Having finally achieved the Grand Dao Realm, Lu Fang let out a long sigh. At this moment, he could feel that the magical power within him had transformed into the purest essence, surging and flowing throughout his body.

Where his previous power had been like small streams, it was now like massive rivers circulating within him. Countless dangerous expeditions, countless confrontations with powerful adversaries, countless sword strikes, countless hours of cultivation, countless infusions of spiritual energy, countless acquisitions of exotic beasts—all of it had now crystallized into this exhilarating sensation.

Finally, all that effort yielded this reward: achieving the Grand Dao Realm—a reward of incomparable magnitude. Lu Yuan vaguely sensed that his entire magical essence moved like two colossal rivers.

Lu Yuan did not realize that a normal practitioner reaching the Grand Dao Realm would have their entire magical power resemble a single immense river. Lu Yuan’s power, however, was vastly stronger than the average Grand Dao Realm expert; it was indeed like two massive rivers.

The power surging through him was intoxicating, far surpassing the feeling during the Longevity Realm. Lu Yuan finally understood why, while in the Longevity Realm, he could never defeat a Grand Dao Realm expert.

The disparity was simply too great. If he hadn't utilized the strength of the two puppets, Xuan Huazi and Ming Jianzi, even with his supreme swordsmanship, he could never have overcome such an unimaginable chasm of difference.

For the first time, Lu Yuan’s entire body was suffused with such immense magical power that he felt an urgent need to vent it. He instantly ascended above the Black Water River and unleashed a barrage of sword strikes upon it, one after another.

As he unleashed his swords, he simultaneously channeled the Water Emperor Sword Dao. The Black Water River thrashed violently, raising countless towering waves, and several preceding restrictive formations were obliterated by Lu Yuan’s direct assault.

That was… the Black Water Myriad Wonders Restriction. That was… the Black Water Ultimate Life Restriction.

These two restrictive formations had remained utterly motionless when struck by the magical power of numerous first-layer Grand Dao Realm cultivators. Only those at the second layer of the Grand Dao Realm, those who understood the Laws of Heaven and Earth, could break them.

Yet now, Lu Yuan, merely at the first layer of the Grand Dao Realm, shattered these two formations with a single slash. Lu Yuan’s magical essence was so profound, so much stronger than a first-layer Grand Dao Realm cultivator, that he had reached a level capable of contending with second-layer Grand Dao Realm masters of the Laws of Heaven and Earth.

This was too powerful. For anyone else, this would be utterly inconceivable.

However, thinking conversely, the heavenly tribulations Lu Yuan had just endured—such as the Ten Jiazi Divine Wood Tribulation and the All-Heavens Fire God Tribulation—were ordeals that ordinary Grand Dao Realm cultivators would never encounter, let alone the ultimately terrifying Water Emperor Heavenly Tribulation. After surviving such tribulations, it was entirely normal for his power to advance to a level comparable with second-layer masters of the Laws of Heaven and Earth.

Of course, even if their magical power was comparable, if the intricacies of their techniques were disregarded, a second-layer Grand Dao Realm master of the Laws of Heaven and Earth could still easily defeat Lu Yuan, as they could manipulate the Laws of Heaven and Earth, something Lu Yuan could not yet do. However, if one factored in the advantage gained from superior techniques, determining who was stronger between Lu Yuan and the second-layer masters of the Laws of Heaven and Earth remained uncertain.

Lu Yuan continued his display until he felt the turbulent power within him slowly subside, returning to a state of normal operation. Next, his goal would be to higher realms.

In the Cultivation World, once one reached the seventh layer of the Grand Dao Realm—the Apex Qingyun—they could be called a Grandmaster. Both the Jin and Yuan Kingdoms, including the subterranean demons, boasted eight Grandmasters in total.

Although Dongfang Yao had perished, Ren Du would immediately take his place, keeping the count at eight. If Lu Yuan could advance to the fifth or sixth layer of the Grand Dao Realm, his combat strength would fundamentally place him among the top tier of the Jin and Yuan Kingdoms.

It seemed, almost inadvertently, that he was nearing the pinnacle. Of course, while that was the description, ascending to the peak was like viewing the summit from the mountainside—it looked close, but in reality, it was exceedingly far away.

After venting his energy, Lu Yuan naturally retreated to the Black Water River, intending to attack again. Lu Yuan’s recent triggering of the heavenly tribulations had devastated the surrounding area.

Now, after regrouping, they were preparing once more to assault the eight hundred miles of the Black Water River. Naturally, this was the affair of the Orthodox Immortal Sects, and Lu Yuan was merely one participant.

Furthermore, Lu Yuan understood that while his strength had soared with his promotion to the Grand Dao Realm, he still did not know how vast the gap was when compared to the power of the Black Water River demons. Lu Yuan retreated, and the others continued with their respective duties.

After Lu Yuan stepped down, he was summoned for a discussion. The person who sought him out was Fang Ru, the Peak Master of the North Peak.

Although there were still six other Grand Dao Realm figures within the North Peak’s Chuyun Immortal Realm, those who had retreated were effectively finished with daily management. They no longer involved themselves deeply in routine matters, entrusting major affairs to Fang Ru.

They would only intervene when the North Peak required fighting strength or backing. Fang Ru spoke, “This is merely a routine notification regarding a matter you must know.” “Ah.” Lu Yuan was slightly perplexed; what could he possibly need to know that was so crucial?

He remained silent, awaiting the next words. Fang Ru continued, “In the near future, you will undergo a special intensive training session to prepare for your journey to the Central Celestial Dynasty.” “Go to the Central Celestial Dynasty?” Lu Yuan started.

