Chapter 920: Dilemma
“Choosing the First Layer involves the least conflict of interest. In this way… the major factions will be able to tolerate it.”
“Moreover, the First Layer is just full of pots and pans. Even if they are all smashed, we can just buy a new batch. It’s enough for Zhang Yu to experiment at will without any worries.”
Although as a supporter of the Primordial Chaos Dao Lineage, Bu Yuangui had always encouraged various competitions both inside and outside the sect.
But in his view… the competition he encouraged was healthy competition, which could enhance the overall strength of the sect, the competitiveness of the Immortal Emperor, and the wealth of the Immortal Clan.
If it were to provoke a shocking war among the countless factions within the entire sect, to the extent that he himself might be dragged into it, that would not be healthy competition, but vicious competition.
“Even if past Dao Lineage conflicts and Immortal Dao competitions accumulate to a certain extent, leading to the outbreak of the Economic Great Tribulation, at least before the great tribulation, the major factions have made a fortune. It’s just that during the great tribulation… the billions of living beings in Kunxu will collectively bear the cost.”
In Bu Yuangui’s calculation, this kind of competition where the Immortal Emperor and major factions took the bulk of the profits, and then let the whole world bear the cost, was an inherent feature of the current Kunxu sect system, which would only step by step push the development of the Immortal Dao forward.
“But if Zhang Yu is really allowed to trigger a Law Edict War, that would be a policy mistake, and could even trigger a sect crisis.”
In Bu Yuangui’s view, if an out-of-control internal conflict erupted within the Myriad Laws Sect… an internal conflict that caused the upper-tier cultivators, especially the Immortals, and the Immortal Emperors to lose money, the other sects would definitely not sit idly by.
“If the other sects were to take advantage of the fire to loot, causing the Immortal Emperor’s and our sect’s cultivation growth rate to fall…”
Thinking of this, Bu Yuangui suddenly felt relieved: “If even I can think of such a thing, how could the Immortal Emperor not consider it? The Immortal Emperor will absolutely not let the situation get out of control and trigger a sect crisis.”
“Then the question is… just how far does the Immortal Emperor intend to go now?”
“And… why let Zhang Yu choose?”
Bu Yuangui thought to himself, “Considering Zhang Yu’s own interests, choosing the First Layer or the Second Layer would yield too little profit. Would he possibly sacrifice his own profit for the sake of the sect’s situation… and choose the First Layer or Second Layer?”
In Bu Yuangui’s view, Zhang Yu was so bold and had made such a huge scene this time, displaying absolute ambition. How could he possibly be satisfied with choosing the First Layer or Second Layer?
“Why let me choose?” Zhang Yu only felt a sense of foreboding in his heart. “Can’t they just directly assign one to me?”
Fu Ji frowned and said, “The Upper Realm is too dangerous. I think it’s safer to choose the Lower Realm. Choosing the First Layer or Second Layer is the safest.”
The Auspicious God said, “The Immortal Emperor wants to use us to sweep away the Law Edicts and clean up the interest groups within the sect that he wants to clear out. Will choosing the First Layer or Second Layer satisfy the Immortal Emperor? I think as long as the Lower Realm is chosen, the Immortal Emperor won’t be satisfied.”
Hearing the Auspicious God actually refute her to her face, Fu Ji couldn’t help but secretly make a note of it in her heart.
And hearing what the Auspicious God said, Zhang Yu also deeply agreed.
His biggest backer in the sect right now was the Myriad Laws Immortal Emperor.
That he could reach this point today, secure the Extraordinary Merit, and establish the Law Edict was entirely due to the Immortal Emperor’s support.
Auspicious God sighed, “If we don’t satisfy the Immortal Emperor, let alone how he might reprimand us, even if he simply stops supporting us, we will be in massive trouble! Don’t forget we still owe a Void Refinement Loan of one hundred million, and we haven’t returned the thousand years of calculation power borrowed from the Dharma Realm either.”
Fu Ji said in exasperation, “If we can’t choose the Lower Realm, doesn’t that mean we can only choose the Upper Realm?”
“To clear out the interest groups within the sect for the Immortal Emperor and to satisfy him, do we have to choose the 16th layer?”
