Chapter 845: Zhang Yu! What Are You Doing?!
Hearing the giant corpse’s words, Zhang Yu’s heart trembled. “So… the Immortal Emperor will intervene? Will they prevent the collapse of the Former Days Graveyard?”
The giant corpse replied indifferently, “Whether they’ll act, and what kind of action they’ll take, is hard to say.”
“After all, what I’ve said is merely my speculation about the Myriad Laws Immortal Emperor.”
“And even if the Myriad Laws Immortal Emperor truly wishes to prevent the Dao Lineage Struggle in the Former Days Graveyard from escalating, as I suspect, he might not necessarily intervene.”
“After all… there’s more than one Immortal Emperor.”
“The Myriad Laws Immortal Emperor is the greatest immortal talent in history. He likely already ranks among the top three of the Ten Immortal Emperors, and his advantage will only grow in the future.”
“For him… stability is crucial.”
“But for some other Immortal Emperors, the more the Dao Lineage Struggle intensifies, the greater their chances of ascending further and seizing Dao Lineages.”
The giant corpse chuckled. “After all, ten Immortal Emperors… in many people’s eyes, that’s still far too many.”
Hearing this, Fu Ji spoke in Zhang Yu’s mind: “So complicated? Does this mean the conflict between artifact spirits and Soul Cultivators, which seems to be a struggle between two Dao Lineages, is actually tied to the conflicts among the Immortal Emperors in a higher dimension?”
Immortal Slayer said, “The Myriad Laws Immortal Emperor wants to maintain stability, preserve his advantage, and control the intensity of the Dao Lineage Struggle. Meanwhile, other Immortal Emperors are deliberately escalating it, seeking opportunities for further advancement.”
As Zhang Yu’s mind raced, the giant corpse beside him glanced over. “Young friend, do you wish to save the Former Days Graveyard?”
Zhang Yu replied, “I don’t want my efforts over these past days to be in vain, nor do I wish to see the entire Minor Realm plunged into devastation.”
The giant corpse commented, “Whether for public or private reasons, it’s perfectly normal for you to want to save the Former Days Graveyard.”
“This matter has fallen into your lap. If you’re unwilling to even try at this point, failing to demonstrate the responsibility expected of the Reformist Faction, then you’re not a suitable ‘blade.’ The support you receive from the Immortal Networks backing you will diminish significantly in the future.”
“Moreover… since Senior Ying Xintian chose you as his successor, I believe that as you master more power, you won’t be someone who only seeks self-preservation.”
Hearing this, Zhang Yu sighed inwardly. “If I were just an Outsourced Cultivator or an ordinary Sect Staff, I probably wouldn’t have any thoughts beyond saving my own skin.”
“But now I’m the holder of an Immortal Legacy and the Vice President of the Management Committee… I…”
Zhang Yu looked at his palm, feeling the terrifying power surging within it, and thought, “I can make more choices.”
At that moment, the image of Dao Qiankun’s past self surfaced in Zhang Yu’s mind. He sighed inwardly, “Brother Dao, without realizing it, I’ve gained more and more confidence to act as I please.”
“Zhang Yu, are we really going to save the Former Days Graveyard?” Fu Ji asked worriedly. “Isn’t it too dangerous?”
Immortal Slayer replied, “When has the path of the Immortal Dao ever been without danger? The higher you climb, the more perilous it becomes, the more immense the pressure. If you don’t want to face danger or bear pressure, then don’t walk the Immortal Dao path.”
Fu Ji argued, “This is a Heaven Collapse-level disaster! So many Void Refinement and even Tribulation Transcendence cultivators haven’t stepped up, yet we’re going to? We’ll not only risk our lives, but we might not even succeed. Even if we do, we’ll probably get dragged into higher-level struggles…”
Immortal Slayer stated resolutely, “We’re no longer the students we once were, nor are we novice Sect Staff. At our current position, every step forward inevitably comes with the risk of failure!”
