Chapter 844: Dao Lineage Struggle, Myriad Laws Immortal Emperor
“The Former Days Graveyard is no longer an ordinary Minor Realm.”
Facing Xie Lanyin, a 6th Rank Void Refinement Cultivator, Lu Hengzhang remained unhurried and completely composed. “This Minor Realm, the Former Days Graveyard, first endured battles between Immortals, then had half its territory consumed by the labyrinth, and has suffered years of spatial structural instability.”
“Now, half of the Former Days Graveyard’s spatial structure is under the control of that Spirit Transformation brat, Zhang Yu.”
In Lu Hengzhang’s eyes, a cultivator like Zhang Yu, who had only just entered the Spirit Transformation Realm less than a year ago, was nothing more than a “Spirit Transformation brat.”
Only cultivators like himself, who had cultivated in the Spirit Transformation Realm for many years, deserved to be called “Spirit Transformation ancestors” by those of lower cultivation.
Lu Hengzhang continued, “How could such a Minor Realm possibly be considered ‘impregnable’?”
“With a Minor Realm like this, and with Zhang Yu’s level of Dao attainment, would it be strange if he made a mistake while repairing the spatial structure? What does that have to do with us?”
Xie Lanyin listened to Lu Hengzhang’s words and slowly replied, “You… intend to shift the blame onto Zhang Yu?”
Lu Hengzhang said coolly, “Dao Monarch Xie, you must not speak so carelessly.”
“You are in charge of economy and investment in the Management Committee, while I am responsible for cultivation art review in the Edict Pavilion. What does the spatial structure of the Former Days Graveyard Development Zone have to do with us?”
“Even if this matter reaches the highest heavens, the primary person responsible is Zhang Yu. He should be the one questioned.”
Xie Lanyin stared intently at Lu Hengzhang, enunciating each word: “How far have you gone? What kind of Immortal Dao Technology did you use?”
To disrupt the spatial structure of a Minor Realm, Xie Lanyin believed it would require either extremely advanced Immortal Dao Technology or the direct intervention of an Immortal.
She needed to know how much power and resources the Innate Dao Lineage had invested this time, and… was there still a chance to stop it? Could it be repaired?
Lu Hengzhang, however, merely smiled faintly. “Dao Monarch Xie, is it you who wants to know, or Heavenly Monarch Bai?”
Lu Hengzhang was well aware that Xie Lanyin was backed by Bai Gusheng, an ascension candidate. He also wanted to gauge whether Bai Gusheng was already aware of the situation and what his stance might be.
Xie Lanyin replied coldly, “What difference does it make?”
Lu Hengzhang: “It’s better if you don’t know. Some messes… they seem small when they’re hidden, but once you drag them into the light, I’m afraid even a thousand monsterfolk contractors couldn’t clean it all up.”
“You only need to know one thing.”
Lu Hengzhang enunciated each word: “From my observations, this collapse is unprecedented. No one can stop it.”
“Anyone who tries will only be severing their own immortal path.”
After disconnecting, Xie Lanyin remained silent for a long time, her mind racing.
Meanwhile, her senses detected an increasing number of Divine Senses converging on the Development Zone’s borders. More and more people were discovering spatial fissures that were constantly cracking open and spreading.
After much deliberation, Xie Lanyin finally sent a message to Kurong Child.
Along the labyrinth’s boundary, black cracks were rapidly expanding, tearing apart everything they touched.
From a distance, it looked like an ugly scar spreading across the land of the Former Days Graveyard.
At the same time, a massive number of Divine Senses crossed the Spirit Realm, projecting themselves here to observe and collect data from every angle.
And it wasn’t just here. Countless Soul Cultivators and contractors were dispatched throughout the Former Days Graveyard, all tasked with observing and gathering spatial data.
In the Management Committee’s office, Xiao Yunhe — Rank 7, Tribulation Transcendence cultivator and president — stared at a frantic stream of messages flashing before him.
He was fully absorbed in reviewing data and assessing risks, exchanging vast amounts of information every moment with the Soul Cultivators and contractors under his command.
“Spatial Risk Level 7…”
“Conventional methods can no longer stop the spatial turbulence from encroaching on the Minor Realm…”
Xiao Yunhe knew that the spatial turbulence was a disaster formed from the rupture of spatial structures, one that would completely devour and annihilate any matter it encroached upon.