“Yes, to the Central Celestial Dynasty.” Fang Ru nodded. “The Central Celestial Dynasty is the core of the great land, the Heavenly Court on the surface.

The density of spiritual energy there is ten, perhaps even dozens of times greater than ours. Our elders here struggle desperately to reach the Grand Dao Realm; they are exceptionally rare.

In the Central Celestial Dynasty, even the top figures among the True Disciples can attain the Grand Dao Realm, and there are many more elders who have reached it.” “That place is a world where true longevity is worthless, Grand Dao experts are commonplace, and the Chaos Void Realm is frequently encountered.” “The reason you are going there is that only there can you achieve substantial improvement. Remaining solely in the Jin Kingdom, despite your immense potential, would cause delays.

Senior Martial Uncle Yan, Senior Martial Uncle Zhou, Senior Martial Uncle Chu—they all went to the Central Celestial Dynasty. And Eighth Generation’s fifth-ranked member, Senior Martial Uncle Zhuo Budang—you must have heard of him—he also attempted the assessment to enter the Central Celestial Dynasty but failed.

The Eighth Generation was a Golden Generation, yet three of them managed to enter the Central Celestial Dynasty. The Seventh Generation had not a single person who could enter.

The difficulty of entering can thus be imagined.” “Naturally, we will provide you with significant specialized training before you take the assessment; that is for later,” Fang Ru stated. In truth, Fang Ru himself did not fully grasp the details, merely relaying prepared instructions.

After all, Fang Ru was still at the tenth layer of the Longevity Realm. Though he did not outwardly reveal it, he envied Lu Yuan’s breakthrough to the Grand Dao Realm.

He had been stuck at the tenth layer of the Longevity Realm for a long time, unable to advance. To remain short of the Grand Dao Realm was ultimately meaningless; this saying was no exaggeration.

The Central Celestial Dynasty? Lu Yuan was momentarily stunned.

Indeed, he had long understood that his ultimate path would eventually lead to the Central Celestial Dynasty. After all, that was the true massive stage, the main theater of operations.

However, this was a matter for the future; he would deal with it later. Lu Yuan found the situation incredibly strange.

He had merely been slightly intoxicated, slept for a short while, and upon waking, he was told the Battle of the Black Water River was over, the White-Haired Eagle King, one of the Four Great Demon Kings, was dead, and the Purple Qilin Demon King and the Crimson Wing Demon King had both fled. Then, he was further informed that the battle in the subterranean world was essentially concluding.

This… happened too quickly. He had only just participated in a life-and-death struggle, and the Orthodox Immortal Sects hadn't been attacking the underworld for that long; how could it be over already?

“It is actually quite simple,” said Lu Qingtao, a paramount figure in the North Peak’s Chuyun Immortal Realm. Lu Qingtao was slender and refined; because he also enjoyed drinking, he shared a certain camaraderie with Lu Yuan.

Lu Qingtao spoke, “Dongfang Yao is dead, and Ren Du has not immediately taken over. Because of this, the subterranean demons could not resist the Orthodox Immortal Sects.

This outing is a guaranteed victory, establishing an immortal legacy for ten thousand generations. Because the opportunity was so perfect, it turned out to be much simpler than anticipated.” “Of course, this is also due to the foundational advantages built up over a thousand years by Senior Martial Brother Yan’s generation, advantages that have now expanded to the point where the Orthodox Immortal Sects far surpass the subterranean demons.

Coupled with the previous attack on Mount Hua by a hundred thousand demons, which damaged their vitality, and the subsequent internal strife among the demons, this battle was bound to be won.” “And it would be won so easily.” Lu Yuan was startled, “Then why didn't Ren Du seize the opportunity to take the position of Demon Emperor?” Lu Qingtao took a drink, “Firstly, Ren Du has been absent for a long time. Taking over suddenly, he would immediately face the onslaught of the Orthodox Immortal Sects.

He likely could not withstand the pressure, and a military defeat would be ignominious. Secondly, the original subterranean world operated under a tripartite balance: Dongfang Yao, Fang Xie, and Jing Huanzhen.

Originally, Fang Xie and Jing Huanzhen joined forces to resist the pressure from Dongfang Yao. Now, Ren Du clearly intends to use the pressure exerted by the Orthodox Immortal Sects to force Fang Xie and Jing Huanzhen to submit.” “Evidently, Ren Du plans to abandon the subterranean world—to discard decades of established foundation—and have Fang Xie and Jing Huanzhen join his command.

This is Ren Du’s strategy.” “Moreover, under the pressure from the Orthodox Immortal Sects, Jing Huanzhen and Fang Xie are highly likely to defect to Ren Du,” Lu Qingtao analyzed the situation. “As for the Orthodox Immortal Sects, do the great figures like Senior Martial Brother Chu Duan not see Ren Du’s plan?

However, if this arrangement leads to the annihilation of the subterranean world and the establishment of an immortal legacy for ten thousand generations, they are naturally delighted to see it happen.” “Therefore, this conflict is a situation where the Orthodox Immortal Sects gain, Ren Du gains, and the subordinates of Fang Xie, Jing Huanzhen, and Dongfang Yao suffer the loss. Since this outcome benefits the Orthodox Immortal Sects, these great figures of the Immortal Sects will naturally facilitate this affair.” Lu Qingtao spoke fluidly, explaining the causes and effects of the situation with perfect clarity.

Listening to his analysis, Lu Yuan finally understood the full context. It seemed the war in the underworld would conclude soon.

It was time for him to prepare for the specialized training required for the assessment to the Central Celestial Dynasty.