“And if we choose to flee this time, the Immortal Network introduced by Grandmaster will no longer value us. Our accounts and all our accumulated assets in the Immortal Grotto-Heaven will likely be confiscated.”
Desolate Ox, who rarely spoke, also chimed in, “It’s simply a matter of saving the common people with a single thought… If we have the ability but choose to abandon them, we won’t be able to change Kunxu even after we climb to the top. We’re not just climbing for the sake of climbing; we’re climbing while preserving our original intentions…”
Just then, the Sect Examination Clone suddenly spoke up: “Let’s test our skills and mend the Heaven’s Rift! I also support saving the Former Days Graveyard. This isn’t just about protecting the sect’s assets; it’s a moment to demonstrate our loyalty to the Myriad Laws Immortal Emperor!”
Fu Ji sighed. Although she hadn’t heard Zhang Yu’s own declaration, she could already sense his decision.
She felt a wave of exasperation. “Sigh, ever since I started following this kid Zhang Yu, I haven’t had a single peaceful day. Climbing up in Kunxu… it’s truly difficult.”
Meanwhile, as if sensing the change in Zhang Yu’s aura or his inner resolve, the giant corpse said, “It seems you’ve made your decision.”
Seemingly intrigued by Zhang Yu’s choice and decision, the giant corpse asked, “Tell me, what do you plan to do?”
Zhang Yu laid out his plan in detail and then asked, “Senior, what do you think?”
The giant corpse didn’t comment on the specifics of Zhang Yu’s plan. Instead, it stated calmly, “The Former Days Graveyard, this Minor Realm, though repeatedly affected by the labyrinth, has a deep and solid foundation. It should have been impregnable.”
“Its sudden collapse must be the work of someone acting in secret. And wherever someone acts, they inevitably leave traces…”
Zhang Yu had been studying Spatial Immortal Dao Technology since his university days and had wielded Grotto-Heaven force for some time now. Especially recently, while restoring the labyrinth’s chaotic structure, he had become intimately familiar with all aspects of Spatial Technology and Minor Realms.
Hearing the giant corpse’s words, his eyes lit up. “Such a rapid and severe spatial collapse must have left significant traces at the source of the spatial rifts. We might even find a trace of the Innate Dao Lineage there, evidence that the Artifact Spirit Faction destroyed the Minor Realm.”
Zhang Yu understood that if he could secure such evidence, it would be a crucial bargaining chip when the time came to settle accounts with the Artifact Spirit Faction.
The giant corpse then reminded him, “You can also contact Su Lengyou.”
“Su Lengyou?” An image of a cool, tranquil young woman surfaced in Zhang Yu’s mind.
She was a Rank 7 Sect Staff member of the Heavenly Demon Sect, a cultivator at the Tribulation Transcendence Realm.
Moreover, she was the high-ranking cultivator who had directly clashed with him during the Supreme Truth Immortal Clan incident. It was safe to say they had long been at odds.
The giant corpse said, “In this world, there are no permanent enemies. As long as your goals align and your interests match, even former mortal enemies and foes can be used when necessary.”
“The Reincarnation Immortal Emperor wants to stop the Artifact Spirit Dao Lineage. Su Lengyou was sent here on his orders. Right now, she’s on your side and can lend you a hand…”
Inside the Construction Bureau.
A projection of Tu Mu appeared before the numerous outsourced cultivators.
Director Tu Mu was reassuring them, “Everyone, continue your work with peace of mind. Don’t believe or spread rumors. The Former Days Graveyard is perfectly safe. The other leaders and I will be back soon, and we’ll be inspecting your work then…”
After disconnecting the projection, Tu Mu turned around. He instantly surveyed the vast assets gathered before him and finished communicating with his trusted Soul Cultivator subordinates.
“Is everything accounted for?”
“Double-check everything. Make absolutely sure nothing is left behind…”
As streaks of divine light soared into the sky, Tu Mu, having gathered all his assets from the Former Days Graveyard, shot toward the teleportation gate, joining the massive procession of those leaving.
