Chapter 925: Breaking Free from the Aspiration for the Immortal Dao, the Most Dangerous Layer
The giant corpse let out a sigh and then continued, “To an Immortal Emperor, there is no one in this world they can trust.”
“Anyone can be an obstacle or an opponent in their upward pursuit of growth.”
“The situation you feel right now, surrounded by enemies on all sides and incredibly difficult, is… nothing but a daily routine for an Immortal Emperor.”
The giant corpse lamented, “Everyone in the world wants to climb to the peak, but whether it is the path of the Immortal Dao or the development of a sect, as long as one wants to continue upward and infuse their own will into the world, the path will always become harder, more perilous, and with more and more enemies…”
Listening to the giant corpse’s account, Zhang Yu thought of the pressure he had received from all sides recently.
He thought to himself, “The higher one goes, the more of a loner they become, and the more they become the enemy of all living beings?”
“But that’s just because the Immortal Emperors are too selfish and self-serving. If I can climb up and become an Immortal Emperor in the future, I definitely won’t be like them.”
“At the very least, I’ll have A-Zhen, Yu Xinghan, Elder Sister, as well as Teacher Magnetic Pole and Teacher Gao… I can trust them.”
The Herald God thought to himself, “Hard to say.”
Zhang Yu shook his head, temporarily suppressing the distracting thoughts in his mind, and brought up another question, “So even someone as powerful as the Immortal Emperor is similarly bound by their yearning for the Immortal Path, unable to stop either?”
“Bound?” The giant corpse couldn’t help but laugh upon hearing this. “Do you think that after reaching the cultivation realm of an Immortal Emperor, one still cannot shake off the influence of the Aspiration for the Immortal Dao? How could that be possible?”
A trace of reminiscence flashed in the giant corpse’s eyes as he said, “The Myriad Laws Immortal Emperor… long before he even achieved immortality, was already able to sever the influence of the Aspiration for the Immortal Dao on himself without relying on any external power.”
Hearing these words, Immortal Slayer exclaimed in shock within Zhang Yu’s mind, “To be able to break free from the Dao Lineage before ascension? To sever the influence of the Aspiration for the Immortal Dao?”
Desolate Ox, who hadn’t spoken for a long time, also uttered a single word at this moment, “Inconceivable.”
The Sect Examination Clone laughed heartily, “This is Grandpa Immortal Emperor! This is our sect’s number one Immortal Emperor of Kunxu!”
Zhang Yu asked curiously, “Then the Myriad Laws Immortal Emperor… after he broke free from the Aspiration for the Immortal Dao, what changes did he undergo, and what did he feel?”
Off to the side, Su Lingyou and Kuang Tianqing were also hearing such secrets of the Myriad Laws Immortal Emperor for the first time. They all pricked up their ears in curiosity, unwilling to miss a single word the giant corpse was about to say next.
Scenes from past memories flashed through the giant corpse’s mind.
“I don’t want to be controlled by the Aspiration for the Immortal Dao anymore.”
“The situation is becoming increasingly dangerous, and more and more people are being sacrificed. This is an endless road…”
“I want to obtain true free will and control my own destiny.”
The giant corpse spoke, “Heh… He originally thought that after breaking free from the Aspiration for the Immortal Dao, he would be spared from countless troubles, be able to walk this world with a more independent consciousness, and carry out his destiny with his true intentions.”
“And after he successfully broke free from the Aspiration for the Immortal Dao, I once asked him how it felt.”
“He said… there was no difference.”
Hearing the giant corpse’s words, Zhang Yu asked in surprise, “No difference? Could it be that under the prolonged control of the Aspiration for the Immortal Dao, he had long been turned into someone who single-mindedly pursued the Immortal Dao? Was it the same with or without the influence of the Dao Lineage?”
Su Lingyou, who was standing to the side, said, “Or is it that… the Myriad Laws Immortal Emperor’s true nature is to endlessly pursue the Immortal Dao?”
The giant corpse said indifferently, “Neither of you is wrong. But whether it was the Aspiration for the Immortal Dao that turned him into this, or if this was simply his true nature all along, is no longer known by anyone.”
