Among the Civilization Lords of this faction currently present, Lu Yuan indeed possessed the lowest cultivation level with only ten epochs of magical power.

The other three were structured as follows: The Lord of the Law Transformation Civilization, thirteen epochs of magical power. The Lord of the Net Civilization, thirteen epochs of magical power. The Lord of the One Civilization, twelve epochs of magical power.

“Let’s go,” the Lord of the Law Transformation Civilization roared, initiating the movement by taking the first step, reaching an extreme speed in a single stride. Immediately following him were the Lord of the Net Civilization and the Lord of the One Civilization, and Lu Yuan quickly followed suit. Lu Yuan activated the Shrinking Ground to Dust spell, but he instantly realized something was amiss; even with his spell engaged, he couldn't keep up with the leading trio.

Huh? What’s going on here?

The Lord of the Net Civilization let out a low, almost imperceptible hum.

The Lord of the Law Transformation Civilization paused, turning back: “You don't know the stepping technique befitting a Civilization Lord.” “Uh, what’s that?” Lu Yuan was momentarily taken aback.

The Lord of the Law Transformation Civilization frowned in confusion: “Normally, the one who guided you should have taught you. Did Chang’e not teach you?”

“It seems not,” Lu Yuan shrugged.

There was, in fact, a reason for this. Normally, Chang’e was supposed to teach him, but at that time, Lu Yuan had caused Chang’e to tremble three times consecutively. The first tremor was when Lu Yuan mastered a staggering two hundred and twenty-two extreme techniques—other Civilization Lords usually only mastered twenty or thirty, perhaps forty, but Lu Yuan grasped two hundred and twenty-two instantly, how could her delicate body not shake? Then, Lu Yuan achieved this in such a short span of time, causing her delicate body to tremble again. Finally, Lu Yuan actually managed to break the rule that a Civilization Lord cannot defeat someone a minor realm above them, which made Chang’e’s delicate body shake for a third time.

Chang’e’s body shook three times in succession, and these three shocks were naturally not as pleasurable.

Consequently, she was utterly stunned, momentarily forgetting to teach him the Civilization Lord-level stepping technique; it truly wasn't intentional.

The Lord of the Law Transformation Civilization said, “I happen to have a set of Civilization Lord-level footwork. Go and learn it.” He produced a movement technique called Divine Movement of Myriad Changes. This technique wasn't actually about raw speed; rather, it involved such extensive variation that it made it impossible for an opponent to easily pinpoint one's location.

Of course, although not the fastest, it was an infinitely versatile movement technique for a Civilization Lord.

The reason the Lord of the Law Transformation Civilization was so generous was threefold: first, the current relationship between the Ancient Law Civilization and the Sword Civilization; second, Lu Yuan played an incredibly significant role in the final great battle; and third, he saw great promise in Lu Yuan’s future, making this an early investment. Thus, Lu Yuan immediately began learning this Divine Movement of Myriad Changes Footwork.

Footwork could be considered a form of technique—a technique specifically for the legs—so Lu Yuan mastered it quickly.

Learning it so fast startled the Lord of the Law Transformation Civilization, the Lord of the One Civilization, and the Lord of the Net Civilization inwardly; his learning speed was indeed fast. However, the Lord of the Net Civilization inwardly grumbled: Tch, what use is learning techniques quickly? Ten epochs is ten epochs. He’ll be next to useless in this battle, just a liability.

The four Civilization Lords flew with lightning speed. Initially, the flight showed nothing unusual, but as they drew closer to the Sun, gradually discerning that the Sun's outline was a massive door rather than a circle, the surrounding pressure intensified dramatically. Lu Yuan’s strength couldn't sustain him in one spot for more than two breaths, forcing him to constantly dart and weave like flickering electricity.

The Lord of the Law Transformation Civilization led the way again and soon guided them to their destination.

There was nothing in this expanse of void.

But suddenly, they spotted a desolate, flat plain ahead. This platform was not supported by anything; it simply hovered abruptly in the void, its surface a dark, scorched red. The Lord of the Law Transformation Civilization landed first. Upon touching the ground, he stood still. Lu Yuan immediately followed, landing on this extremely barren flat surface: “Is this the First Grade Enlightenment Ground?” “Yes, this is it,” the Lord of the Law Transformation Civilization nodded.

Lu Yuan surveyed the platform, finding nothing overtly special about it, yet from here, one could vaguely make out the contours of the Eternal Gate. Perhaps the profound mystery lay here. Just as Lu Yuan was about to inquire about the secrets of the First Grade Enlightenment Ground, four immensely powerful auras instantly descended.

In that moment, four more Civilization Lords landed—these were naturally the Civilization Lords of the Undying Faction. These four manifested in various forms. The only one Lu Yuan recognized was a figure possessing an immortal, ethereal bearing: extremely thin, with long white hair streaming in the wind, and a silver beard dancing along with it. This person was called the Lord of the Primordial Chaos Civilization, also known as the Primordial Chaos Dao Venerable. The Lord of the Immortal Ancient Civilization’s name was Hong, sometimes referred to as Hongjun. The Lord of the Primordial Chaos Civilization was reputedly Hongjun’s junior brother, also a formidable Civilization Lord. During the final great battle, the Immortal Desolation Alliance was supposed to have won, but unexpectedly, due to Lu Yuan alone, the Law Martial Alliance ultimately gained the upper hand.