Hearing this, Auspicious God sighed again, “The sect layers… the higher you go, the better the cultivation resources, and the more it involves the core of power. Those who can open an Immortal Abode on the 16th layer are all Rank 6 Sect Staff — cultivators who have been at the Void Refinement stage for many years. It can well be called the base camp of the sect’s lawmakers. To choose this place as a pilot zone for law establishment…”
Just thinking about it sent a chill down Auspicious God’s spine: “It’s practically a direct declaration of war against all the lawmakers. I’m afraid it will provoke the hostility of almost every faction within the sect, save for the Immortal Emperor himself.”
“Moreover, the Law Edicts are all uplifting the Dao Lineages. Freezing Law Edicts is already dismantling the foundation of various Dao Lineages. Choosing the 16th layer will likely offend a large number of Immortals, and even Immortal Venerables.”
“Fuck!” Fu Ji cursed: “Choosing downwards offends the Immortal Emperor, choosing upwards offends the rest of the Immortals and Immortal Venerables! They say they’re giving us the right to choose, but this is clearly making us take the blame.”
At this moment, Fu Ji only felt that she had fallen into a dilemma. No matter which side she chose, it would be a thorny path filled with poverty and the danger of bankruptcy.
Thinking of this, Fu Ji cursed even more: “This bullshit Myriad Laws Immortal Emperor! He wants to sweep the sect himself, but doesn’t take any responsibility. He makes us minor Void Refinement cultivators charge at the front and take the blame for him?”
The Sect Examination Clone said: “Fu Ji, I can’t pretend I didn’t hear what you just said. Charging for the Immortal Emperor and taking the blame for the Immortal Emperor is our blessing. How many people want this opportunity but have no way in?”
Fu Ji: “Say less, the Immortal Emperor can’t hear your bullshit.”
Right at this moment, Su Xianchen looked at Zhang Yu and asked again: “Zhang Yu, have you still not chosen which layer to use as the law establishment pilot?”
Zhang Yu’s mind raced, countless thoughts flashing by one by one, yet he was unable to make a decision.
Seeing Zhang Yu’s conflicted expression, Su Xianchen smiled faintly and said, “After all, this is a matter of great importance. It is perfectly normal that you cannot make a decision in an instant.”
“The higher-ups have given you a month’s time. You can think it over carefully during this coming month before making your choice.”
Hearing this, Zhang Yu finally breathed a sigh of relief, thinking to himself, “That’s right, for such a major matter… how could they make me decide on the spot.”
“In this coming month… I’m afraid many people will want to get in touch with me.”
With Zhang Yu’s Law Edict registration complete, his privileges elevated, and the rewards for the Law Edict pilot program distributed, the entire Law Establishment Ceremony finally drew to a close.
Tai Yuebai watched Zhang Yu’s gradually fading projection and sighed inwardly, “A Special Grade Law Edict… yet it is a Special Grade Law Edict destined to never be promoted to a Dao Lineage.”
Although Zhang Yu had just obtained a Special Grade Law Edict that exceeded everyone’s expectations, in the eyes of the many students and judges, whether from a technical or a profit perspective, it was impossible for Zhang Yu’s Law Edict to ever be promoted to a Dao Lineage in the future, and Zhang Yu himself had lost the chance to achieve immortality.
“Because it’s powerful enough, powerful enough that once it ascends to a Dao Lineage, it might gradually become a Supreme Dao Lineage. Is that why its potential was evaluated as Special Grade?”
“But it’s precisely because it’s too strong that people will stop him.”
Tai Yuebai knew that Zhang Yu’s actions… might be digging his own grave. Not only had he become the Immortal Emperor’s tool to clear out Law Edicts, but he had also chosen a dead end with no possibility of achieving immortality.
“Sigh… Zhang Yu has ultimately become a consumable for the Immortal Emperor to push forward the apocalypse.”
“But because of this… I still have a chance.” Tai Yuebai thought to himself, “Firstly, Zhang Yu’s cultivation realm is restricted. Secondly, he has only just entered Void Refinement, whereas I can begin preparing to break through to Tribulation Transcendence once I return from this trip.”
Tai Yuebai understood in his heart that in this Law Establishment Ceremony, apart from Zhang Yu, all the other cultivators had stepped into Void Refinement and had been at the peak of Void Refinement for many years.