Watching the long line before him, Tu Mu sighed inwardly. “Thank goodness… I’m valuable enough to the sect. I won’t be left behind like those Lower Beasts.”
Meanwhile, similar scenes were unfolding in various areas throughout the Former Days Graveyard.
More and more people noticed that leaders from every unit and department, from high-ranking to low-ranking, were disappearing. They seemed to be leaving the Former Days Graveyard one after another.
Those with a stronger sense of Sect Nature might leave behind a Primordial Spirit to oversee things remotely via the Spirit Realm. Others, however, had become completely unreachable.
Feng Tingting watched as one leader after another deleted her from their friend lists, a growing unease rising in her heart.
“What on earth is happening?”
“The number of Berserk Corpse Components that should be registered daily has dropped significantly today.”
She had a gut feeling that all these vanishing upper cultivators were collectively hiding something.
But no matter how she searched, she couldn’t find any useful information.
“All information within the Former Days Graveyard… perhaps it’s all been censored. Maybe I should try to find out what’s happening outside the Former Days Graveyard.”
On the other side, Shi Huaiyu also sensed that something was wrong.
Having weathered countless stock market crashes and crypto collapses, she had developed the keen sensitivity of a seasoned investor, sensing the calm before a storm.
Hearing Feng Tingting’s words, Shi Huaiyu nodded repeatedly. “You’re right, something is definitely off! The stocks related to the Former Days Graveyard are flooded with good news, yet someone is continuously dumping massive amounts of shares! The public sentiment is bullish, but the capital is fleeing… This is the classic signal of market makers pulling out while retail investors are left holding the bag!”
Feng Tingting’s gaze suddenly sharpened as she caught wind of some news from outside the Former Days Graveyard.
“A massive asset withdrawal is underway in the Former Days Graveyard? All the leaders are leaving?”
Deep within the Spirit Realm.
“President, we can’t suppress the news much longer. Rumors are spreading like wildfire, especially outside the Former Days Graveyard.”
Looking at the reports streaming in from his Soul Cultivator subordinates, Xiao Yunhe remained unperturbed. He had anticipated this all along.
After all, the area he could effectively blockade was limited to the Former Days Graveyard itself.
As more and more people left the Former Days Graveyard, the news would inevitably spread outside, and he would lose control.
As for completely sealing off the Spirit Realm within the Former Days Graveyard, he lacked the authority to do so, nor would he. Many cultivators still relied on the Spirit Realm to remotely manage operations in the Former Days Graveyard, and many upcoming tasks would require cross-realm remote support.
So, Xiao Yunhe knew he couldn’t indefinitely claim that “nothing is happening,” nor did he intend to keep it under wraps forever.
Thus, Xiao Yunhe calmly said, “Proceed to the next step…”
Moments later, a notification popped up before countless cultivators within the Former Days Graveyard.
In the notification, Xiao Yunhe’s gaze was steady, his demeanor composed. “There have been some minor incidents, but there’s no need to worry or take any action.”
“We’ve encountered some minor spatial structural issues in the labyrinth area. The Management Committee is working on a solution, and the affected areas have been temporarily sealed off. Everything is under control.”
“All units are forbidden from acting without authorization. Ensure the smooth completion of today’s tasks. Any violators will be dealt with severely…”
Outside the teleportation station, massive piles of supplies were stacked high, forming a queue that stretched for several kilometers.
Bai Zhenzhen stood in the line, her gaze frequently drifting toward the labyrinth.
As a representative of the Heavenly Sword Sect and the Director of the Safety Supervision Bureau, Bai Zhenzhen had been assigned to an early evacuation group. Her belongings were few, making her retreat swift; she should have left the Former Days Graveyard long ago.
Yet, she remained at the teleportation gate, waiting for Zhang Yu.
Beside her, Wen Wuya tried to persuade her, “A-Zhen, let’s go first. Staying here won’t help Zhang Yu, and he’ll have to leave eventually anyway.”