“It’s just that at the time, he also told me one thing…”
“After breaking free from the Aspiration for the Immortal Dao, he discovered that beneath the Aspiration for the Immortal Dao… there was an even more fundamental Dao Lineage.”
“Human desires, humanity’s endless craving for… growth.”
“The foundation of human society, the progress of technology, the growth of wealth… all stem from this.”
Hearing these words, Zhang Yu was greatly shocked. “Even the deepest desires in the human heart… also originate from a Dao Lineage? What about the desires in my heart? Are they also triggered by a Dao Lineage?”
The giant corpse continued, “Actually, to a true powerhouse, this isn’t exactly a new discovery. It’s just that at the time, even I didn’t expect him to perceive this before he had even achieved immortality. This person is indeed an unparalleled Immortal talent, the likes of which I have rarely seen in my life.”
In Zhang Yu’s mind, Immortal Slayer marveled once again, “To have already researched the Dao Lineage to such an extent before having even achieved immortality? Does this conform to the laws of the Immortal Dao?”
Desolate Ox said, “Unimaginable, unbelievable, bizarre, and earth-shattering…”
“Stop reciting idioms,” the Sect Examination Clone said smugly. “This is our Grandpa Immortal Emperor, his Immortal Dao Technology is number one in Kunxu!”
“Anyone who didn’t know better would think the Immortal Emperor really took you in as his godson,” Fu Ji secretly criticized in her heart. “But this Myriad Laws Immortal Emperor… the more you know about him, the more terrifying he becomes. If Zhang Yu continues to climb the ranks, will he really become enemies with him in the future? Isn’t that just courting death?”
At this moment, Fu Ji made up her mind to properly persuade Zhang Yu. What was so bad about being a dog for their Grandpa Immortal Emperor?
Meanwhile, after the giant corpse sighed, he continued, “From then on, the Myriad Laws Immortal Emperor understood that the pursuit of growth is the foundation for the existence of humanity, companies, cities, and even sects… All of this exists because it is the fundamental Dao Lineage that maintains human existence.”
“If he were to rid himself of even this Dao Lineage, he would lose the meaning of his own existence. Just like some ancient entities who attempted it in the past… he would directly pass away.”
Standing to the side, Kuang Tianqing also exclaimed in shock, “If even the deepest desires in one’s heart stem from a Dao Lineage, does that mean in the eras without this Dao Lineage, people had no desires in their hearts? Then how did they survive?”
The giant corpse said, “Perhaps, but that is too long ago and already belongs to unknown history. As for what exactly happened during that period of history, even I don’t know the exact situation.”
Hearing these words, Zhang Yu sighed inwardly, “This Kunxu… is more than just a mountain of spaghetti code, isn’t it? It’s simply a spaghetti universe. With these layers upon layers of patches applied, heaven knows what the original world looked like.”
The giant corpse waved his hand, bringing the topic back. “We’ve strayed too far off-topic. Let’s get back to the current Myriad Laws Immortal Emperor.”
“To him, whether he is influenced by the Aspiration for the Immortal Dao lineage or not makes no difference. Pursuing the Apex of the Immortal Dao is inherently his greatest desire.”
“If he were able to control this Dao Lineage, he would probably wish that he was the only one in the entire world possessing this layer of blessing from the Aspiration for the Immortal Dao.”
The giant corpse sighed with emotion, “After all, to the Immortal Emperors, 10 Immortal Emperors… is still too many.”
“1… 1 would be just right for them. And the Myriad Laws Immortal Emperor is currently one of the Immortal Emperors closest to this goal.”
“To become the sole Immortal Emperor and monopolize all Dao Lineages, for this goal… he is willing to negotiate anything.”
“And right now, he will not easily miss the opportunity to use you to control the Law Edicts.”
The giant corpse said in a serious tone, “Law Edicts are the foundation for uplifting Dao Lineages. Controlling Law Edicts… is already stepping into the realm of influencing the Dao Lineages.”
“And to the Immortal Emperors, as long as there is an opportunity to take a step further, as long as the return in profit is large enough, and as long as they can obtain a high enough growth, they will not hesitate, even if it might plunge them into a crisis.”
