"Don't you want to know why, when I could have killed you before, I let you escape again and again?"
Xi Huang said, "For instance, when you fought Wang Shuai and I, or when you were later rescued to the World Destroying God Realm, if I truly wanted to kill you, do you think you could have escaped?"
She threw these two questions at Yun Fan as soon as she appeared.
Yun Fan was instantly thrown into a state of confusion. He had previously thought his luck was good enough to escape Xi Huang's wrath.
But now, it seemed that wasn't the case. Even after breaking through to the Void Realm, he was still outmatched by Xi Huang.
Could he have escaped before?
Yun Fan certainly didn't believe it.
At the very least, he now had a completely new understanding of the gap between himself and Xi Huang; they were not on the same level.
If Xi Huang had wanted to kill him those two times, it would have been incredibly simple.
"Then why didn't you kill me?"
Yun Fan asked.
Undoubtedly, at this moment, he wanted to know the truth more than anything.
Xi Huang said, "Because I was always lenient with you. This was supposed to be your trial, but I could only go easy on you! Even when you were in the World Destroying God Realm, do you think you could have resolved several War Gods by yourself so quickly?"
Indeed, setting aside everything else, in the World Destroying God Realm, those six War Gods were not all a threat. The first two were not particularly formidable.
But the latter few were incredibly powerful.
Especially the Evil God and the Great Wilderness God.
If Xi Huang hadn't secretly intervened, it would have been impossible for him to completely defeat those two.
Of course, it would also have been impossible for them to kill him; they were almost evenly matched.
It wouldn't have been possible to finish off enemies so quickly.
Yun Fan desperately wanted to know all of this because he sensed that the matter was not simple.
At this moment, Xi Huang said to him, "It seems you're self-aware. Because someone set these trials for you, and if you fail even one step, it means complete failure!"
Upon hearing this, Yun Fan gasped.
"Who?"
Yun Fan asked, bewildered.
"A formidable nemesis of yours. Perhaps because too much time has passed, you are unaware of her existence, especially since you have reincarnated several times! And I am acting under her command!"
Yun Fan was completely stunned, frozen in place.
He hadn't expected that even an existence like Xi Huang wasn't the strongest. He suddenly felt that life held no hope.
"From the moment you entered the Battle Heaven Realm, your life has been arranged by her. Whether you can escape her arrangements depends on whether your strength has room for improvement!"
"Will growing to my current level be enough?"
Yun Fan pressed.
However, Xi Huang shook her head. "Far from enough! Reaching my current level would only qualify you to be her slave. As for anything else, there's still a vast gap!"
Upon hearing this, Yun Fan gasped again.
At this moment, Yun Fan asked, "Why arrange for me?"
He realized his life wasn't coincidental; he could die at any moment or be annihilated.
If Xi Huang hadn't gone easy on him, it was hard to imagine he would still be alive.
It turned out that Xi Huang, the six War Gods, and even the World Destroying God were merely pawns of that person, used to humiliate him.
At this moment, Xi Huang said to Yun Fan, "Because you offended her a long time ago. She swore to make you suffer through the pains of reincarnation and die in despair!"
This was also why Xi Huang had tried to warn Yun Fan before, but unfortunately, Yun Fan had been unable to comprehend it then.
"You were once the strongest beings at the end of the void, but you ultimately became a loser. As a loser, you have repeatedly had to start from scratch. I just didn't expect you to reach this point!"
Xi Huang was greatly surprised by Yun Fan's life, especially after that person had subdued her and told her Yun Fan's story.
That person wanted her to find a way to torment Yun Fan to death, but in the end, she had held back.
Xi Huang had revealed too much information, causing Yun Fan to be unable to process it all at once.
At this moment, Xi Huang continued, "Next, you will have to contend with someone, as he is your next destined connection! He is the World Destroying God, who is about to return!"
"Is he my enemy?"
Yun Fan asked, shocked.
"Of course!"
Xi Huang said, "Because he is one of her primary pawns, and her most obedient pawn. Upon his return, he will do everything in his power to make you die in despair!"
"Will you help me?"
Yun Fan asked.
"No!"
Xi Huang said, "Because by then, you might not even be able to see me!"
"Where will you go?"
Yun Fan asked, confused.
"Because I have become a disobedient pawn. If nothing unexpected happens, I will be captured soon. My fate is uncertain."
Even Xi Huang didn't know if she would survive. After all, she had already defied that person's will.
From the moment she privately allowed Yun Fan to leave and helped him grow to his current level, it meant that in that person's eyes, she had accumulated profound sin.
Therefore, life and death were merely matters of that person's whim.