Bai Zhenzhen didn’t reply. Just then, her eyes narrowed as she spotted Yu Xinghan, Ye Xingli, Feng Tingting, Shi Huaiyu, Magnetic Pole, and Old Gao approaching in the distance.
She hurried over to greet them, then asked, “Where’s Zhang Yu? Hasn’t he arrived yet?”
Yu Xinghan said, “He told us to leave the Former Days Graveyard first. Zhenzhen… do you know what’s really happening?”
Magnetic Pole, standing beside them, also asked, “Is there some kind of crisis in the Former Days Graveyard?”
Shi Huaiyu chimed in, “Is it a stock market crash? Or a Financial Tsunami?”
After a moment of contemplation, Bai Zhenzhen sent a message to everyone present.
Reading the message, they were all stunned.
“Heaven Collapse! Realm Destruction and Submersion?”
Old Gao asked, “What about Zhang Yu? He told us to go first. Isn’t he leaving?”
Bai Zhenzhen explained, “He’s in charge of this area for the Management Committee. He’ll probably have to leave later.”
Magnetic Pole said, “Let’s get in line and evacuate. We shouldn’t hold him back or distract him while he’s working.”
Old Gao sighed and silently joined the queue.
As the line slowly moved forward, Old Gao and the others drew closer to the Space Gate.
During this time, rumors and unofficial news spread like wildfire throughout the Spirit Realm. More cultivators, using the Spirit Realm outside the Former Days Graveyard, managed to gather various pieces of intelligence.
Silently watching all this, Xiao Yunhe knew it was time to enter the third phase.
But this time, he didn’t make a personal appearance. Instead, he found Xie Lanyin and said, “It’s your turn, Vice President Xie. Tell them…”
As the notification flashed, Xie Lanyin’s Spirit Realm Projection appeared before countless people.
She began to speak: “Cultivators of the Former Days Graveyard, we have confirmed the spatial malfunction in the labyrinth.”
“Although we cannot repair it for now, we have already notified the major sects. Please trust your sects and wait patiently for their support.”
After disconnecting from the Spirit Realm, Xie Lanyin looked at the projections of President Xiao Yunhe and the other two Vice Presidents beside her.
At this moment, everyone from the Management Committee’s highest echelon, except for Zhang Yu, was present.
Xie Lanyin asked, “Haven’t the higher-ups given their orders yet?”
President Xiao Yunhe smiled faintly. “The higher-ups are just like us. They feel something should be done, but they can’t do anything either.”
Xie Lanyin also smiled. “It seems the higher-ups have reached a consensus. Now we can rest easy.”
“By the way, where’s Zhang Yu?”
The other Vice President, Xie Xue, said, “Vice President Zhang is probably still investigating the spatial rifts. But the collapse is already inevitable. He’s no fool, so just leave him be.”
President Xiao Yunhe said, “Everyone, have you made the arrangements for the ‘Die and Evacuate’ plan?”
Xie Lanyin replied, “We rushed, but we’ve finally managed to get everything in order.”
Xiao Yunhe praised her, “Vice President Xie is truly a pillar of the sect. Even if this entire realm is destroyed, as long as we can preserve our assets and save the people, everything will be fine.”
“This task must be executed perfectly. To kill one is to save one. Failing to kill even a single one is a sin.”
Xie Lanyin guaranteed, “For this acquisition of Soul Cultivators, I even took out a massive loan of Immortal Coins to ensure we have sufficient funds.”
“For every coin paid, one person will die. I guarantee not a single one will be missed. If even one person survives who shouldn’t, I will pay with my life.”
Just then, a deafening roar echoed throughout the Former Days Graveyard. Before the eyes of countless people, a colossal spatial rift tore through heaven and earth, threatening to rip the entire Minor Realm in two.
The sky… had split open
Watching this scene, Xiao Yunhe knew the situation could no longer be concealed. Yet, his face held the faint smile of a master strategist as he said to the Vice Presidents around him, “Everyone, it’s the final stage.”