Especially people like him, as well as Di Xuan, Lie Jinghong, and even Bu Yingshu, who all held the status of Rank 7 or even Rank 8 Sect Staff and had already obtained a Tribulation Transcendence Certificate.
To them, breaking through was naturally a matter of course.
“An advantage in cultivation realm can bridge the gap between Zhang Yu and me regarding the Law Edicts.”
“It might not even just be me, Lie Jinghong, and the others. In the Law Establishment Ceremonies over the next few years, there should be cultivators who will start preparing to break through to the Tribulation Transcendence Realm right after completing their law establishment.”
“Looking at it this way, Zhang Yu’s lead in the Law Edicts… isn’t actually that absolute.”
Thinking of this, Tai Yuebai breathed a slight sigh of relief in his heart. “Therefore… even with Zhang Yu in hand, the Immortal Emperor’s subsequent strict control over the Law Edicts won’t be accomplished in a short amount of time.”
“Perhaps, I should hurry up and seek a position for ascension as early as possible, all while maintaining my cultivation realm lead over Zhang Yu.”
Originally, Tai Yuebai felt that he still had a considerably long preparation time to change Kunxu and enforce his own will upon the world.
But at this moment, because of Zhang Yu’s appearance, Tai Yuebai’s original plans were completely disrupted.
The expiration date for Law Edicts would accelerate the growth of the Immortal Emperor’s control over the sect. The good news was that, limited by Zhang Yu’s cultivation realm, there was still a certain window of time here. However, this window… was still far too short compared to Tai Yuebai’s originally planned timeline.
“And his Law Edict pilot program must be placed in the Lower Realm.”
Ending the projection, Zhang Yu’s consciousness returned to the testing ground.
At this moment, Su Xianchen appeared before him once again and said, “We have finished talking about the Law Edict. Next, we need to discuss your Law Edict technology.”
Zhang Yu’s heart stirred. After applying the mutated version of the Sect-Guarding Technique, he knew the higher-ups would definitely be interested in this Immortal Dao Technology. He was well-prepared for Su Xianchen’s question.
Zhang Yu simply said, “I’m not too clear on the underlying principles myself. I just followed the feeling of the cultivation art’s circulation and naturally discovered that the effects of the cultivation art had changed. It seems some kind of mutation occurred…”
Su Xianchen neither agreed nor disagreed with this, merely saying, “We will slowly study the specific technical principles. You just need to cooperate with us in some tests.”
“Rest assured, whatever research results and papers come out of this, we will give you co-authorship.”
Su Xianchen was not surprised by Zhang Yu’s answer.
After all, following one’s intuition to circulate a cultivation art, altering its method of circulation, and subsequently producing mutated effects was not impossible.
Even in history, the geniuses of Immortal Dao research through the ages, because of a spiritual inspiration, a thought, a feeling… would modify and create new cultivation arts, yet be unable to explain the principles behind them. Such things are entirely common in the history of the Immortal Dao.
Of course, it was even more common in ancient times for the many Immortal Dao mediocrities to suffer Qi Deviation as a result, even leading to their deaths and the dissipation of their Dao.
After all, back when Immortal Dao Technology was not as prosperous, the various sects and schools lacked systematic Immortal Dao research methods. Often, the major experts simply explored based on their own experiences.
Besides this, Su Xianchen was more inclined to suspect that Zhang Yu’s so-called “cultivation art mutation effect” was secretly taught to him by someone. In that case, it would be perfectly normal for Zhang Yu not to know the principles behind it.
“Anyway… we’ll know once we test it.”
“It must be integrated into the existing third-generation Law Edict system.”
Su Xianchen looked at Zhang Yu, still harboring another doubt in his heart, which was regarding the other party duplicating an ultra-high-danger Dao Seed.
However, the higher-ups hadn’t mentioned this matter to him at all. They clearly didn’t intend to make it public, much less let him handle it.
Thus, after pondering for a while, Su Xianchen ultimately asked no further questions. He simply informed Zhang Yu of the time and location of the subsequent tests and left.
Not long after Su Xianchen’s projection departed, Dugu Ming’s projection descended.
As Dugu Ming looked at Zhang Yu now, there was no longer the slightest trace of his previous jealousy or wariness.
In Dugu Ming’s eyes, although Zhang Yu was greatly favored by the Immortal Emperor and would even become the Immortal Emperor’s Myriad Laws Divine Sword in the future — wielded in the Immortal Emperor’s hand to sweep away the sects for him — all of this was bought at the cost of sacrificing his future to ascend and become an Immortal.