Zhang Yu sighed, “As long as the benefits are sufficient, they will even sell the rope used to hang themselves.”
The giant corpse’s eyes flickered upon hearing this. “What you said is quite right.”
Zhang Yu said, “So you mean that the Myriad Laws Immortal Emperor will not compromise, and will still take the risk to push for the development of the Law Edict Expiration Date within the sect?”
“Then why hasn’t he made any new moves?”
This was also something Zhang Yu had always found strange. The current situation looked extremely perilous, but the Immortal Emperor had yet to launch a true counterattack.
And Zhang Yu believed that since the Immortal Emperor dared to help him pass the ‘Law Edict Expiration Date,’ it was impossible for him not to have prepared a means to counterattack.
“He is waiting,” the giant corpse said indifferently. “Waiting for news from the other sects. The Law Establishment of the third-generation Law Edict this time… is not just being done by Myriad Laws alone.”
Zhang Yu’s heart stirred, and a guess welled up in his mind, “Could it be… that other sects will also give birth to Law Edicts capable of regulating Law Edicts?”
The giant corpse glanced at Kuang Tianqing and said, “You explain.”
Kuang Tianqing smiled faintly and said, “Dao Monarch Zhang, your senses are truly keen. You guessed correctly; there are indeed other sects creating similar Law Edicts.”
With a light tap of Kuang Tianqing’s fingertip, screens of light suddenly appeared, revealing the scene of another Law Establishment Evaluation.
“This is the Law Establishment Evaluation currently underway in the Vajra Sect. Among them is a cultivator named Ye Heng, who has established a Law Edict of the ‘Law Establishment Attainment Level’, used to define the scope of influence of the lawmakers.”
Kuang Tianqing added, “Although he has not succeeded yet, according to the intelligence we currently possess, his probability of success is very high.”
Zhang Yu knew that although the Law Establishment times of the various factions were close, the dates were ultimately not exactly the same. Therefore, it was perfectly normal that Myriad Laws had finished on their end, while the Vajra Sect had not yet concluded theirs.
Zhang Yu looked deeply at Kuang Tianqing and said, “Your intelligence network is truly well-developed.”
He recalled that just when he descended, Kuang Tianqing and the other two were still watching the recording of the Law Establishment Evaluation on the Myriad Laws side.
Originally, he thought this was leaked by a spy planted in the Myriad Laws Sect by the Heavenly Demon Sect, someone like Kuang Zhiqian, which showed how deeply the Heavenly Demon Sect had infiltrated the Myriad Laws Sect.
But he didn’t expect that the Heavenly Demon Sect had planted people not only in the Myriad Laws Sect, but even among the middle and upper echelons of the Vajra Sect.
Hearing Zhang Yu’s words, Kuang Tianqing smiled slightly and said, “If you’re talking about spreading rumors, creating gossip, and shaping public opinion, then perhaps the Heavenly Sword Sect can be called number one. But when it comes to a true intelligence network and confidential information gathering, our Reincarnation Group is number one in Kunxu.”
“I dare say that regarding the Law Establishment news from the Vajra Sect, the Buddha Emperor might be the first to know, but our sect’s Reincarnation Immortal Emperor must be the second.”
“As for the Myriad Laws Immortal Emperor, he might know some news, or he might have some guesses, but no matter what… he will definitely wait until he has accurate news before making a move.”
Zhang Yu nodded and said, “Once, aside from the Myriad Laws Sect, even the Vajra Sect produces a cultivator capable of controlling Law Edicts, the external pressure on the Myriad Laws Sect will naturally decrease.”
The giant corpse said, “Exactly. At that time, all the major sects will understand that blocking it… is no longer possible, so they must fight for it. The alliance of external factions originally targeting the Myriad Laws side will also collapse on its own.”
“Next, more cultivators will be openly sent by the major sects… to participate in the work of controlling Law Edicts.”
“When the time comes for Law Establishment next year, I’m afraid all the major sects will present their own Law Edict controllers.”
“In the future, when they complete the management of the Law Edicts within their own sects and seek outward expansion… they will all become your competitors, each fighting for control over the Law Edicts.”
