The Deputy Head of the Miao Blade Civilization stated, "Miao Changsheng was my reincarnated nephew; in his past life he was my nephew, and in this life he remains so. Since Miao Changsheng died at Lu Yuan's hands, I challenge Lu Yuan to avenge the slaying of my kin." His request was perfectly reasonable; after all, his relative was killed, and such a grievance demanded retribution. Furthermore, he did not interfere with the Azure Maiden Contest of the Phoenix Ancient Civilization, viewing it purely as a personal vendetta. By all rights and logic, the Lord of the Phoenix Ancient Civilization could not refuse this demand, especially since the Nine Heavens Xuannü had done the very same thing in the past; if the Nine Heavens Xuannü could do it, the Lord of the Phoenix Ancient Civilization found it difficult to stop others from doing the same.

In this world, sometimes one convinces through strength, and sometimes through reason.

The Lord of the Phoenix Ancient Civilization currently maintained a neutral stance and could not favor either side, thus being forced to rely on reason to prevail.

It was precisely this opening that the Deputy Head of the Miao Blade Civilization seized upon to argue his case.

However, if the Deputy Head of the Miao Blade Civilization were to fight Lu Yuan, it would be fundamentally unfair. The Deputy Head was a Civilization Deputy Head of the Third Epoch, while Lu Yuan, though also in the Civilization Realm, had only just entered it. Lu Yuan stood no chance against the Deputy Head of the Miao Blade Civilization; the gap between them was immense.

Now, the situation rested on how Lu Yuan would respond.

"Wait." The Deputy Head of the Miao Gu Civilization suddenly spoke up, "This Miao Changsheng was my adopted son, everyone should remember that, correct?" This was indeed true; Miao Changsheng was the adopted son of the Deputy Head of the Miao Gu Civilization. The Deputy Head of the Miao Gu Civilization enjoyed using Gu (venomous insects/creatures); he had adopted numerous godchildren, and whichever one proved strongest in the end would receive his ultimate teachings—this was his method of 'raising Gu.'

The Deputy Head of the Miao Gu Civilization stated, "Lu Yuan killed my adopted son; naturally, I must also avenge this."

The Deputy Head of the Miao Gu Civilization slyly needled the Lord of the Phoenix Ancient Civilization: "The Lord of the Phoenix Ancient Civilization has always been neutral; concerning matters of private enmity like this, I trust the Lord will not show favoritism, right?"

The Deputy Head of the Miao Gu Civilization then stepped forward again to challenge Lu Yuan. He possessed the magical power of the Second Epoch, though the Deputy Head of the Miao Gu Civilization's standard Second Epoch power could not be compared normally. He was a fighter who utilized Gu, having once slain a figure from the Third Epoch, earning renown for a time.

Thus, the current predicament saw both the Deputy Head of the Miao Blade Civilization and the Deputy Head of the Miao Gu Civilization issuing simultaneous challenges to Lu Yuan.

This was truly more than just a challenge.

It was an absolutely unequal confrontation.

It was blatant bullying aimed at Lu Yuan, who had just entered the Civilization Realm.

The combined might of the Miao Blade and Miao Gu Civilization Deputy Heads could easily annihilate Lu Yuan; he faced a near-certain death sentence.

Moreover, these two Deputy Heads were not solely focused on Lu Yuan. By eliminating the backer of Yue Nu Xiao Qing first, they intended to shake her confidence, causing her to falter in the Azure Maiden Contest, thus allowing Miao Nu Qinglian to defeat her. This was the plan of the Miao Civilization.

After Miao Changsheng was slain, the Miao Civilization hadn't immediately confronted Lu Yuan; instead, they erupted now like a tempest.

Once unleashed, their force was unstoppable.

Lu Yuan was in trouble!

This move by the Miao Civilization had cornered both Lu Yuan and Yue Nu Xiao Qing into a desperate situation.

Because of his neutrality, the Lord of the Phoenix Ancient Civilization found it difficult to speak. The Deputy Head of the Fa Kong Civilization from the Fa Ancient Civilization roared out, "Deputy Heads of Miao Blade and Miao Gu Civilizations, you two established Deputy Heads, attacking a junior who has only just ascended to the Civilization Realm—do you not feel shame?"

From the side of the Desolate Ancient Civilization, the Deputy Head of the Huang Wen Civilization smiled placidly, "If Deputy Head Fa Kong finds this unbearable, perhaps the two of us could exchange a few moves. I have long wished to experience your renowned technique, 'Heaven and Earth Emptiness, Epoch Emptiness.' Truly, do not disappoint me." The Deputy Head of the Huang Wen Civilization sent out by the Desolate Ancient Civilization possessed the power of the Sixth Epoch, while Deputy Head Fa Kong commanded the Fifth Epoch. Clearly, Deputy Head Huang Wen held the advantage. This demonstrated that the Miao Civilization had prepared everything this time; all arrangements were set, waiting for Lu Yuan and Yue Nu Xiao Qing to fall into the trap.

Their sudden offensive made responding extremely difficult.

The Deputy Head of the Miao Blade Civilization held his Miao Blade, while the Deputy Head of the Miao Gu Civilization kept his hands tucked into his sleeves. Two overwhelmingly powerful auras simultaneously enveloped Lu Yuan.

All eyes fixed on Lu Yuan. The Miao Civilization had made their move; now it was time to see how Lu Yuan would react. Yet, upon reflection, Lu Yuan had no good countermeasures, and indeed, it seemed impossible to counter. Dealing with two Civilization Realm experts attacking simultaneously was no simple feat. Everyone looked at Lu Yuan, only to see him maintain his usual languid demeanor. Lu Yuan gulped down a mouthful of wine and said, "Since Deputy Head Miao Blade and Deputy Head Miao Gu wish to offer guidance, I shall accept. However, try not to kill yourselves. In a while, when the Deputy Head of the Miao Civilization appears to avenge you, your Miao Civilization will truly have escalated from fighting the young to fighting the old."