Therefore, Dugu Ming’s thoughts had shifted from ‘This kid is like me, and he will compete with me for the chance to be wielded by the Immortal Emperor in the future’ to ‘Zhang Yu is just a temporary tool in the Immortal Emperor’s hands; I am the one who will eventually ascend and become an Immortal, becoming the Immortal Emperor’s right-hand man.’
Dugu Ming spoke with a pleasant expression, “You can still use the ability of the ultra-high-danger Dao Seed, [One Qi Swallows the Universe], right?”
Zhang Yu’s gaze grew stern, knowing that the higher-ups would inevitably ask him about this matter.
Thus, Zhang Yu nodded and asked, “I can indeed use this ability, but what is an ultra-high-danger Dao Seed?”
Hearing that Zhang Yu actually didn’t know what an ultra-high-danger Dao Seed was, a trace of surprise flashed through Dugu Ming’s eyes, but he still explained, “The so-called Dao Seed is a derivative of the Dao Seed Lineage, born within a cultivator’s body according to an unknown law.”
“And an ultra-high-danger Dao Seed is a Dao Seed that has been specifically selected… and registered on the ultra-high-danger list during the process of collecting Dao Seed information.”
“These Dao Seeds registered on the ultra-high-danger list may not necessarily possess a very powerful Dao Seed ability, but as derivatives of the Dao Lineage, they have effects akin to a heavenly principle. They often possess extreme danger, holding the potential to threaten the property safety of Immortals and the security of Kunxu, so they need to be strictly controlled.”
As the Hall Master of the Heavenly Surveillance Hall, Dugu Ming knew that the monitoring of ultra-high-danger Dao Seeds had always been carried out by the Heavenly Surveillance Hall. At this moment, recounting the origin of ultra-high-danger Dao Seeds came effortlessly to him.
Dugu Ming: “According to the public information of the great sects, there are currently a total of 19 registered ultra-high-danger Dao Seeds, and each one is strictly controlled by different sects.”
Hearing Dugu Ming’s words, Zhang Yu was slightly surprised: “There are actually as many as 19 Dao Seeds as dangerous as [One Qi Swallows the Universe]?”
Dugu Ming smiled faintly and said, “On the surface, there are 19 types. In fact, every sect may have hidden some in secret… Dao Seeds that are not registered but are enough to threaten the safety of Kunxu.”
Zhang Yu couldn’t help but ask, “You keep saying 19 types. Does that mean a Dao Seed… is a category? Each Dao Seed isn’t just owned and controlled by one person?”
Dugu Ming nodded, a trace of helplessness flashing in his eyes, and said, “Originally, there should only be one of each Dao Seed, so it couldn’t be called a category.”
“But… didn’t you and Tai Yuebai turn ‘One Qi Swallows the Universe’ into three?”
Hearing this, a thoughtful look flashed across Zhang Yu’s eyes.
Dugu Ming continued, “Because of the relationship with some other Dao Lineages, every kind of Dao Seed under the Dao Seed Dao Lineage has the possibility of appearing in plural forms. This is the mutual influence between Dao Lineages.”
Zhang Yu thought to himself, “So… does the Book also originate from a certain Dao Lineage? Could my innate talent also be due to a certain Dao Lineage?”
At this moment, Zhang Yu once again felt the power and unpredictability of Dao Lineages, as well as how fragile this world was under their influence.
Dugu Ming sighed with emotion, “The Dao Lineage is just like this. The founder of the Dao Seed Dao Lineage wanted to allow more people to possess higher Immortal Dao innate talent and the authority to govern the world, further promoting the development of Immortal Dao Technology.”
“As a result, after being superimposed with other Dao Lineages, power capable of overturning the world appeared in the hands of some with lower-tier cultivators, almost leading to another collapse of Kunxu.”
Dugu Ming looked up at the sky with a look of admiration and said, “Thanks to Grandpa Immortal Emperor leading the masses, establishing an ultra-high-danger Dao Seed monitoring network, and opening up the intelligence exchange networks of each sect, the threat of the ultra-high-danger Dao Seeds was finally brought under control, avoiding the collapse of the world.”