When they departed then, the Lord of the Primordial Chaos Civilization had launched a lethal attack against Lu Yuan with a Mind Storm. Lu Yuan, who was invincible at the time, was thrown into utter disarray by this Mind Storm. Fortunately, the Lord of the Martial God Civilization intervened, preventing the Lord of the Primordial Chaos Civilization’s killing move from succeeding.

Thus, Lu Yuan remembered the Lord of the Primordial Chaos Civilization vividly and hadn't expected to meet him here.

The Lord of the Primordial Chaos Civilization glanced at Lu Yuan, a faint hint of murderous intent lingering in his eyes.

Lu Yuan gave a cold sneer, completely ignoring him.

Lu Yuan did not recognize the other three Lords of the Undying Faction, but one of them was clearly from the Ancient Buddha Civilization—his face was withered and sallow, possessing the demeanor of a high monk, seemingly capable of delivering salvation across the world through Buddhist doctrine. His mere appearance caused the surrounding radiant light to take on a Buddhist transmutation aura. It was said that if he chanted sutras, even Heavenly Venerates would instantly be converted to Buddhism; even Deputy Civilization Lords would find it immensely troublesome. The conversion power of Buddhism was inherently vexing, but to suggest he could convert a Civilization Lord was ridiculous; even the Lord of the Ancient Buddha Civilization acting personally lacked such might.

At this newly appeared First Grade Enlightenment Ground, the four Civilization Lords of the Undying Faction faced the four Civilization Lords of the Instantaneous Faction.

The Lord of the Primordial Chaos Civilization burst into laughter, flicking his horsetail whisk: “I never thought you fools would actually bring someone like Lu Yuan, a mere ten-epoch entity, to contend for the Civilization Land. What use is such a person? Is he just here to drag you down?” He already harbored intense hatred for Lu Yuan, so mockery was natural.

Lu Yuan smiled faintly: “Lord of the Primordial Chaos Civilization, you’ve been in the Central Heavenly Court long enough. Tell me, since my debut, has Lu Yuan ever dragged anyone down? Would I drag anyone down? Utterly laughable.” The Immortal Ancient Civilization had, of course, studied Lu Yuan’s credentials, and in researching the data on him, they actually discovered one thing: Lu Yuan had participated in countless battles—wins, draws, and losses—but meticulously counting, he truly never acted as a liability. The Lord of the Primordial Chaos Civilization was momentarily silenced, but immediately retorted coldly: “Is that so? Then today, I will make you suffer a setback here, letting you taste what it means to be a liability and to taste defeat, so you understand that your previous so-called battles were mere child's play, and this fight here is the battle of Civilization Lords.”

Although Lu Yuan’s strength was currently inferior, his aura could not weaken: “Say that when you actually manage it. Don’t just be an empty talker.”

This retort infuriated the Lord of the Primordial Chaos Civilization once more.

The Lord of the Law Transformation Civilization chuckled: “Let’s move on to the main topic. How shall we contest this First Grade Enlightenment Ground?”

The high monk in monastic robes opposite them spoke: “Let’s stick to the old rules: one-on-one duels. The side with the most wins takes it. How about that?” Although this monk looked venerable, his mind was astute, immediately spotting Lu Yuan as the weak link. In one-on-one duels, Lu Yuan’s match was a guaranteed loss for their side.

The Lord of the Net Civilization immediately objected: “How can that be!” He had also noticed Lu Yuan’s flaw and immediately countered.

The high monk inquired: “Then what does the Lord of the Net Civilization suggest? Shall we have a four-on-four free-for-all, and the ultimate victor claims this First Grade Enlightenment Ground? What say you?”

This proposal was even less acceptable to the Lord of the Net Civilization, as Lu Yuan’s weakness would be amplified, leading to the potential collapse of their side. After some thought, the Lord of the Net Civilization decided: “Let’s stick to one-on-one duels. The side with more accumulated victories wins.” Using this method, Lu Yuan’s dragging effect wouldn't be too severe, as the others could compensate for his single loss in their own matches.

The Lord of the Law Transformation Civilization stated: “Since it’s four against four, we fight four matches, and the side with more wins prevails.” The high monk asked: “Then according to the Lord of the Law Transformation Civilization’s view?” The Lord of the Law Transformation Civilization proposed: “In my view, we fight four one-on-one matches first, and then each side fields their absolute strongest fighter for a final one-on-one duel. Whichever side reaches three total victories first wins. What do you think?” Upon hearing this proposal, the Civilization Lords of the Undying Faction immediately agreed, as the method appeared fair.

Eventually, both sides agreed to this arrangement. Of course, before fielding their combatants, both sides secretly arranged their lineups to prevent the opposing faction from deploying specifically countering figures. The first warrior sent out by the Instantaneous Faction was none other than the Lord of the Law Transformation Civilization. He smiled faintly, overflowing with confidence, and stepped forward.

The first battle was about to commence!

Lu Yuan, meanwhile, felt intensely disgruntled!

What nonsense was this!

He currently felt that all four opponents viewed him as the weak point, a burden to be carried. This feeling was unbearably irritating.

Damn it all!

Do they really think I’m a sick cat just because the tiger isn't showing its claws?

(Second update delivered.)