“And someone like this Ye Heng from the Vajra Sect might very well be your greatest opponent at that time, and will have a decisive battle with you.” Hearing the other party’s analysis, Zhang Yu seemed to foresee a magnificent and fierce struggle unfolding among the Ten Great Sects.
“The advancement of Immortal Dao Technology has ushered in the era of the third-generation Law Edict, subsequently triggering a new round of Immortal Dao competition among the Ten Great Sects.”
Zhang Yu said thoughtfully, “So… once the law establisher of the Vajra Sect succeeds and the news spreads, the external pressure facing the Myriad Laws Immortal Emperor will ease, and he will take action to suppress the opposition? When that time comes, even if I don’t want to set the Law Edict Pilot at the sect layers, I will have to do so.”
The giant corpse did not speak, as if he had already said everything he wanted to say for today.
Kuang Tianqing, standing to the side, stepped forward and said, “Zhang Yu, that would be a bit too late.”
“The probability of Ye Heng succeeding in his Law Establishment is very high.”
“We hope you can announce your choice of Law Edict in advance, take a stand with the Myriad Laws Immortal Emperor, show your determination, and further elevate your future weight under the Myriad Laws Immortal Emperor’s wing.”
Zhang Yu was slightly taken aback before saying, “Do you have any idea how many people are watching me right now?”
Kuang Tianqing said, “Of course we know, but this is exactly a golden opportunity. Although you established the Law Edict Expiration Date, you only control its execution; you do not hold the specific auditing authority to decide whether a Law Edict is frozen.”
“And since the Myriad Laws Immortal Emperor is going to push for the Law Edict Expiration Date next, he will inevitably establish a Law Edict Review Department.”
“Only by showing your determination and will to withstand the pressure and regulate the Law Edicts at this very moment will the Immortal Emperor value you more, granting you the chance to enter this department.”
Kuang Tianqing waved his large hand and said confidently, “Although the Myriad Laws Immortal Emperor is strong, each has their own specialty. It is impossible for him to know the Vajra Sect’s situation a step ahead of our sect’s Reincarnation Immortal Emperor.”
“Only by making a public stance at this time, when the situation is still unclear, can you demonstrate your boldness and determination. It will surely earn you massive points in the eyes of the Myriad Laws Immortal Emperor. Taking charge of the Law Edict Review Department in the future will be like adding wings to a tiger for your Law Edict development!”
Hearing Kuang Tianqing’s words, Fu Ji hastily said, “Make a public stance now? Isn’t that making yourself a target for everyone? Do you know how much pressure you’ll have to endure? Zhang Yu, don’t listen to him, don’t take the risk!”
“These guys from the Reincarnation Group just want us to climb higher in the Myriad Laws Sect so that we can be more easily used by them in the future and do their bidding!”
Hearing this, the Sect Examination Clone shouted, “True heroes show their colors in times of turmoil! How can we give up an opportunity to prove ourselves in front of the Immortal Emperor? At worst, a few more subordinates will die and we’ll lose a bit more money. As long as the Immortal Emperor values us, we can make it all back.”
Fu Ji said, “Is the Immortal Emperor you’re talking about the Reincarnation Immortal Emperor who created you? Or the Myriad Laws Immortal Emperor? I think you should just keep your mouth shut. How many times has Zhang Yu gambled already? He can’t keep taking such risks…”
Meanwhile, Kuang Tianqing reached out a hand. “This is your reward for cooperating with us in the Law Establishment this time.”
As he spoke, Kuang Tianqing flicked his finger, and two Evil Gods that had been transformed into black pearls shot out, caught by Zhang Yu in his hand.
Kuang Tianqing continued, “If you are willing to publicly pick a side, withstand the pressure, and announce the news that the Law Edict Pilot is to be selected within the sect, we can give you two more Evil Gods.”
Fu Ji said, “Then again, since we’ve already taken so many risks, one more won’t make a difference.”
A moment later, watching Zhang Yu’s retreating back, Kuang Tianqing said, “Senior, will Zhang Yu agree?”
The giant corpse replied, “Normally speaking, yes, but this person…”
The giant corpse’s eyes flashed, and he said faintly, “It seems he has already severed the control of the Aspiration for the Immortal Dao through his own power, so it’s hard to say.”
