"BOOOOMMMMMMMMM!!!!"
"BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMM!!!!"
"BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMM!!!"
"Ugh…"
"ARGHHHHHH!!!"
"YOU!!!! AHHHHHHHHHH!!!"
Explosions and roars of pain echoed across the Owl Butterfly Divine Kingdom as figures of elders fell one after another from the sky, their blood splattering across the royal city.
The royal hall and the grand palaces, once decorated with luxurious splendor in preparation for a joyous occasion, now stood amidst ruin. The skies, once adorned with good omens, were now stained with the crimson of slaughter.
Today was meant to be the day Pan Buwang, under the declaration of Divine Regent Qi Heng a month ago, would ascend as the next Divine Regent. The announcement had shaken not only the kingdom but all its subordinate realms. Even the other Divine Kingdoms were left in disbelief upon hearing the news.
Yet, instead of celebration, tragedy struck.
---------
To the gods, Divine Regent Qi Heng's decision was something they could understand.
The power that Dian Jiuzhi had displayed was something they all craved — a strength that defied reason. While they themselves had reached their limits, unable to break through the shackles of imperfection, there was still hope. If their children could attain such heights or even surpass them, the gods wouldn't hesitate to pass down their own godly powers.
And among those children, Pan Buwang stood at the forefront.
With his Perfect Divine Essence and flawless control over darkness profound energy, the once-disgraced Divine Son of the Owl Butterfly Divine Kingdom had reclaimed his honor. His growth had been undeniable, and his return to the spotlight was sealed when Divine Regent Qi Heng declared that Pan Buwang would inherit his godly power.
It had been only a month since the Pure Land Meeting ended. The decision had sent waves through the kingdom, reaching even the furthest subordinate realms.
But not everyone celebrated.
Amid the echoes of congratulations, there were those who chose silence.
The Twin Divine Regents, rulers of the Star and Moon Divine Kingdoms, had withdrawn to their domains. They made no appearance, choosing instead to hide behind the walls of their kingdoms. Despite their divine status, they couldn't shake the bitter weight of disappointment.
Their Divine Sons, Sha Xing and Xian Yue, though outstanding, lacked the most coveted trait — Perfect Divine Essence.
While their cultivations were formidable, they now stood in stark contrast to those who possessed the true qualifications of greatness. Meng Jianyuan, Hua Caili, Pan Buwang, and Shen Wuyi — all of them bore Perfect Divine Essences. And even Dian Jiuzhi, with the terrifying awakening of his Divine Vein of Great Rage, now stood on par with the others, a monstrous existence born from chaos and ambition.
Next to them, Sha Xing and Xian Yue's flaws were glaring.
Though they wore the titles of Divine Sons, it no longer carried the same prestige. And deep down, the Twin Divine Regents felt the bitter sting of inadequacy.
Still, decorum demanded a response.
They had no choice but to acknowledge Pan Buwang's achievement, even if it came at the cost of their own pride. Unable to bear the humiliation of attending in person, they sent congratulatory gifts in their stead. Lavish treasures imbued with divine power, priceless artifacts said to bring good fortune — but no heartfelt words accompanied them.
To the world, it was a gesture of respect. But to those who understood the deeper truths, it was nothing but a hollow formality.
And as Pan Buwang stood on the threshold of godhood, the weight of expectations, admiration, and resentment loomed over the kingdom like a silent storm.
As for the other Divine Kingdoms?
The Eternal Night Divine Kingdom remained as silent and enigmatic as ever. No one knew what transpired within their shrouded borders. They hadn't even bothered to attend the Pure Land Meeting — so why would they make an appearance now, for the godly ascension of Owl Butterfly's Pan Buwang?
Not a single envoy. Not a single word of acknowledgment.
It was as though they saw no significance in the event at all.
The Heaven Break Divine Kingdom, however, made their presence known. They had sent envoys bearing grand gifts — treasures of immense power, divine artifacts, and congratulatory offerings. Their actions, though polite, were layered with complex intent. Some saw it as a gesture of goodwill, while others suspected a carefully crafted display to maintain favorable relations.
The Dreamweaver Divine Kingdom followed suit. Their envoys arrived clad in ethereal robes, offering gifts that seemed to shimmer with the essence of dreams themselves. Elaborate, artistic in nature — but to those who understood the undercurrents of politics, it was clear that their presence served as a quiet reminder of their own influence.
And then, there was the Boundless Divine Kingdom.
Theirs was a kingdom in turmoil. With Dian Jiuzhi's abrupt rise as a Perfect True God, the foundations of the kingdom had been shaken to their core. The laws and customs that once governed the Boundless Divine Kingdom were being rewritten under Dian Jiuzhi's iron will. New decrees swept through the kingdom like a storm, reshaping the very structure of power.
