Chapter 334: Chapter 324: The Overt Plot to Defeat the Human Race Destiny, Setting up the Foreshadowing in the Dream World

"The greatest difference between the Demon Clan’s Destiny and the Human Race’s Destiny is that the Human Race’s Destiny guarantees promotion to Great Emperor. To achieve the status of Great Emperor, one must fulfill five major conditions. Among these five conditions, the Demon Clan’s Destiny can directly contest with the Human Race’s Destiny for the third, fourth, and fifth."

Hong Yuan’s mind raced. At this moment, he was considering not only Han Jiuming’s situation but also the well-being of his Demonic Body in the real world. As the Destined of both clans, his Demonic Body was bound to encounter the Great Dream Emperor and could even become the greatest adversary to the Great Dream Emperor’s growth.

The third condition for becoming an emperor is that a Saint must be a Supreme Grandmaster in their primary school of practice, and there can only be one Supreme Grandmaster in any given school; it is a unique position.

Armed with knowledge from the future, Hong Yuan knew that the decreed Great Emperor for this era was the Soul Tao Great Emperor. Since Han Jiuming was a Saint of the Tao of Great Moon, it was unrealistic for him to switch to Soul Tao, so this option was ruled out. In reality, his Demonic Body’s primary school of practice was Food Tao, and he also couldn’t interfere with anyone achieving Supreme Grandmaster Achievement in the Dream Tao school.

It’s decided. In the real world, my Original Body must strive for the Supreme Grandmaster Achievement in Dream Tao. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺

The fourth condition for becoming an emperor is that after a Saint fulfills the first three conditions, they must reach Black Heaven to transform their Immortal Aperture Origin, producing Yellow Apricot Immortal Nuance. The fifth condition for becoming an emperor is to pass through Black Heaven and enter White Heaven, where one can obtain the Heaven Heart Imprint and become a true Great Emperor.

The Black Heaven and White Heaven within the Ninth Heavens are incredibly important. It seems Black Heaven is the ultimate battlefield. Normally, the Demon Clan’s Destiny emerges earlier, resulting in a shorter Life Span compared to that of the Human Race’s Destiny—but not me! What if I were to dominate all of Black Heaven, holding it firmly? Then it’s very likely I could deplete the Life Span of the Human Race’s Destiny.

At that instant, two overt schemes on how to contend with the Human Race flashed through Hong Yuan’s mind.

These were two blatant stratagems. Even if the Human Race knew about the great pitfalls ahead, they would still have no choice but to step into them unless they wished for the Great Dream Emperor to never be born. Just like his Demonic Body in the real world had no choice but to step into the terrifying trap laid by the Human Race. These two schemes would significantly test the growth of both Hong Yuan’s Original Body and Demonic Body, but Hong Yuan was fearless.

Glancing at the proficiency panel, Hong Yuan let out a cold laugh. This time, if you don’t kill my Demonic Body in the real world, just wait and see if I don’t mess you all up completely. If I can’t become the Great Dream Emperor, then this Great Dream Emperor shall never dream of emerging, wahahaha—

Hong Yuan cleared his mind of extraneous thoughts and focused on studying the Jade Simples concerning "Tao Mark Contradiction" within the Saint Lord Hall. By this time, he had already taken Han Kui back to the Dragon God Sacred Land and entered a period of hibernation. After all, to break through to the eighth curtain of the Dream World, he had to refine a Sky-connecting Tower Holy Artifact. Yet, the Sky-connecting Tower Holy Artifact involved the formidable challenge of "Tao Mark Contradiction." Hong Yuan’s progress was far from ideal.

「...」

Before long, news of the birth of the Human Race’s Destiny spread throughout the Endless Sea Area. All major Demon Clan powers heard about it, causing waves of panic. Historically, the Destinies of the Human and Demon Clans would inevitably clash in a world-shaking, decisive battle. Moreover, past outcomes had always seen the Demon Clan’s Destiny crushed, the Endless Sea Area conquered, with only a small fraction of the Demon Clan barely surviving.

This time, not only was the Dragon God Sacred Land—which had vested all its glory in Han Jiuming—frantic, but other Demon Clan powers were also in a state of extreme urgency. Fortunately, the Soul Killing Demon Emperor was merely at the sixth rank and still under the protection of Human Clan Powerhouses, not yet fully matured.