Hearing these words from the giant corpse, Kuang Tianqing and Su Lingyou both felt a jolt in their hearts.
Kuang Tianqing thought in shock, “Zhang Yu severed the control of the Aspiration for the Immortal Dao with his own power? How is that possible? He is only in Void Refinement. Even the Myriad Laws Immortal Emperor only achieved this step in the Ascension Realm, yet he actually… can already do it now?”
At this moment, Zhang Yu’s figure became increasingly unfathomable in the eyes of Kuang Tianqing and Su Lingyou.
They also suddenly understood why Zhang Yu was so highly regarded by the Reincarnation Immortal Emperor, who repeatedly placed bets on him and pushed him time and time again toward the upper echelons of the Myriad Laws Sect.
Lingyou asked, “So, having Zhang Yu perform well this time isn’t just about the Law Edict? Could it be for the even higher…”
“Dao Lineage,” the giant corpse said flatly. “Whether Zhang Yu’s law can be promoted to a Dao Lineage in the future depends on how the Myriad Laws Immortal Emperor views him.”
Su Lingyou said, “So he needs to display his loyalty?”
“Loyalty?” The giant corpse sneered. “For an existence whose enemies are the entire world, a solitary figure, what need is there for loyalty? Compared to loyalty, they prefer control. If he intends to support Zhang Yu’s ascension to the Dao Lineage level, the Myriad Laws Immortal Emperor will inevitably use absolute methods to control him. What Zhang Yu needs to display is a much higher value.”
“Actually, for matters like sweeping out Law Edicts or even reviewing them, his performance before and after the Law Establishment has already proven him more than capable of taking on the role.”
“But to challenge for a Dao Lineage? Or even touch the edges of commanding a Dao Lineage? His current performance is still far from enough. He needs to seize every single opportunity to continue demonstrating his worth.”
Kuang Tianqing sighed in admiration, “The Emperor Sovereign is truly far-sighted. Right now, Zhang Yu’s Law Edict hasn’t even been truly established, yet he has already begun laying the groundwork for the future struggles over the Dao Lineages.”
Emperor Sovereign was an honorific used by the cultivators of the Heavenly Demon Sect to respectfully address their own Immortal Emperor.
Hearing this, the giant corpse secretly thought in his heart, “He who does not scheme for the Dao Lineages cannot scheme even for a moment. My good disciple, are you trying to thrust this divine sword that is Zhang Yu… all the way into Myriad Laws’ heart?”
“But I fear this is sending a sheep into the tiger’s den, allowing Myriad Laws to grasp this divine sword and cleave open the immortal path…”
Inside the Immortal Grotto-Heaven. sss After swallowing the power of the two newly arrived Evil Gods, a trace of satisfaction flashed across Fu Ji’s face.
And the number of unnamed Evil God underlings had also reached three.
Zhang Yu looked at the Evil God Black Pearls, which had increased to six in number, and circulated the “Veiling Heaven to Conceal Demons Great Art” obtained from the Reincarnation Immortal Emperor, retracting all the Evil God Black Pearls back into his shadow.
Zhang Yu asked, “Fu Ji, can you upgrade now?”
Fu Ji said, “No, I still need to eat one or two more like this to be able to upgrade. Should we just listen to the Reincarnation Group, make a public statement, and choose the Law Edict Pilot at the sect layers?”
Immortal Slayer suddenly spoke up, “Zhang Yu, when we were on the 15th Layer, we sensed an ancestor’s corpse left behind by Patriarch Ying, right? It should be just a bit higher on the 16th Layer.”
Hearing this, Fu Ji immediately understood… Immortal Slayer also supported Zhang Yu setting the Law Edict Pilot in the sect layers, or even simply setting it on the 16th Layer.
Not to mention the Sect Examination Clone.
Fu Ji suddenly realized, “It’s rare this time… everyone’s opinions are actually unanimous?”
Zhang Yu did not answer Fu Ji and Immortal Slayer. Instead, with a mere thought, he arrived within the Supreme Clarity Realm.
“Sis, you finally replied to me!”