“It is precisely because of an existence like Grandpa Immortal Emperor supporting Kunxu that the common people of the world have been able to eke out a living until now.”
“That is why I have always admired the Immortal Emperor.”
Zhang Yu thought to himself, “Is this because the ultra-high-danger Dao Seeds threatened the Immortal Emperor’s assets? But at the end of the day… this Dao Lineage is still too dangerous.”
Immortal Slayer agreed, “Especially with the development of the times, as the number of Dao Lineages continuously increases, every newly established Dao Lineage might interact with previously established Dao Lineages, subsequently triggering unpredictable Immortal Dao disasters.”
Desolate Ox followed up, saying, “We must change this situation as soon as possible.”
While the wills in Zhang Yu’s mind were communicating with each other, Zhang Yu looked at Dugu Ming and asked, “Is this Dao Seed Dao Lineage currently mastered by any Immortal?”
Dugu Ming shook his head and said, “As far as I know, the Dao Seed Dao Lineage has never been completely mastered by a single person, but is scattered among several different sects.”
“Alright, let’s not talk about this today.”
Dugu Ming stared at Zhang Yu and said, “Since you possess the power of the ultra-high-danger Dao Seed, [One Qi Swallows the Universe], you will be monitored from now on. Without approval from above, you cannot use the power of this Dao Seed at will.”
“I came here this time to register you on the Dharma Realm’s monitoring list…”
With a light tap of Dugu Ming’s fingertip, streams of invisible power circled Zhang Yu before finally dissipating into nothingness.
“In addition to this, you have also been placed on the Heavenly Court’s ultra-high-danger list. No matter where you go in the future, you will need to apply in advance to use [One Qi Swallows the Universe]. Otherwise, if there is an unexplained increase in energy around you, or one that does not conform to the laws of the Immortal Dao, you will be investigated.”
Zhang Yu had already expected this result, but feeling the Dharma-Warding Talisman within his body, he secretly thought to himself, “The Reincarnation Immortal Emperor’s Dharma-Warding Talisman… could it mask the commotion of my [One Qi Swallows the Universe]?”
Having finished speaking, Dugu Ming took another deep look at Zhang Yu. If it were up to him to decide, he would definitely investigate how Zhang Yu had duplicated the Dao Seed.
However, the higher-ups hadn’t mentioned this matter at all, clearly intending to conceal the secrets Zhang Yu carried.
Although Dugu Ming was extremely curious, he ultimately did not bring it up.
Suppressing his curiosity, Dugu Ming spoke of another matter, “From the previous battle with Tai Yuebai, you have already incurred a debt of a thousand years of calculation power. Although you could freeze the Law Edicts within this testing ground to temporarily void the debt, this debt of a thousand years of calculation power is still registered on the Dharma Realm outside.”
“If you go outside the testing ground and are once again covered by the external Law Edicts, that debt will ultimately still fall on your head.”
Zhang Yu nodded slightly, knowing that the other party was right.
First of all, after heading to the outside world, it would be impossible for him to freeze the Law Edicts at will anymore. After all, handing over the decision-making power to freeze Law Edicts was the very reason he was able to pass the review and establish the Expiration Date Law Edict.
Here, he could use the opportunity of assessment and testing to freeze them, but once outside… the Myriad Laws Immortal Emperor would absolutely not allow him to try freezing the Law Edicts just to evade his debts.
Secondly, Zhang Yu also lacked the strength to do so.
Once he left the protection of the testing ground, if Zhang Yu faced off directly against those owners of the Law Edicts… he definitely wouldn’t be their match.
After all, although those people only possessed second-generation Law Edicts, they had been accumulating them for many years. The vastness of their coverage area, the depth of the Thought Tide amplification they received, as well as their personal assets and cultivation… none of these were things Zhang Yu could compare to.
Zhang Yu asked, “But I can’t hide in the testing ground for the rest of my life, can I?”
Dugu Ming said, “That will depend on how you manage to repay this debt yourself. I am merely giving you a reminder.”
Zhang Yu asked again, “Heavenly Monarch Dugu, then where do you think I should pilot my Law Edict…”
Dugu Ming’s projection instantly vanished. “I have a meeting to attend. Let’s talk about anything else next time.”
What a joke… The selection of an entire layer for the Law Edict pilot involved massive interests. Dugu Ming had no desire to actively involve himself in it.