"Before, I always thought my father died due to my brother's schemes, killed by the World Destroying God. But now I know that my father, like me, would become a pawn of that person once he reached this level. My father was unwilling to be a pawn, and that's why the fate you know came to be!"
Xi Huang said, "It is too difficult to design the death of a strong individual in the Void Realm. My brother does not possess that capability, unless that person truly wanted him dead!"
Hearing so much, Yun Fan's heart filled with dread. How powerful was that nemesis? Even those in the Void Realm were only qualified to be pawns.
This was simply too terrifying! Those below the Void Realm had no right to even meet that person, nor were they worthy of being pawns.
This was undoubtedly the pinnacle of being a pawn.
The key was that this person was also his nemesis, which made it understandable for Yun Fan to feel that life had lost its meaning.
At this moment, Yun Fan said, "I really want to know, why would you risk helping me?"
This was also an answer Yun Fan desperately wanted. Xi Huang wouldn't help him without reason, especially in front of that person.
Helping him was tantamount to digging his own grave.
At this moment, Xi Huang said to Yun Fan, "Because..."
After a long silence, Xi Huang continued, "Because I feel you are my best Dao Companion!"
"What?"
Yun Fan was shocked. He hadn't expected Xi Huang to think that way. No wonder she got jealous when he went all out to help the Dream Queen.
"Since when?"
Yun Fan asked, dumbfounded.
Xi Huang said, "I have never been a soft-hearted person. It was only when I learned your story that I developed this idea. We have spent a considerable amount of time together. If one day you truly understand your own story, you will know why I chose you!"
This was Xi Huang's answer to Yun Fan, mysterious and leaving him somewhat bewildered.
Finally, Yun Fan asked, "Do I still have a chance to win?"
"I don't know!"
Xi Huang said, "Your enemy is too strong!"
The next moment, a lightning-bound chain suddenly appeared in the sky, binding Xi Huang.
"My punishment has arrived!"
Xi Huang said to Yun Fan, "May this meeting not be our last!"
Yun Fan gasped at her words.
At this moment, he exerted all his strength and struck the lightning chain, but it unexpectedly bounced him away.
"Pfft!"
Yun Fan spat out a mouthful of blood, utterly miserable.
The backlash alone nearly cost him half his life. It was evident how vast the disparity was.
At this moment, Xi Huang said to Yun Fan, "Don't make futile attempts. If even I cannot resist, how can you?"
"Do you also realize the gap?"
"Yes."
Yun Fan nodded, wiping the blood from his lips. Although the gap was as vast as heaven and earth, he was unwilling to resign himself to fate.
Xi Huang said to Yun Fan, "Do nothing for now. Become stronger step by step, and in the future, you will be able to escape your controlled destiny!"
With that, Xi Huang and the lightning chain gradually disappeared.
For some reason, Yun Fan displayed an expression of immense pain at this moment.
Seeing this, Xi Huang showed a hint of relief.
Perhaps everything she had done for Yun Fan was not in vain.
Because she knew that from now on, Yun Fan carried her in his heart, and that was enough.
Then, she completely vanished from Yun Fan's sight.
"Damn it!"
Yun Fan's expression was one of unwillingness and anger, but beyond that, he seemed to be able to do nothing.
After regaining his composure, Yun Fan followed Xi Huang's instructions: do not overthink, just move forward step by step.
Yun Fan was incredibly disheartened, for he now realized the challenges he faced were far greater than he had ever imagined.
They were so overwhelming that he could barely breathe.
However, at this moment, other than accepting his fate, there seemed to be nothing he could do. It wasn't that he was being passive.
His current situation was akin to an ordinary office worker facing billions in debt.
No one would find that feeling pleasant.
Although he didn't know who he would face, he knew that the next opponent would be the World Destroying God.
This being, who was on par with the Creation God and had even ended the Creation God, proved how terrifying his power was.
However, before that, he made an arrangement: he moved the three women to the Fusang God Realm.
Only then could he face his enemies with peace of mind.
Having done all this, Yun Fan had no further worries. What was there to fear? Even if his strength was insufficient, he still had his life.
As long as he had this life, anything was possible. At worst, he would fight to the death.
Just then, the Sword God arrived.
Previously, the Sword God had been his best ally, but now Yun Fan didn't think so, because he knew the Sword God would always obey the World Destroying God.
He was currently his best ally, but in the future, he might become his nemesis.
Therefore, at this moment, Yun Fan was somewhat wary of the Sword God.
No, it should be said he was extremely wary.
At this moment, the Sword God asked Yun Fan, "Where did you take my two daughters?"
Clearly, he could no longer sense the presence of Yin Lingzi and Ling Qingzi, nor even the Dream Queen.