Zhang Pianpian turned her head, looked at Zhang Yu, and said, “Brother, you’ve made big news again this time.”
Looking at Zhang Yu’s bitter smile, Zhang Pianpian shook her head and said, “You want to ask me for information, right?”
Zhang Pianpian turned around, sighed, and said, “You only have three choices right now. The first is to compromise with the opposition and choose the Lower Realm, or even the First Layer.”
“But if you do that, although you will no longer face so much pressure, your standing in the eyes of the Myriad Laws Immortal Emperor will plummet, and your Immortal Dao Potential will drop drastically.”
“Although with your current cultivation, even if you can’t climb any higher, it’s enough for you to survive. However, I suppose you wouldn’t be willing to do that.”
“Not to mention having to sacrifice the Lower Realm… Little brother, you can’t accept this kind of outcome, can you?”
Although Zhang Yu didn’t answer, Zhang Pianpian already knew his choice.
She sighed and continued, “The second choice is to keep dragging it out until the situation becomes clear, until the Immortal Emperor takes the initiative to act. No matter what happens… you just need to follow the Immortal Emperor’s wishes.”
Seeing that Zhang Yu still hadn’t spoken, Zhang Pianpian said helplessly, “The most thankless choice, of course, is to take the initiative and pull the chestnuts out of the fire.”
Zhang Yu smiled helplessly and said, “Sis, if I want to choose the sect, which layer is better?”
Zhang Pianpian said, “The 11th to 14th layers are where the lower rank Sect Staff are located, and they are also the location of the major sects’ factory areas. They involve countless production matters. Carrying out a Law Edict Pilot here could easily cause significant economic losses to the sect.”
“The 15th and 16th layers are the highest layers that a Void Refinement Cultivator can reach. They have the best cultivation conditions and environment available to them, and are where the Immortal Abodes of the vast majority of Void Refinement Cultivators are located.”
“If you want to carry out the sweeping of the Law Edicts, it is most convenient to do so on these two layers.”
Zhang Yu nodded slightly and asked again, “Then between the 15th Layer and the 16th Layer, which one is better to choose?”
Zhang Pianpian said, “Those who establish their Immortal Abodes on the 15th Layer are naturally Rank 5 Sect Staff Void Refinement Cultivators. Meanwhile, Rank 6 Sect Staff Void Refinement Cultivators will inevitably have settled their Immortal Abodes on the 16th Layer.”
“Therefore, the 16th Layer has the greatest number of Void Refinement cultivators, the most senior ones, and its Law Edict landscape is also the most complex and comprehensive, moreover…”
Zhang Pianpian tapped her fingertips lightly, and screens of light emerged. Impressively, they displayed the data of various Law Edicts of the Myriad Laws Sect, categorizing the Law Edicts according to the cultivation realm of their establishers into three types: Void Refinement, Tribulation Transcendence, and Ascension.
“You are currently in the Void Refinement Realm. In fact, the Law Edicts you can freeze are mainly those established by cultivators in the Void Refinement Realm.”
“But as it happens, the so-called senior Void Refinement cultivators are simply Void Refinement cultivators who have failed to advance for many years. Ultimately, according to the data comparisons I’ve made, their inability to advance is simply because their Law Edict Potential has been exhausted, or they have even become outdated.”
Zhang Pianpian sighed, “With Void Refinement Law Establishment, the moment a Law Edict is set, it determines a cultivator’s upper limit.”
Zhang Yu’s gaze flickered slightly. Within the Void Refinement list, he had already spotted Si Shian, who established the “Four-Hour Workday”, and Ban Jinchen, who established “Paid Overtime”.
At this moment, a trace of realization arose in Zhang Yu’s heart: “No wonder these two guys jumped out one after another. It’s not just because someone behind the scenes instructed them to do so, but even more so because… they felt their Law Edicts might be among the first batch targeted for purging?”
Zhang Pianpian said, “In other words, the 16th Layer is not only where the most senior Void Refinement cultivators are located, but it is also bound to be where the most Law Edicts that need to be purged are located.”
“This is the layer where you can best showcase your abilities, and it is also the most dangerous layer for you.”