There was no time for pleasantries. No time for envoys.
The Boundless Divine Kingdom had no space to concern themselves with others — not when their own future hung so precariously in the balance.
Thus, what should have been a grand event, one that gathered the presence of countless gods and envoys from every corner of the Abyss, felt strikingly empty. The absence of these key figures weighed heavily in the atmosphere. Even the murmurs of the spectators were tinged with unease.
But Pan Buwang?
He didn't care.
The lack of audience did not shake him. The absence of praise from certain kingdoms did not diminish his resolve. After all, this day wasn't for them. It wasn't for the onlookers, the judges, or the distant kingdoms.
It was for him.
The sky shone with divine brilliance as the appointed moment arrived. Thousands of cultivators and nobles watched, their gazes fixed on the central platform as Pan Buwang rose into the air. His movements were steady, his face composed, but the weight of what was to come flickered in his eyes.
Above him, Divine Regent Qi Heng stood with authority, the very presence of a god radiating from his form. Yet even amidst that godly pressure, there was warmth — the proud gaze of a father about to pass on the very essence of his divine existence.
With a deep breath, Pan Buwang ascended until he stood directly before his father. He lowered himself, falling to one knee as a gesture of reverence. The powerful wind stirred his robes, but his posture remained unwavering.
"Father, I am ready."
His voice was resolute.
Qi Heng's eyes softened for a moment. Though he was the Divine Regent, at this moment, he was simply a father — one who was witnessing the culmination of his son's journey.
"You have walked a path of redemption, Pan Buwang. You have proven your worth, not only to the kingdom but to yourself. From this moment forth, you will no longer be the Divine Son. You will stand as the Divine Regent of the Owl Butterfly Divine Kingdom."
A faint tremor swept through the crowd as the words were spoken. The significance of this act was monumental — the complete transfer of godly authority.
The Divine Weapon of the kingdom, a majestic artifact imbued with the power of countless generations, hovered in Qi Heng's hand. The weapon pulsed with divine energy, its radiant glow blacken the sky.
And then, without hesitation, Qi Heng raised the weapon high.
"Let the godly power be severed. Let the divine legacy pass on."
A powerful surge of profound energy erupted as the weapon slashed through the air. The heavens trembled as a luminous stream of darkness poured from Qi Heng's body — his God Source.
The very essence of his divinity.
The radiant energy twisted and coiled like a living force, reluctant to part from its wielder. Yet Qi Heng's will remained firm. Slowly, the divine light descended toward Pan Buwang, who gritted his teeth as the immense power approached.
Pain.
It was as though the weight of the heavens bore down upon him. His veins surged, his body trembled, but his determination never wavered. He would not falter.
Not now.
As the darkness radiance began to fuse with his body, the air itself shook. The sky roared with divine might. The crowd could only watch in awe — witnessing the rebirth of a god.
At long last, Pan Buwang would claim his throne.
With his godly power severed, the once mighty Divine Regent Qi Heng felt his cultivation plummet. The divine radiance that had once enveloped him dimmed as his strength fell from the unfathomable heights of a True God to the realm of a mere Divine Limited Realm.
Yet, despite the immense loss, a smile remained on his face.
There was no regret. No sorrow. Only pride.
He had willingly handed over his power — the essence of his godhood — to his son. The God Source that had once flowed through him was now fusing with Pan Buwang, and all Qi Heng could feel was the anticipation that burned within his heart.
"How strong will you become, my son?"
That single thought consumed him.
Pan Buwang's body welcomed the godly power without hesitation. The darkness divine radiance, though vast and domineering, met no resistance. With his Perfect Control over Darkness Profound Energy and his Perfect Divine Essence, the God Source did not struggle.
It submitted.
The overwhelming force coiled within him, bending to his will like a servant to its master. There was no instability, no backlash. Only the smooth, perfect acceptance of absolute power.
The ground trembled beneath the pressure of his presence. The air grew thick, suffused with the crushing weight of divine might.
And then, it burst forth.
A powerful wave of profound energy erupted from Pan Buwang as his eyes snapped open. The darkness glow of godly ascension mixed with the terrifying darkness of his profound energy, creating an aura that spread in every direction. It bore the mark of undeniable supremacy.
The crowd that had gathered to witness this moment staggered under the suffocating force. Even the most seasoned elders among them trembled, their expressions etched with disbelief.
It was stronger.
Stronger than even Dian Jiuzhi's monstrous presence.
The terrifying might of a Perfect Divine Essence in its most complete form!