“In at most eight hours, the spatial turbulence will be enough to devour more than half of the Former Days Graveyard, submerging everything and triggering a severe collapse of the entire Minor Realm.”
Upon receiving this conclusion, Xiao Yunhe’s first decision was… to suppress the information.
Could the Former Days Graveyard still be saved?
Xiao Yunhe wasn’t sure, so he had to prepare for the worst.
“Assuming the worst-case scenario — the potential collapse of the entire Former Days Graveyard — we must minimize the loss of the sect’s assets.”
Xiao Yunhe also understood that the spatial transport capacity of the Former Days Graveyard’s entrances and exits was limited. If panic broke out and triggered a mass exodus, it would only reduce evacuation efficiency.
“Even if we must evacuate, there’s an order to it: the valuable first, the expendable last.”
How to most effectively reduce losses? Naturally, before the Former Days Graveyard collapses, move everything out in order of value, from most expensive to cheapest.
In terms of resources: the valuable goes first, the cheap goes later.
In terms of personnel: leaders go first, lower cultivators go later, contractors bring up the rear, and Soul Cultivators hold the line until the very last moment.
After all, the higher the rank, the more valuable one is to the sect… and leaders are the sect’s true treasures.
Xiao Yunhe thought to himself, “The sect doesn’t cultivate a leader easily, after all.”
“And I am the highest-ranking individual in the Development Zone right now — the most expensive and valuable leader.”
“In a crisis, I should lead by example and be the first to evacuate to protect the sect’s assets.”
And so… all of Xiao Yunhe’s personal assets were swiftly transported away. Not even a single physical body was left behind; only his Primordial Spirit remained, continuing to direct operations remotely through his Divine Sense.
Simultaneously, under the force of his power and authority, countless messages being released by individuals throughout the Former Days Graveyard’s Spirit Realm were abruptly cut off.
All information related to spatial rifts and spatial turbulence was completely suppressed.
Next, Xiao Yunhe began arranging for the prioritized evacuation of the sect’s other important assets.
Soon after, a long queue imperceptibly formed at the entrances and exits of the Former Days Graveyard, as a massive amount of sect assets were transported out.
The situation caused some commotion. Some of the Soul Cultivators, contractors, and low-level Sect Staff permanently stationed in the Former Days Graveyard wondered what was happening.
Feng Tingting sent a message in the work group chat: “[Photo] Why is it suddenly so congested? Are the corpse components we sent out stuck in traffic?”
Ye Xingli: “All the departments are suddenly transporting materials out. The materials we just bought are stuck at the teleportation gate too.”
Faced with growing confusion, Xiao Yunhe quickly issued a public announcement, stating that there were no problems — it was merely routine material turnover. This temporarily quelled the public sentiment.
Yu Xinghan: “Did you guys see the announcement? It’s probably just a normal peak transport period. It should clear up if we wait.”
After reassuring everyone, Yu Xinghan felt a strange unease. “Where’s Zhang Yu? He’s usually the first one to post messages at times like this.”
The next wave of people to learn the truth would be the leaders of the various departments within the Former Days Graveyard.
They would be informed in sequence according to their rank, cultivation, and assets, and would begin transporting out their magical artifacts, physical bodies, spare physical bodies, and other possessions one by one.
However, their Primordial Spirits, Divine Souls, and Divine Senses would remain behind, only leaving the Former Days Graveyard through the Spirit Realm at the very last moment, when the situation became irreversible.
In the Myriad Laws Sect’s Edict Pavilion Ethereal Communications Department, Minister Qin was directing numerous Sect Staff as they transported his belongings out piece by piece.
When his subordinates questioned him, he reassured them, “I was planning to replace a batch of equipment anyway. I’m just shipping the old stuff out of the Former Days Graveyard first.”
“But don’t worry,” he added. “My Primordial Spirit and Divine Soul will stay here to continue overseeing our work.”
“Remember to stay in contact with me through the Spirit Realm.”
Deputy Minister Jiang Xuyi approached him, asking with confusion, “Minister, what’s really going on?”
Minister Qin shook his head. “I don’t know the specifics, but I expect you’ll be notified to evacuate soon. Prepare as quickly as you can, and remember not to leak any information to avoid causing a panic.”