What sheer audacity!

Under such circumstances, he dared to mock the Deputy Heads of the Miao Gu and Miao Blade Civilizations.

He was truly courting death!

The Deputy Head of the Miao Blade Civilization chuckled coldly and said, "I have long heard that Lu Yuan is incredibly bold, and it seems that is no idle talk. Alas, this is not like the numerous battles you fought before. This is a battle of the Civilization level, utterly different from your past methods. Today, you will perish here, avenging my nephew." The Deputy Head of the Miao Blade Civilization hadn't been overly concerned about his nephew; he simply needed the excuse.

The Deputy Head of the Miao Gu Civilization gave a cold, sneering laugh. Yes, this was a Civilization level battle, entirely different from combat below that rank.

As this battle was about to commence, Miao Nu Qinglian stood with her hands behind her back, a hint of self-satisfaction on her face. Yue Nu Xiao Qing dared to challenge me? How laughable. The Miao Civilization will crush you utterly. Meanwhile, Deputy Head Huang Wen of the Desolate Ancient Civilization was lost in thought. In fact, the grand scheme of the Desolate Ancient Civilization had already begun.

For example, the attack by the Heavenly Principle Civilization on the Confucian Civilization was orchestrated by the shadow of the Desolate Ancient Civilization from behind.

Similarly, the current support the Miao Civilization provided to Miao Nu Qinglian was also the work of the shadow of the Desolate Ancient Civilization.

They aimed to eliminate civilizations supporting the Fa Ancient and Martial Ancient Civilizations, such as the Confucian Civilization, and pull neutral parties to the Desolate Ancient Civilization's side—the support for the Miao Civilization in the Azure Maiden Contest served this exact purpose. The Desolate Ancient Civilization was currently executing an open strategy (Yangmou), step by step weakening the forces aligned with the Fa Ancient and Martial Ancient Civilizations, igniting conflict everywhere. Of course, the Desolate Ancient Civilization's grand plan incorporated both open strategies and covert schemes (Yinmou); they would not rest until the Fa Ancient and Martial Ancient Civilizations were utterly destroyed, employing both methods simultaneously.

The first plan, the destruction of the Confucian Civilization, was temporarily postponed due to the confinement of its Lord. The second plan, the Azure Maiden Project, was currently underway and was certain to succeed, Deputy Head Huang Wen mused internally. Lu Yuan was merely an insignificant insect to be crushed under this plan; insects have their destined path.

While Deputy Head Huang Wen pondered, the Deputy Head of the Miao Blade Civilization drew his weapon—the Miao Blade named 'Ruin Blade.' This was a Low-Grade Innate Spiritual Treasure, formed when a Miao Blade absorbed the destructive aura of an Epoch during its birth and demise. Even a low-grade Innate Spiritual Treasure was still an Innate Spiritual Treasure.

The moment he drew the blade, the Deputy Head of the Miao Blade Civilization unleashed an incredibly swift strike. This cut tore through the void, manifesting an effect of absolute ruin. It seemed as if Heaven and Earth were utterly destroyed within this single slash; the cosmos itself was collapsing, and not only the cosmos, but all beings existing within it were destined for annihilation.

It was an absolute aura of death—not ordinary death, but the death accompanying the demise of an Epoch.

Many in the Civilization Realm witnessed this strike from the Deputy Head of the Miao Blade Civilization and couldn't help but gasp in awe. For instance, Deputy Head Fa Kong, though reluctant to admit it, had to concede that the Deputy Head of the Miao Blade Civilization had deeply grasped the essence of Epochal destruction with this single blade. The sheer power was unimaginable.

Deputy Head Wu Yao of the Martial Ancient Civilization praised him, "I never expected the Deputy Head of the Miao Blade Civilization to harbor such an exquisite blade technique, one he usually keeps hidden." Deputy Head Wu Yao himself was proficient in blade techniques and offered his genuine commendation.

Suddenly, Deputy Head Feng Shang cried out, "All those not yet in the Civilization Realm, close your eyes! Do not look upon this strike!" Deputy Head Feng Shang was naturally a meticulous person. Noticing that some people behind him remained outwardly calm, he immediately realized that a strike so saturated with Epochal destruction could not be witnessed by those below the Civilization Realm; it carried too much destructive essence. Those below the Civilization Realm were already struggling, yet they desired to see this blade. Deputy Head Feng Shang transmitted his warning using the Sound Concealment of Wind, causing these individuals to involuntarily close their eyes, ceasing their observation of this world-shattering cut.

After issuing this warning, Deputy Head Feng Shang finally breathed a sigh of relief, though he couldn't help but worry for Lu Yuan. It would be tremendously difficult for even him, the Deputy Head of the Feng Shang Civilization, to withstand this blow. Lu Yuan had only just entered the Civilization Realm; could he truly meet this strike head-on and overcome both the Deputy Head of the Miao Blade Civilization and the Deputy Head of the Miao Gu Civilization, or would he perish here?

The Deputy Head of the Miao Blade Civilization's strike descended directly. He had executed this cut at an extremely high level of mastery, confident that someone like Lu Yuan would certainly be injured, perhaps grievously, under its force. The Deputy Head of the Miao Blade Civilization certainly saw Lu Yuan draw his sword, but he paid little heed to a novice’s mere sword.

(Recommending a friend's book. This friend is an amazing person who worked on ten thousand characters today even while getting married—truly an idol for our generation. Though he's a pre-writer, achieving ten thousand words on his wedding day is incredible. Darkness: The Skeleton King, Book ID 222722”)