Murmurs of awe filled the air as the reality of Pan Buwang's strength sank in. This was not a mere successor. This was a god whose potential eclipsed even the unimaginable.
And yet—
Before the crowd could erupt in celebration, the joyous anticipation shattered in an instant.
Without warning, the newly ascended god turned his gaze upon the figure before him.
His father.
The same father who had just entrusted him with the power of a god. The same father who had sacrificed his own cultivation without a second thought.
But in Pan Buwang's eyes, there was no warmth. No gratitude.
Only cold, unrelenting malice.
"BOOOOMMMMMMM!!!!"
The air exploded as a massive wave of darkness surged from his palm, crashing violently into Qi Heng. The former Divine Regent's body shot backward like a broken ragdoll, crimson blood spilling through the air.
"Ugh…"
A sharp groan escaped Qi Heng's lips as he struck the ground below. Blood pooled beneath him, staining the once immaculate ceremonial platform. But even through the pain, his eyes remained wide with disbelief.
"Buwang… why…?"
The question trembled from his lips, but no answer came.
The gathered elders and powerful cultivators, stunned for only a moment, sprang into action.
"Divine Regent!"
"Protect Lord Qi Heng!"
Figures flashed through the sky, streaking toward Pan Buwang in desperation. But the moment they closed in—
"BOOOOOOOMMMMM!!!"
Another explosion. A devastating wave of dark energy blasted outward, hurling the approaching figures away like leaves in a storm. Blood scattered across the sky as their bodies crashed into the distant city walls. Some groaned in pain, while others fell unconscious, their injuries severe.
Yet none of the attacks had been fatal.
Pan Buwang could have easily killed them — but he didn't.
No. He wanted them to suffer.
The force of his strikes had crippled them. Though their lives were spared, their profound veins quivered in distress, some fractured, others severely damaged. The pain that coursed through their bodies was unbearable. Even the strongest among them could barely remain conscious.
The crowd below erupted in chaos. Fear spread like wildfire as the realization of what had just occurred sank in.
"Why is he doing this?!"
"He's… attacking his own father! His own people!"
But amid the terror and confusion, Pan Buwang remained unmoved. His expression was twisted in satisfaction, his gaze cold and unfeeling. The divine glow that once marked his godhood now seemed tainted by the darkness that consumed him.
The man who was once celebrated as the hope of the Owl Butterfly Divine Kingdom had now become its greatest threat.
And as the blood of his kin painted the sky, it became painfully clear —
The ascension of Pan Buwang was not a blessing.
It was the birth of a calamity.
"Puke... Cough!"
Blood splattered from Qi Heng's mouth as he staggered, his body trembling from the devastating attack. His divine presence was gone, and the unbearable pain wracked his weakened form. Yet, through the agony, his voice erupted in a roar filled with disbelief and anguish.
"PAN BUWANG! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!!"
The booming cry echoed across the ruined sky, but the only response it received was a twisted, mocking laugh.
"What am I doing?"
Pan Buwang's voice was calm, yet chilling. Every word dripped with malice, sending shivers down the spines of those who heard him. His figure, now radiating the dark brilliance of godhood, stood above them like a calamity reborn.
"I'm doing what I've wanted to do for a long, long time."
The simple declaration struck deeper than any blade.
A chilling silence fell.
Everyone who had gathered — the elders, the nobles, the princes, princesses — all of them, despite their pain and disbelief, understood the meaning behind those words.
All the respect.
All the obedience.
All the unwavering loyalty.
It had all been a lie.
"You…" Qi Heng gasped, his trembling body barely holding upright. His face twisted in horror as the truth dawned upon him. "All those years… All the respect… the devotion… it was all fake…!"
"Puke!"
Another mouthful of blood spilled from his lips. The weight of betrayal crushed him even more than his injuries.
"Too late to regret now, isn't it?" Pan Buwang sneered. The cold amusement in his voice was like a blade twisting deeper into Qi Heng's heart.
"If you hadn't turned a blind eye to my mother's death… If you hadn't pretended not to see the vile sins of that wretched Divine Empress—"
His words, each syllable burning with venom, echoed across the shattered remains of the ceremonial grounds. The gathered spectators recoiled in shock. The truth that had been buried beneath layers of illusion now lay exposed.
"Then perhaps I would have continued being the son you wanted. The obedient heir. The Divine Son you could mold into your image."
A twisted grin curled on Pan Buwang's lips, though his eyes burned with unrestrained fury.
"But that's not what happened, is it?"
"You chose to ignore it all. You chose her over my mother. You chose power over justice. And you expect me to kneel before you now? To accept your so-called blessing?"
He spat the words as if they were poison.