As the sky shattered, countless cultivators still at their posts descended into utter panic.
“Should we leave?”
“Should we abandon the company? The department?”
“Can we just skip work?”
Just as the cultivators wavered in indecision, Xiao Yunhe’s projection appeared before them, his expression grave.
“The spatial structure of the labyrinth has suffered a severe collapse. We should have acted, but it’s too late. We’ve missed the optimal window for rescue.”
“It’s too late now. The entire Former Days Graveyard will ultimately be destroyed.”
“Fortunately, we have successfully evacuated the vast majority of the sect’s valuable assets, mitigating the greatest losses from this calamity.”
“And to save the people of this Minor Realm, we have joined forces with the Heavenly Demon, Netherworld, and White Bone Sects. We will open a green channel for Soul Cultivator conversion, prioritizing those who are not elderly, weak, sick, or disabled…”
Following Xiao Yunhe’s announcement, the entire Former Days Graveyard was instantly plunged into panic.
Countless cultivators soared into the sky, trying to flee to the teleportation stations and escape the Former Days Graveyard.
But three Management Committee Vice Presidents at the Void Refinement Realm acted in unison. Beams of divine light descended, intercepting all who tried to flee.
Xie Lanyin roared, “Who dares to destroy sect assets? Who dares to disrupt the sect’s order? That is a crime! You will be arrested on the spot!”
Meanwhile, Xiao Yunhe continued his speech: “…All cultivators in this Minor Realm, please be mindful of your actions before death. This will not only affect your first Death Record but also your future financial status.”
“If you cause trouble now… even in death, you will have to pay compensation and settle your debts.”
With Void Refinement and even Tribulation Transcendence Realm cultivators intervening to control the situation, the Former Days Graveyard quickly regained a semblance of order.
At the same time, various advertisements for Soul Cultivator conversion appeared before the cultivators.
When they saw the acquisition prices for Soul Cultivators, countless cultivators were stunned.
“Why are they offering so little?”
“The price has dropped by at least 80%! This is blatant exploitation!”
“With just this much money… how am I supposed to survive after I die?”
Anticipating the massive wave of deaths, Righteous Gods began descending in batches to prevent congestion in the tax payment channels during the Soul Cultivator conversion process.
Some cultivators, fearing they wouldn’t make it in time, tried to commit suicide immediately to transform into Soul Cultivators and be rescued first, but they were all stopped.
Xie Lanyin said calmly, “We’re not stopping you from dying. You just need to die slowly, gradually, in a planned and orderly manner. Don’t worry, with me here, no one will be left behind.”
Looking at the long, winding queues, Xie Lanyin couldn’t help but marvel at the thriving Soul Cultivator Industry, a scene brimming with vitality.
“To get rich, first have an accident,” Xie Lanyin sighed. “Indeed, natural disasters and man-made calamities are the best times to make a fortune.”
Just then, the entire Former Days Graveyard trembled violently again.
Vast clouds of dust suddenly billowed upward, soaring into the sky like layers of clouds.
The air churned violently, whipping up fierce gales throughout the entire Former Days Graveyard.
Building after building trembled slightly, as if a single gust of wind could send them floating into the sky.
At this moment, all the cultivators in the Former Days Graveyard felt it… they were becoming lighter. Or rather, everything within the Former Days Graveyard seemed to be growing lighter.
Meanwhile, Feng Tingting pointed sharply toward the labyrinth and exclaimed, “What is that?”
Bai Zhenzhen, Magnetic Pole, and the others had already turned their gazes in that direction. They saw countless materials erupting from the labyrinth — earth, factories, office buildings… everything shot into the sky like cannonballs.
Though they were far away, Old Gao could still sense the nature of the phenomenon. “It’s a change caused by the Earthly Fiend Gravity.”
“It’s Zhang Yu!”
In that instant, the Former Days Graveyard split into two distinct zones.
