will be able to gradually get familiarised with each other through our interactions.”
Actually, he too very much yearned for such ties of kinship. It was because of this that he had been able to set aside his reservations and inhibitions with Yan Di so quickly back then.
“Let’s do it this way then,” Yan Zhaoge nodded a few times in succession, feeling very pleased with his brilliance indeed.
Now, light suddenly flickered in the distance.
Sensing the aura within, Yan Zhaoge knew that it was Yan Di.
Yan Di had clearly had similar thoughts to Yan Zhaoge after things in the eastern Vast Heaven Territory had been settled.
After learning that Yan Zhaoge had pursued Wang Zhengcheng back into the World beyond Worlds, Yan Di had immediately rushed towards the central Jun Heaven Territory too.
As the two sides met, Yan Zhaoge was startled as he was only able to see Yan Di alone.
Still, seeing no sorrow on the face of his father as joy was barely being repressed at his brows, Yan Zhaoge knew that things had gone well.
“Hey, father…” Yan Zhaoge looked all around the place, “So…where is my mother? Is she alright?”
Yan Di appraised Yan Zhaoge with a glance and smiled as he saw that he was basically unharmed, “She’s fine. I arrived in a timely manner and slew that Daoist Oneheaven.”
His ultra-rare smiling manner right now was such that Yan Zhaoge clicked his tongue in wonder.
“As for your mother…” Yan Di could not help but smile, “Now that she is so close to home, she is unsure of how to face you…”
Right then, a female voice resounded amidst space, “What’re you talking about? It’s just that the situation right now is unclear, and I am busy coming up with strategies for dealing with it!”
Yan Zhaoge was taken aback as he somehow found this line of speech so very familiar…
The Grand Simplicity Splendour Cloud above Yan Di’s head bloomed like a lotus.
A woman leapt out from amongst the flower petals that resembled numerous clouds of stars, arriving before Yan Zhaoge.
Gazing over, Yan Zhaoge saw that the woman looked to be in her thirties as she had beautiful features and a refined, elegant air about her.
She clearly looked like that Xue Chuqing whom Yan Zhaoge had seen a great many images of.
It was just that the current Xue Chuqing had a bit of a mature air about her whereas she had previously appeared to be in her twenties.
As compared to those images, she possessed greater flair in real life. Her gaze was lively and intelligent with some craftiness contained within. Still, she also seemed laid-back, bright and graceful.
“Mo…ther?” Yan Zhaoge bore the awkwardness and ventured hesitantly.
While Xue Chuqing appeared graceful, she was actually sneakily observing Yan Zhaoge too as she went against her usual flair in exclaiming aloud in wonder, “You’re all grown up now, Zhaoge…”
She too clearly did not know how she should face her son who had already long since grown up.
Yan Zhaoge had still been a little boy of three when she had left in the past.
Besides the times when she had been in disguise these past years, she had basically been living similar to a girl in her youth as she had wandered all around. Now that she had gained s
uch an actual, grown-up son all of a sudden, she needed some time to acclimatise to this.
While she had felt joyful and proud when occasionally hearing news about Yan Zhaoge and Yan Di these past years, Xue Chuqing was still rather flustered now that she had to face Yan Zhaoge for real.
She felt rather guilty.
She had been away from her son for so many years, having never been by his side fulfilling the duties of a mother as he had grown up. She felt deeply regretful about this, feeling like it was extremely unfair to him.
Xue Chuqing had not so much as batted an eyelid as she had been pursued by the World beyond Worlds and the Immortal Court, having had to live on the run.
Still, she really felt rather numb as she faced Yan Zhaoge at this moment.
It was actually more or less the same for Yan Zhaoge too…
“Right, we can talk about these other things later,” Yan Zhaoge decided to go with what he had planned, “I offed the Earth Exalt Wang Zhengcheng earlier. This is quite a significant matter. We have to quickly think up a plan for dealing with this!”
At virtually the same time as Yan Zhaoge, Xue Chuqing spoke, “We can slowly catch up later. The other side will definitely not let this go so easily. We have to plan ahead for contingencies as well…”
Partway through their words, mother and son both ceased to speak and just stared at each other.
Beside them, Yan Di burst out laughing.
History's Strongest Senior Brother Chapter 1162: Counterplan
HSSB1162: Counterplan
Yan Zhaoge and Xue Chuqing were both slightly dazed for a time as they stared at each other.
Before they met, one would really never guess that mother and son might actually use the same method to dispel the awkwardness.
This tacit bit of coordination on their part had instead left the two feeling even more awkward now.
Still, this miraculously eased a moment later, warmth filling their eyes as they looked at each other.
Of course, Yan Di’s laughter was even more piercing to the ear.
Yan Zhaoge looked somewhat speechlessly at Yan Di.
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