"My hate for you has been festering for far too long, Father. Every smile I gave you, every bow, every word of loyalty — all of it was nothing but a mask. I waited. I endured. But now?"
Pan Buwang's eyes gleamed with ruthless satisfaction, the dark aura around him surging violently. The sky above trembled as though the heavens themselves recoiled from the wrath of a newly born god.
"Now, I stand above you. A God! And with this power…"
His voice roared like thunder.
"You all shall suffer my wrath! My hatred!"
"BOOOOOMMMMMMMM!!!"
A surge of violent darkness burst from his body, sending shockwaves in every direction. The very ground beneath him cracked, and the sky twisted in response. The gathered elders and cultivators staggered, their expressions frozen in fear.
The fear of witnessing a god whose heart was consumed by nothing but vengeance.
"PAN BUWANG!!!"
Qi Heng's voice cracked with both rage and sorrow, but Pan Buwang only gazed at him, unbothered. The former Divine Regent's trembling figure looked pitiful now, stripped of his divine power and dignity.
"Beg all you want, Father. Plead. Curse. Hate me if you must."
Pan Buwang's voice lowered, yet the venom within it grew sharper.
"But nothing will change. Your time has ended. And now... it's my turn."
With a wave of his hand, the sky darkened further. The ominous clouds twisted above, like a monstrous reflection of the turmoil within Pan Buwang's heart. And as the shadows loomed closer, the kingdom that once praised his name now trembled beneath his unrelenting fury.
Soon, one by one, the most powerful figures in the Owl Butterfly Divine Kingdom fell. Those whose strength could shake the heavens and stand as pillars of the kingdom — elders, guardians, and generals — were all struck down.
The once mighty and proud cultivators now lay defeated, their bodies writhing in pain. Stripped of their dignity and crushed beneath the overwhelming might of Pan Buwang, their profound energy was forcefully suppressed. No resistance could stand against the dark force that now enveloped their kingdom.
But it was not death that awaited them.
"Seal."
With a chilling utterance from Pan Buwang, chains of oppressive darkness slithered through the air. They twisted like serpents, invading the bodies of the fallen. The ancient runes of a slave seal gleamed ominously as they embedded into their souls, binding them without mercy.
The once proud elders, once revered as the cornerstones of the kingdom, now knelt in utter humiliation. Their eyes, filled with agony, dimmed as the undeniable truth sank in.
They were no longer free.
Their thoughts, their will — no longer their own.
They were now mere dogs at Pan Buwang's feet.
The air grew thick with despair as the power of the seal tightened its grip. Silent sobs and pained groans echoed through the crumbling royal city.
Amidst the destruction, Pan Buwang stood tall. His eyes gleamed with satisfaction as he gazed upon his new subjugates. The aura of a god surrounded him, but unlike the divine presence that once symbolized protection and grace, his presence brought only terror.
Then, with deliberate steps, he turned. The ruined remnants of the royal hall beckoned him — the very seat of power he had longed for.
The once majestic structure, crafted with golden pillars and intricate carvings of divine beasts, now lay fractured and scorched. The banners that once bore the emblem of the Owl Butterfly Divine Kingdom hung in tatters, stained with the blood of its people.
Yet Pan Buwang moved through the destruction without pause.
Each step echoed ominously as the shadows clung to him, swirling in twisted reverence. Upon reaching the shattered throne, he did not hesitate.
He sat.
Darkness spread from his figure, crawling along the cracked floor like veins of corruption. The once sacred seat of the Divine Regent was now nothing more than a throne of malice.
And then, his voice rang out.
"Thank you, everyone, for attending my succession."
The coldness in his tone pierced the air like a blade. There was no trace of celebration, no joy, no honor. Only mockery.
The trembling guests from other Divine Kingdoms — the nobles and envoys who had witnessed the nightmare unfold — lowered their heads in fear. Many of them could no longer stand, their legs too weak to hold them. Their profound energy was useless against the oppressive might that lingered in the atmosphere.
But Pan Buwang cared not for their terror.
"You may return now."
A dark grin curled upon his lips, his eyes gleaming with twisted amusement.
"Make sure to tell your lords… exactly what happened here today."
The words struck like thunder. No one dared to remain. One by one, they stumbled away, their bodies trembling as they fled. Some moved without a word, while others sobbed in fear, their minds still struggling to comprehend the horror they had just witnessed.
But all of them knew.
This news would spread like wildfire.
A god had risen, and the Divine Kingdom that once stood as a pillar of stability had fallen into darkness.
By the time the envoys returned to their respective realms, the story would shake the Abyss itself.
The Owl Butterfly Divine Kingdom had changed hands.
And it had done so in the most cruel and bloody manner since the very beginning of the Abyss.