Rewinding time slightly, to the moment the evacuation plan was initiated…
In the Spirit Realm Conference Room, a meeting that would determine the very survival of the Former Days Graveyard was underway.
“This spatial collapse occurred at the border of the labyrinth.”
With time accelerated hundreds of times, Xie Lanyin rapidly explained the current situation.
“That area was once a chaotic space within the labyrinth… a junction point with normal space.”
“Now, the spatial structure there has shattered, causing the spatial foundation of the Former Days Graveyard to become brittle. A relentless torrent of spatial turbulence is surging in. I fear it will engulf more than half of the Former Days Graveyard within half a day.”
Xie Lanyin glared at Zhang Yu and roared, “Zhang Yu, as Vice President of the Management Committee in charge of land and construction, you’ve always been responsible for repairing the spatial structures!”
“Now that this major safety incident has occurred… you cannot escape responsibility!”
“Countless businesses in the Former Days Graveyard have halted production, countless construction sites have stopped work, and the entire Minor Realm is on the verge of collapse! You should bear the full cost of these losses!”
“I will report this to the Heavenly Court and the sects to have you punished!”
Under the frantic acceleration of the Spirit Realm, Xie Lanyin expected her barrage to leave Zhang Yu stunned and speechless.
But to her surprise, with the support of the Calculation Pool, Zhang Yu remained calm and composed. “Vice President Xie! Stop spewing baseless accusations! This incident was not caused by me. We won’t know the true cause until after a thorough investigation.”
President Xiao Yunhe said, “I have already reported the situation to the Heavenly Court and the sects, but the higher-ups are still discussing it. We cannot simply do nothing.”
“Vice President Zhang, the extent of your responsibility and the punishment you will face will be investigated later.”
“But the spatial collapse has already begun. As the holder of an Immortal Legacy, this matter is your undeniable duty.”
“Zhang Yu, I order you to take charge of repairing the spatial rift. You must do everything in your power to halt the collapse! We cannot allow any harm to the countless assets and lives in the Former Days Graveyard.”
Xiao Yunhe stared intently at Zhang Yu and said, “If you fail and cause the entire Minor Realm to collapse, you will be a sinner a hundred billion times over! Even bankruptcy for a hundred lifetimes wouldn’t be enough to repay your debt! No one will be able to protect you.”
Shortly after the meeting ended, Zhang Yu arrived at the location where the spatial rift was spreading.
Gazing at the scene before him, Immortal Slayer sighed, “This is a severe spatial collapse. I fear it has already damaged the very foundation of the Former Days Graveyard. Ordinary methods will no longer suffice.”
“If we try to force a repair… failure could trigger a secondary collapse, damaging the Central Apex Heaven on the other side of the Minor Realm.”
Immortal Slayer continued, “Moreover, this process is extremely dangerous. The slightest misstep could lead to being swallowed by the spatial turbulence, posing a mortal threat.”
Fu Ji snorted coldly and said, “Xiao Yunhe and the others are forcing us to act precisely because they know it can’t be saved. They know that intervening would be a pointless waste of assets and power, might cause even greater destruction, and is mortally dangerous. They just want to shift the blame onto us.”
“Heh, if it can’t be saved, it’ll be Zhang Yu’s failure. If it is saved, it’ll be because of the President’s brilliant command and his keen eye for talent.”
“But what’s going on with the higher-ups? How can something like this happen without anyone coming down to intervene?”
“Are the Ten Great Sects still bickering over who should pay for the repairs and send personnel?”
Deep within the Spirit Realm.
Xie Lanyin looked respectfully at Kurong Child, waiting for him to convey Bai Gusheng, the Heavenly Monarch’s message.
Kurong Child nodded at Xie Lanyin and said, “You performed well this time, not recklessly concealing anything. The Heavenly Monarch is very pleased. He knows you are still loyal to him and the White Bone Cult.”
Xie Lanyin quickly bowed and said, “Thank you, Lord Kurong, for relaying the message.”
Xie Lanyin: “[100,000 Immortal Coins transferred]”
Your transfer has been accepted.
Kurong Child smiled and continued, “The Heavenly Monarch is already aware of the situation. From now on, you are to remain here and remotely manage the work in the Former Days Graveyard.”
“As for the spatial collapse, don’t worry about it.”