Among the Demon Clan factions, some fled towards the Nine Heavens Ancient Path, while others went into hiding within the Five Great God Continents of the Human Race. The four great Holy Lands even assembled Demon Saint armies multiple times to assassinate the still-maturing Soul Killing Demon Emperor. However, under the protection of the humans, these attacks had the opposite effect. They provided the Soul Killing Demon Emperor with more tempering experiences, accelerating his growth.

Thus, the Sword of Heavenly Punishment hung suspended in the sky above the Demon Clan, causing all demons to wail in sorrow. The gazes of the Demon Clan unanimously turned towards the Dragon God Sacred Land, and specifically, towards Hong Yuan.

The serene, cold moonlight bathed Han Kui. She smiled, her eyes narrowed, perhaps pondering the meaning of a demon’s existence or reminiscing about a warm memory. Whatever it was, under the moonlight, she always felt as if she were in Jiuming’s warm embrace.

"Jiuming, I hope you can forgive Kui’er," she whispered.

She sat quietly under the moonlight all night. In an instant, her waterfall-like black hair turned white. She could not bear the thought of her Jiuming dying at the hands of the Soul Killing Demon Emperor. Han Kui took a deep breath; a paper butterfly, imbued with various Information Tao techniques, flew from her hand. With a thought, the paper butterfly took flight, heading towards the palace where Kun Rong resided. The message on it read: "Rong’er, please take good care of Jiuming for me."

Watching the paper butterfly, Han Kui revealed a sweet smile.

Although Hong Yuan never allowed her to view the vast information on "Tao Mark Contradiction," she was far from foolish. During her time in the Demon Court, she had seized an opportunity when Hong Yuan was conversing with the Old Dark Turtle to peek at the contents of some Jade Simples. Among them, "sacrificing oneself as an offering" had left the deepest impression on her. Demons were the spiritual essence of all creation, and "sacrificing oneself as an offering" could significantly increase the success rate of refining the Sky-connecting Tower. But the consequences were quite severe. Not only must the Sacrifice Offerer willingly die, but their soul and spirit would also be imprisoned, dooming them to suffer through fire and ice for all eternity...

"Jiuming, please forgive my willfulness this one time," she uttered.

Tears of reluctance streamed from the corners of Han Kui’s eyes. She turned resolutely and walked away.

If only one of them—she or her Jiuming—could live, it absolutely had to be her Jiuming!

「...」

「Inside the Saint Lord Hall.」

Hong Yuan was still tirelessly researching the issue of "Tao Mark Contradiction." He was now seventy percent confident of successfully refining the Sky-connecting Tower. In his plans, Sky-connecting Towers of different tiers would accommodate an increasing number and variety of Tao Marks from different schools. However, at this moment, he still couldn’t decide which schools’ Tao Marks should be included in a human-rank Holy Artifact version of the Sky-connecting Tower, and he found it distressing. A single misstep, and all his previous efforts would be wasted.

"Senior Brother, something terrible has happened! Han Kui is going to sacrifice herself as an offering!" Kun Rong’s urgent voice suddenly came from within Hong Yuan’s Saint Lord attire.

CRACK—

Upon hearing this, Hong Yuan decisively activated the Myriad Silence Realm with his full power. After a while, he finally found Han Kui.

At that moment, Han Kui was leaping into the crater of the Nine Nether Profound Abyss Fire, carrying the second Tao Species of the Sky-connecting Tower and various precious materials. She was sacrificing herself to refine the artifact!

Nine Nether Profound Abyss Fire was an exceptionally rare Strange Fire. Even if a Great Saint were to touch a mere sliver, they would face immense trouble and risk perishing, let alone a minor Saint like Han Kui. It had appeared by chance during one of Han Jiuming’s tribulations. He had managed to capture it, intending to use it as an offensive tool. Unexpectedly, Han Kui had set her sights on it, planning to use it to refine the Sky-connecting Tower Holy Artifact.

"Freeze!"

With a thought from Hong Yuan, the seemingly invincible Nine Nether Profound Abyss Fire, which appeared capable of incinerating all existence, was instantly extinguished. Han Kui was frozen in mid-air.

Hong Yuan sighed softly in his heart, feeling helpless. Miss Han Kui, can you please stop causing trouble? Just let me complete this mission quickly. I’m also looking forward to my Demonic Body breaking its limits and achieving Sainthood as soon as possible.