Looking at Dugu Ming’s disappearing projection, Zhang Yu sighed, thinking to himself, “It seems I still have to…”
With a thought, the Myriad Laws Immortal Emperor’s secret mail address appeared before him.
Zhang Yu thought, “I still have to ask Grandpa Immortal Emperor.”
The Sect Examination Clone said, “You should have reported to Grandpa Immortal Emperor long ago! Also, don’t forget to thank Grandpa Immortal Emperor for your success in obtaining the Special Grade Law Edict this time.”
Zhang Yu said, “Then you write the opening part expressing gratitude.”
Sect Examination Clone: “Shouldn’t you sincerely thank him yourself, yet you’re asking me to write it for you again?”
Zhang Yu said, “If one is a minister truly loyal to the Myriad Laws Sect and the Immortal Emperor, one would never pass up every opportunity to show gratitude to the Immortal Emperor. To a true loyalist, shouldn’t every report to the Immortal Emperor be a pleasure?”
Fu Ji: “Zhang Yu has felt your utmost sincerity! That’s why he reluctantly gave this blessing to you!”
The Sect Examination Clone said, “Alright, stay out of my way, all of you! I’ll write the opening this time!”
Zhang Yu thought to himself, “Next is how to ask the question about choosing the floor.”
Fu Ji thought about it and said, “We can’t ask directly, or it will make us look like we lack courage and have no backbone when doing things.”
The Auspicious God hurriedly said, “We should put forward our own opinions and let the Immortal Emperor give us some guidance.”
Two pieces of trash. You know the theory but can’t integrate it with reality, the Herald God criticized inwardly. The next moment, he spoke up, “This is the proposal I just wrote regarding the ‘Feasibility Report on Law Edict Pilot Zones’. Dao Monarch, take a look and see if there are any problems.”
Zhang Yu browsed through it and said, “Little Herald, you still need to change this. Extolling the benefits of the First Layer so extravagantly makes me look too timid.”
Fu Ji secretly thought, “Does this trash Herald God think Zhang Yu wants to choose the First Layer? He doesn’t know Zhang Yu’s preferences at all. Even to avoid trouble, he would absolutely never choose the First Layer and bring disaster to those small animals.”
The Auspicious God thought to himself, “The content we need to write next, besides satisfying the Immortal Emperor’s requirements, must also satisfy Zhang Yu’s expectations of the Immortal Emperor…”
Just as Zhang Yu was hiding in the testing ground writing the report, news about the Law Establishment spread rapidly.
Especially after the relevant sect announcements were published, various propaganda and discussions became overwhelming.
“The first batch of third-generation Law Edicts is officially publicized and will officially take effect on January 1st next year…”
“Minimum Lifespan benefits enterprises, optimizes the business environment, seeks welfare for the vast number of leaders, and enables the vast number of employees to possess factory working hours…”
“‘Once Certified, Temporarily Certified’ brings about an era of exams, thousands of stocks in related enterprises rise across the board, and the cultivators within the sect joyfully welcome universal remedial classes…”
Inside the Former Days Graveyard, Old Gao looked at the various news reports related to the third-generation Law Edicts, his brows furrowing deeper the more he read: “Sigh… When will this endless rat race ever come to an end?”
Just then, his gaze suddenly focused, lingering on a particular announcement.
“An Expiration Date for Law Edicts?”
Compared to the promotional material for the other Law Edicts, the announcement regarding the Expiration Date for Law Edicts was very simple, summarizing its general content in just a few brief sentences.
Yet, a tsunami seemed to have been set off in Old Gao’s mind.
Especially… when he saw that this Law Edict was established by Zhang Yu, the shock in his eyes was beyond measure.
Right after the announcement of the Expiration Date for Law Edicts, it was as if a heavenly thunderbolt had exploded over the Myriad Laws Sect, instantly suppressing all the other Law Edict news.
A massive number of articles and reports sprang up like bamboo shoots after a spring rain, leaving Old Gao completely overwhelmed.
“It is not Zhang Yu’s era, but rather, Zhang Yu is the era! The Law Edict Expiration Date inaugurates a new era for Myriad Laws!”
“One Law Edict, two dads? Watch out for ‘Law Patriarchalism’ — the construction of our legal system cannot become a one-man dictatorship for certain cultivators!”