Xie Lanyin’s gaze sharpened. “With Zhang Yu’s dao cultivation, I fear he won’t be able to save the Former Days Graveyard. If the entire Minor Realm collapses, I’m afraid…”
Kurong Child waved his hand dismissively. “If it can’t be saved, then don’t save it.”
Xie Lanyin’s eyes narrowed again. “But time is too short. There are likely many cultivators and equipment that can’t be evacuated in time. This will severely damage the Soul Cultivator Industry…”
Kurong Child said, “The death of one person is just a number. The death of ten thousand, a hundred thousand, in one go — isn’t that a million units of prime raw material?”
Xie Lanyin’s heart stirred. Normally, recruiting Soul Cultivators and acquiring their souls would cost a fortune. But now, with this calamity and the limited capacity of the spatial gates, many would be forced to become Soul Cultivators to survive, evacuating through the Spirit Realm.
Kurong Child continued, “I have already discussed this with the Netherworld and Heavenly Demon Sects, as well as the Heavenly Court.”
“When the time comes, we will acquire them all at the lowest price… converting them all into Soul Cultivators and taking them away.”
Xie Lanyin asked, “Save them and pay them? Shouldn’t they be paying us?”
Kurong Child said sternly, “We are not the ancient Demonic Path. This is a legitimate acquisition, not robbery.”
He then explained, “These people are forced to die due to this unique calamity, not because they’ve hit rock bottom and have no choice but to sell their lives. Their first death experience will be excellent, and their quality as Soul Cultivators will surely surpass those of the past. By preserving their Immortal Dao potential, they will undoubtedly generate greater benefits in the future.”
Xie Lanyin nodded repeatedly upon hearing this, thinking to herself, “In that case… our Soul Cultivator performance metrics will likely rise instead of fall in the coming period.”
Kurong Child continued, “I’ve calculated that the number of Soul Cultivators created in one go will be enough to offset the losses from halting production for a while.”
Xie Lanyin nodded slightly, understanding that as long as there were no losses and profits could still be distributed, Heavenly Monarch Bai’s authority and assets would remain intact, allowing him to continue vying for the Ascension Selection.
At this thought, Xie Lanyin couldn’t help but feel a sense of admiration. “Combining death with evacuation, resolving a dilemma with a single stroke — truly a brilliant governance strategy.”
“But what about the Artifact Spirit Faction? Are we just going to let them off so easily? Watch Zhang Yu take the fall?”
Xie Lanyin pictured Lu Hengzhang’s face and couldn’t help but remark, “Isn’t that like kneeling down to eat shit?”
Although Xie Lanyin despised Zhang Yu, she clearly hated Lu Hengzhang even more for dragging him into this realm-destroying, region-flooding mess.
Kurong Child sneered. “Of course, it’s not that simple. The battle of Dao Lineages has reached a critical juncture.”
His gaze seemed to pierce through the Spirit Realm, as if he could already see the countless beings within the Former Days Graveyard.
“Consider this man-made disaster a sacrifice. They want chaos? Then let’s give them chaos that shatters the heavens and splits the earth.”
“Once the entire Former Days Graveyard has been sacrificed, it will be time for a reckoning.”
“Then, we will squeeze out the Artifact Spirit Dao Lineage — that festering sore on Kunxu.”
–
“Utterly deranged… this is truly insane.”
Within a Spirit Realm Grotto-Heaven, Bu Yingshu’s father, Bu Yuangui — a Level 10 Sect Staff of the Myriad Laws Immortal Clan and an Ascension Realm cultivator — sighed in admiration. “At its peak, the Former Days Graveyard’s annual output alone was worth hundreds of billions. No matter how much is evacuated, the remaining assets are still priceless. And they’re just going to burn it all.”
Beside him, Bu Yingshu asked in disbelief, “Dad, are you saying the higher-ups… are abandoning the Former Days Graveyard?”
Bu Yuangui explained, “The Myriad Laws Sect has few assets in the Former Days Graveyard. Why should we bother saving it?”
“Even if we exhausted ourselves to save it, wouldn’t that just benefit the other sects?”
“But if the Former Days Graveyard is completely gone, a New Days Graveyard will have to be established. The Soul Cultivator Industry will be completely reorganized, presenting the perfect opportunity for our Myriad Laws Sect to take control.”
Bu Yingshu nodded thoughtfully, but then Zhang Yu’s face flashed in her mind. She quickly asked, “What about Zhang Yu?”