One half was the labyrinth, where the Earthly Fiend Gravity seemed to have been completely erased. Countless unrestrained materials soared into the sky, roaring like black dragons.
The other half was the area outside the labyrinth, where the cultivators lived and worked. Here, the Earthly Fiend Gravity hadn’t vanished, but it had weakened significantly, making everything feel weightless and ethereal.
All the vanished Earthly Fiend Gravity converged into Zhang Yu’s palm.
In that instant, Zhang Yu felt as if he held the weight of more than half the Former Days Graveyard in his hand.
Simultaneously, the Calculation Pool within his Immortal Grotto-Heaven operated at full capacity. His Kunlun Eye continuously displayed data on countless materials throughout the Former Days Graveyard.
During the time the others had been evacuating, Zhang Yu had collected data on nearly every substance in the Former Days Graveyard. He then used his 32-core brain and the Calculation Pool to construct a comprehensive large model. This model calculated the Earthly Fiend Gravity he would borrow from countless people and objects while executing the nine cultivation arts of the “Inverted Kunlun” series, including the “Kunlun-Uprooting Heaven-Overturning Mystic Power.”
It had taken him several hours to complete this monumental task, ensuring he could borrow the maximum amount of Earthly Fiend Gravity without causing catastrophic destruction across the Former Days Graveyard.
“Everyone… lend me all your weight.”
As the nine cultivation arts surged violently, the first two layers of the “Inverted Kunlun” Chain Formation Diagram activated with a roar, further amplifying Zhang Yu’s influence over the entire world.
Simultaneously, the “Master of Ten Billion Talisman,” which had not appeared for a long time, materialized from Zhang Yu’s body, also beginning to amplify his interference with the entire world.
With a single step, Zhang Yu leaped toward the spatial rift.
As a Tribulation Transcendence Realm cultivator, Xiao Yunhe was the first to notice this.
“Zhang Yu! What are you doing?!”
Xiao Yunhe could feel the Earthly Fiend Gravity, representing the weight of more than half the Former Days Graveyard, converging in Zhang Yu’s hand.
He couldn’t predict what would happen when that strike landed.
It might momentarily halt the Heaven Collapse, but it could also trigger a more terrifying and violent spatial collapse, causing the situation to spiral completely out of control.
Especially since their side had already arranged everything perfectly. They only needed to follow the plan to save the world — a plan that would “benefit the sect above and all living beings below.” How could they let Zhang Yu ruin it?
But just as Xiao Yunhe was about to intervene, a figure shrouded in sinister demonic Qi suddenly appeared, blocking him, Xie Lanyin, and the others.
“Su Lingyou?” Staring at her Primordial Spirit, Xiao Yunhe roared, “Peak Master Su, what are you doing? Are you just going to stand by and watch Zhang Yu destroy this perfect situation? What can a mere Spirit Transformation cultivator like him possibly do?”
“Perfect situation?” Su Lingyou said lightly. “Killing so many people in one go, you call that a perfect situation?”
Xiao Yunhe replied, “When acting for the sect, right and wrong cannot be judged by ordinary logic.”
Su Lingyou scoffed, “Hmph, no matter how you twist your words, the fact remains that you wasted so many corpse components. This is a grave dereliction of duty.”
In that instant, the two exchanged a massive amount of information. Though Xiao Yunhe didn’t understand why, he could feel Su Lingyou’s unwavering determination to stop him.
Xiao Yunhe sighed. “Su Lingyou, if the ‘Die and Retreat’ plan fails, all life in this Minor Realm will be annihilated. Zhang Yu will be the greatest sinner! And you will be the second.”
Meanwhile, Zhang Yu’s hands had already slammed into the ever-expanding spatial rift.
Under the immense impact of the surging Earthly Fiend Gravity, space twisted like paper. Then, to the astonishment of countless onlookers, the spatial rift that had torn through the heavens and earth showed faint signs of closing.
Far away, Lu Hengzhang watched this scene coldly, a flicker of mockery in his eyes, as if observing a beast struggling in its death throes.