If Han Kui’s existence weren’t crucial for him to enter the ninth act of the Dream World, Hong Yuan truly would have considered imprisoning her.

Putting aside his stray thoughts, Hong Yuan took a step forward. In an instant, he arrived next to Han Kui.

At this moment, Han Kui was terrified, deathly afraid that Hong Yuan would be angry and ignore her from then on. Her face was etched with panic as she was about to explain.

Hong Yuan did not lose his temper as she had imagined. Instead, he gently embraced her, stroking her pure white hair.

"Even without the Sky-connecting Tower, I can still defeat the Human Race’s Destiny."

"Believe me... Without you by my side, I’ll be very lonely. Would you really have the heart to see me live a life of solitude?"

"Also, I know how to refine the Sky-connecting Tower now. Kui’er, don’t leave me."

Hong Yuan pretended to be pitiful, looking much like a homeless wanderer. Han Kui, meanwhile, was sobbing uncontrollably, repeatedly apologizing to Hong Yuan.

"I’m sorry, I’m so sorry..."

Seeing this, Hong Yuan knew this crisis was averted. This crisis is averted. However, to prevent Han Kui from causing further trouble, he manifested a blue Token beside her with a mere thought. He really didn’t want to monitor Han Kui, Kun Rong, and the others, but Han Kui was simply too prone to causing trouble.

"It’s alright. It’s my fault," Hong Yuan comforted Han Kui gently.

It had to be said, this eighth act of the Dream World was even more mentally taxing for Hong Yuan than the seventh.

Meanwhile, several questions that Hong Yuan had suppressed for a long time resurfaced.

Why am I so proficient at using the power that belongs to Han Jiuming? It’s as if... this power was originally mine? This body’s power is nearing an alternative Tao Achievement, yet I can control it with such ease! And my Demonic Body is merely at the peak of the fifth rank! Could it be that I am not only Xuan Guangqiao but also Han Jiuming!? This Cold Moon Dragon Bloodline Dream Realm... it’s not just a Dream Realm, is it!?

All these confusions lingered in Hong Yuan’s mind. Especially the sobs of the beauty in his arms—they felt so real. Aside from this Bloodline Dream Realm, he had also visited Yue’er’s Dream World. Back then, Yue’er’s Dream World had been hazy; he couldn’t even clearly see the faces of his senior brother and sister-in-law, let alone feel any warmth. Comparing the two, Hong Yuan suddenly felt as if he had plunged into a dense fog of mystery.

He detested this feeling of being out of control, absolutely detested it. Yet, his actual strength in the real world was so meager that he felt unqualified to unravel these mysteries.

No, there must be a way! I can find indirect proof. For instance, I can leave several hidden treasures within the Dragon God Sacred Land. If my future self can reach the Dragon God Sacred Land and unearth them, it would prove this Bloodline Dream Realm is more than just a dream.

At this thought, Hong Yuan felt a significant portion of his stress alleviate. He placed the sleeping Han Kui into his Demon Realm, keeping her under surveillance. Afterward, he took out nine small pieces of Divine Origin Marrow and carved the three words ’Xuan Guangqiao’ onto them.

Suddenly, he felt this wasn’t entirely safe. What if there really was a connection? What if his Demonic Body couldn’t manifest in the real world because of this?

After some thought, Hong Yuan inscribed the words ’Xuan Guangqiao’ deep within the Divine Origin Marrow, then engraved ’Li Jianqiu’ on the surface to conceal them.

’Li Jianqiu’ on the outside, ’Xuan Guangqiao’ on the inside. Furthermore, the words ’Xuan Guangqiao’ cannot be perceived without a special method: activation by the Fortune True Dragon of a Demon Clan’s Son of Fortune!

After completing this, Hong Yuan left similar hidden treasures at several other iconic locations within the Dragon God Sacred Land, such as the Scripture Pavilion.

Done. I just hope I don’t actually unearth these nine small pieces of Divine Origin Marrow in the real world.

Hong Yuan glanced at the sleeping Han Kui within his Demon Realm, his expression somewhat complicated.

A younger sister with such obsessive devotion... truly terrifying.

A gust of wind surged, and Hong Yuan shot straight towards Starfall Cliff. He was going to refine the Sky-connecting Tower Holy Artifact.

This dreadful eighth act of the Dream World... the sooner it ends, the better!