Bu Yuangui replied coolly, “He is the holder of the Traitor Ying Legacy and the person in charge of the Development Zone’s spatial structure. With such a massive disaster, he must naturally bear the blame.”
Bu Yingshu’s brow furrowed sharply. “How can that be? Dad, can’t you save him? Get him off the hook?”
Bu Yuangui almost laughed in exasperation. “My dear daughter, this is Kunxu, not Bu-family-xu. We’re talking about losses of at least a hundred billion Immortal Coins. You want me to help him? Should I take the fall for him instead?”
Bu Yingshu frowned, her mind racing as she calculated.
“Zhang Yu helped me continue to enhance my talent. In the future, when I take control of the Myriad Laws Immortal Clan, I’ll earn back far more than a hundred billion.”
Confidently, Bu Yingshu declared, “Then it’s settled. Dad, I’ll repay you the money later.”
This time, Bu Yuangui truly laughed in anger. “Get lost.”
Bu Yingshu retorted, “It’s just a hundred billion Immortal Coins! Your daughter has awakened world-shaking talent. Do you really think I won’t be able to earn that back? I’ll repay you three times over!”
Bu Yuangui pointed at Bu Yingshu, but seeing her earnest expression, he finally sighed deeply. “This isn’t just about money.”
“This is a sign that the battle of Dao Lineages has reached a fever pitch.”
Bu Yingshu looked at Zhang Yu and said, “According to my analysis, I’m 90% certain it’s the Innate Dao Lineage pulling the strings behind this incident.”
“For them to commit such a depraved act, the Artifact Spirit Dao Lineage must have reached a critical juncture.”
Zhang Yu watched Bu Yingshu’s projection, listening quietly to her analysis. He thought to himself, “So the Myriad Laws Sect has decided to stand by and watch?”
“And the Soul Cultivator Factions from other sects not only won’t help, but they’ll also exploit this disaster to harvest the lower ranks and reap massive profits.”
“They might even want to escalate this disaster to settle scores with the Artifact Spirit Dao Lineage?”
Zhang Yu sighed. “The Immortals… won’t they intervene either?”
While watching a recording of Bu Yuangui, Bu Yingshu replied coolly, “It’s just the insignificant Former Days Graveyard. The Immortals’ hearts are filled with the trillions of lives in Kunxu and the Supreme Dao Lineages that have existed since ancient times.”
Listening to Bu Yingshu’s words, Zhang Yu fell into deep thought.
Fu Ji spoke up: “The development of artifact spirits cannot stop. Whichever faction halts it will fall behind. But they also need to be balanced and kept in check.”
“From the perspective of the Myriad Laws Sect’s leadership, the Former Days Graveyard disaster primarily damages other sects. They can use these losses to suppress and balance the Artifact Spirit Faction, while also seizing the opportunity to dominate the Soul Cultivator Industry.”
Meanwhile, Bu Yingshu, seeing Zhang Yu’s silence, assumed he was worried about taking the blame for this incident.
So, while helping Zhang Yu pay the fine, she comforted him, “This time, you’ll have to bear some infamy. But once we’ve dealt with the Artifact Spirit Faction, I’ll clear your name. I promise to make sure you come out of this looking glorious.”
Seeing Zhang Yu still silent, Bu Yingshu’s tone softened further, as if she were soothing a petulant internet-famous cat that refused to cooperate for a video.
“Little Yu, don’t worry. I’ve already analyzed this matter thoroughly.”
Zhang Yu probed, “Dao Monarch Bu, you didn’t have the Celestial Inquiry Star do the analysis, did you?”
Bu Yingshu’s brow furrowed. She almost slapped him, but remembering the suffering he was about to endure, she suppressed her anger and continued to console him. She decided to treat it as if her stressed little pet had scratched her.
“I listened to my dad…” Bu Yingshu said seriously. “My dad and I discussed it. After all, you hold an Immortal Legacy, and Ying Xintian left behind more than just this one labyrinth. At most, the higher-ups will confiscate your assets and demote you for a few years. They’ll definitely reinstate you in the future.”
“And don’t be afraid. While you’re demoted, I’ll take care of you.”
Bu Yingshu inwardly sneered. In her eyes, Zhang Yu’s demotion was actually a good thing.