Yun Fan replied, "They've gone to where they belong! Their path has been arranged!"
"So mysterious?"
The Sword God asked Yun Fan, "What are you still worried about?"
"Nothing!"
Yun Fan said, "Perhaps it's because the times are too turbulent, so I've decided to hide them for a while!"
"Arrange it as you see fit!"
The Sword God said, "I came to find you today to tell you that the World Destroying God is about to return!"
"I understand!"
Yun Fan asked, "What do you need me to do?"
"You don't need to do anything!"
He said to Yun Fan, "When the time comes, you will accompany me to welcome the World Destroying God, and then we will see his plans! Whether he keeps you or lets you go is his decision!"
Actually, the Sword God saying this was a choice born of helplessness.
Because Yun Fan was too strong, having reached the Void Realm. Although his strength was not equal to the World Destroying God's, he was at least on the same level as him.
One mountain cannot accommodate two tigers; this has been the unwritten law since ancient times. Therefore, it was highly likely that the World Destroying God would ask Yun Fan to leave.
He felt a bit sorry for Yun Fan in this regard, but he had helped Yun Fan reach this realm, so even if he was sorry, it was acceptable.
After all, at Yun Fan's current level, even if he left the World Destroying God Realm, he would be a force that swept through everything.
He didn't know what lay ahead for Yun Fan, but he was confident.
Yun Fan said, "I understand!"
...
On this day, the World Destroying God Realm experienced immense turmoil. A powerful force spread across the sky of the entire realm.
They knew then that the true master of the World Destroying God Realm had returned.
During this period, Yun Fan and the Sword God also departed to welcome the World Destroying God.
Although Yun Fan wasn't interested in welcoming the World Destroying God, he was curious about what kind of being the World Destroying God was.
Perhaps the two wouldn't truly clash, but he wanted to take this opportunity to learn something about the World Destroying God.
As expected, at this moment, a silhouette gradually formed between heaven and earth, eventually solidifying into a physical form.
It was the World Destroying God.
A peerless powerhouse, the moment one saw him, they were involuntarily compelled to submit at his feet.
The World Destroying God was truly terrifying. Yun Fan felt the same pressure from him as he did from Xi Huang.
This meant that Xi Huang's strength was likely on par with the World Destroying God's. In any case, for Yun Fan, who had just entered the Void Realm, the World Destroying God was by no means weak.
Neither Xi Huang nor the World Destroying God were beings he could afford to provoke. Such existences were destined to be invincible.
Yun Fan kept Xi Huang's reminder in mind: the World Destroying God was one of that person's most valued pawns, and he would be his next opponent.
Therefore, at this moment, it was impossible for Yun Fan to remain unmoved.
"Old friend, you've finally returned!"
The Sword God said to the World Destroying God with a smile. Because they were the best of companions, he was very happy upon seeing the World Destroying God.
The World Destroying God said, "I didn't expect you to have done so much for me in my absence!"
"It was all I should have done!"
The Sword God then introduced Yun Fan, saying, "His contribution in all this is indispensable!"
Upon seeing Yun Fan, the World Destroying God seemed to have expected it.
He said to Yun Fan, "Such a young Void Realm expert. Your future path will be bright!"
"You flatter me!"
Yun Fan said humbly, "I was merely fortunate!"
"Luck is often a part of strength!"
The World Destroying God said to Yun Fan, "I am very optimistic about you!"
Yun Fan found these words to have a hidden meaning, but at this moment, he did not betray any emotion.
Next, the World Destroying God said to Yun Fan, "It was you who helped the Sword God cleanse the filth from my World Destroying God Realm. For that, I thank you! However, you and I are ultimately of the same realm, and the World Destroying God Realm needs only one master. You understand why!"
"I understand!"
Yun Fan said, "I came to welcome you today, but it is also to bid farewell!"
"You're leaving?"
The World Destroying God asked Yun Fan.
"That's right!"
Yun Fan said, "Since you have returned, I should no longer stay here!"
"Very well!"
The World Destroying God said to Yun Fan, "I owe you a favor. If you ever need help in the future, just come to me!"
"Alright!"
Yun Fan nodded. He knew that if nothing unexpected happened, the World Destroying God would be coming for him next.
After all, Xi Huang had come before him. Because she had violated the rules, the World Destroying God was now Xi Huang's replacement.
As Yun Fan disappeared, the World Destroying God said to the Sword God, "Old friend, revert to your true form! I have something that requires us to advance together!"
"Okay!"
At this moment, the Sword God returned to his true form and was then held by the World Destroying God.
...
When the World Destroying God appeared again, he was already standing before Yun Fan.
Yun Fan was not surprised by this, as Xi Huang had already warned him.