“Hmph, this way, the useless Zhang Yu won’t have to go to dangerous places anymore, and I won’t have to exhaust myself protecting him.”
“For the next few years, I’ll lock him up, squeeze him dry, and use him as fuel to enhance my own talent.”
At this thought, Bu Yingshu reminded him again, “So remember, when the space in the Former Days Graveyard collapses, don’t try to save it.”
“If you succeed, no one will thank you. If you fail, your crime will be compounded, and it won’t be as simple as a fine and demotion.”
After drilling this into Zhang Yu’s head, Bu Yingshu finally left, reassured.
Watching her disappearing figure, Zhang Yu sighed, “That woman really doesn’t know how to comfort people.”
Fu Ji cried out anxiously, “Confiscate your assets? Does that mean they’ll seize everything in our Grotto-Heaven? We worked so hard to earn all that!”
Zhang Yu remained silent, his gaze fixed on the ever-expanding spatial rift before him. He then lifted his head to look into the distance, watching the urban district within the Former Days Graveyard grow increasingly restless.
Numerous sect leaders had already gathered their assets and departed as streaks of divine light, rising like shooting stars to escape the imminent danger.
Meanwhile, the countless lower cultivators continued their work as usual, completely unaware of the impending catastrophe.
In that moment, Zhang Yu could almost see the future: countless people dying in this man-made disaster.
As his thoughts churned, his gaze flickered, suddenly spotting a familiar figure.
Boom!
With a sudden burst of the Supreme Yang Radiance God, fiery light erupted from Zhang Yu’s back, and he shot forward like lightning, catching up to the figure.
The giant corpse, which had been observing the spatial turbulence, turned its head to face Zhang Yu. “Little friend, it’s been a while.”
Zhang Yu said, “Senior, you…”
The giant corpse smiled faintly. “My guards ran off, so I decided to take a stroll and admire the scenery of this Minor Realm before it collapses. It’s not a common sight, you know.”
Zhang Yu asked, “Senior, do you also believe the Former Days Graveyard is beyond saving?”
The giant corpse replied calmly, “Let’s go. Since we’ve met, we can talk inside your Grotto-Heaven.”
Once inside the Grotto-Heaven, the giant corpse said, “The future of the Former Days Graveyard has been shaped by high-level power struggles. The fact that those at the top are willing to sacrifice an entire Minor Realm shows that the Dao Lineage struggles have reached a fever pitch.”
“But all high-level power struggles, all Dao Lineage struggles, ultimately originate from the Immortal Emperors.”
He looked at Zhang Yu and asked, “What do you think your Myriad Laws Sect’s Immortal Emperor is planning?”
Zhang Yu replied, “He wants the Artifact Spirit Dao Lineage… he wants the Soul Cultivator Dao Lineage… and he wants the industrial benefits as well.”
The giant corpse laughed. “Indeed, this chaos brings many advantages to the Myriad Laws Sect. But if you limit your perspective to just the Former Days Graveyard and the Artifact Spirit and Soul Cultivator Dao Lineages, you’re underestimating him.”
“Your Myriad Laws Immortal Emperor reached Qi Refining at age eight, Spirit Transformation at ten, and Ascension at fifteen. After years of patient endurance, he seized the Supreme Dao Lineage in a single stroke. He is an Immortal talent the likes of which I have never seen in my life, with innate gifts unparalleled since ancient times.”
“In his eyes, the Artifact Spirit and Soul Cultivator Dao Lineages are merely trivial matters.”
Zhang Yu’s eyes widened in realization. “Could it be for the purpose… of stability?”
“Precisely.” The giant corpse nodded in satisfaction. “Although some do profit from this Dao Lineage struggle, the overall losses far outweigh the gains. This has crossed a critical line.”
“As a result, the Soul Cultivator Faction’s retaliation will surely be even more brutal. If other Dao Lineages follow suit and their conflicts escalate, do you think the Immortal Emperor would want to see that?”
“For a sect, short-term profits are important, but stability is paramount. Only a stable environment can continuously produce Immortal Dao resources for the Immortal Emperors.”
The giant corpse shook his head. “I don’t know why the Innate Dao Lineage dared to act this way this time. But if I were an Immortal Emperor, I would never want the Former Days Graveyard to collapse and push the Dao Lineage struggle to a new level of intensity.”