For this reason, Yun Fan immediately said, "You've finally come!"
"You knew I would come?"
He asked Yun Fan.
"Of course, I knew!"
Yun Fan said, "If my guess is correct, you're here to kill me!"
"You've guessed correctly!"
The World Destroying God said to Yun Fan, "Although the Creation God's daughter didn't kill you, now that I've returned, the task of killing you falls to me!"
"Are you so sure you can kill me?"
Yun Fan retorted.
Although the World Destroying God was indeed stronger than him, killing someone in the Void Realm while being in the same realm wasn't that simple.
Moreover, the Creation God himself had once heavily injured the World Destroying God, so the World Destroying God must have weaknesses.
The World Destroying God said, "How will we know if we don't try?"
"You've provoked someone you shouldn't have. It's a miracle you're still alive. But I will be the one to end your miracle!"
This was his attitude towards Yun Fan.
Yun Fan said, "It seems your plans have changed. You're no longer aiming for me to die in despair, but to kill me directly!"
Upon hearing this, the World Destroying God said to Yun Fan, "That's right. This is that person's plan. For me, I just need to do as that person has instructed!"
With that, the World Destroying God attacked, unleashing a powerful sword strike towards Yun Fan.
But at that very moment, the divine sword in his hand lost its edge.
"Old friend, why?"
The World Destroying God looked at the Sword God displeased.
The Sword God transformed into human form and said, "Old friend, I cannot help you kill him!"
"Because he has contributed to my World Destroying God Realm, I am unwilling to kill him!"
"What if I demand you kill him?"
The World Destroying God retorted. At this moment, his temper was understandably foul. He hadn't expected his most loyal companion to disobey him.
The Sword God said, "If you insist, then I will submit to your punishment!"
The Sword God's stance was resolute. If the World Destroying God wanted to kill Yun Fan, that was the World Destroying God's business, but he absolutely would not kill Yun Fan.
This was his bottom line.
Upon hearing this, the World Destroying God was enraged and pressured the Sword God, saying, "If you do not act, then I will kill you!"
The Sword God remained unmoved.
At this moment, Yun Fan said, "Senior, why do you hesitate? Let's attack together!"
However, the Sword God said, "No! The World Destroying God is my friend, and you are also my friend. Although I am merely a spirit of a weapon, I know that I cannot turn my blade against friends!"
This was the Sword God's stance.
Upon hearing this, the World Destroying God became even more furious.
In his rage, he directly broke the divine sword, and the Sword God consequently perished.
"Senior!"
Yun Fan was shocked. He hadn't expected that after such a short time with the Sword God, the Sword God would consider him a true friend.
Ultimately, unwilling to kill him, he was personally destroyed by the World Destroying God.
Before his death, the Sword God said to Yun Fan, "Do not grieve for me. This is my destiny. In fact, when you arranged for them, I knew this day would come!"
Yun Fan was at a loss for words.
If the Sword God had wanted to expose him, he could have done so long ago. At this moment, he deeply admired the Sword God, not only for his loyalty but also, more importantly, for his righteousness.
Finally, the Sword God completely dissipated, and Yun Fan's anger was at its peak.
"World Destroying God, he was your friend, and he was always helping you. Why did you kill him?"
The World Destroying God's ruthlessness far exceeded Yun Fan's expectations.
The World Destroying God heard this and directly said, "No matter how much he helped me, he was always just a sword. When this sword is no longer useful to me, the best course of action is to destroy it!"
Yun Fan said, "I understand. Attack! Today, it will be either your death or mine!"
Perhaps that person saw failure in Xi Huang, so he had instructed the World Destroying God to kill him directly, without giving him any chance to breathe.
To eliminate him outright.
Therefore, for Yun Fan, this was a battle for survival. Only by surviving this battle for survival would he be qualified to challenge that person.
And it was clear that the World Destroying God was a mountain pressing down on him.
Before the battle, his heart had already begun to feel tense.
As expected, at that very instant, the World Destroying God attacked. His formidable power directly crushed down upon him.
Yun Fan felt suffocated by the oppressive force.
Yun Fan's body trembled, breaking the oppressive situation. The battle between the two had just begun.
The World Destroying God sneered, "You've only just entered the Void Realm. You're too weak! Next, I will show you what despair is!"
At that instant, the World Destroying God leaped into the air, channeling the power of the entire World Destroying God Realm. Even before he attacked, an extreme sense of oppression emanated, causing Yun Fan to feel his body cracking.
Boom!
With a drop of power from the World Destroying God, Yun Fan's body instantly shattered, and even his soul dissipated.
Just when the World Destroying God thought it was all over, he discovered that it was merely a clone of Yun Fan.
He had been tricked.