Chapter 261 – The Heavenly Venerable’s Malice, The Grand Scheme Revealed

Inside the central great hall, Lu Yan swept his gaze across the gathered elites from the various version factions, a faint smile curving his lips.

“You all have three days to decide.”

As his voice fell, the figure composed of moonlight vanished from the great hall.

The powerhouses from all factions turned their eyes to Grus, hoping to glean some answers from him.

However, with the collapse of the version fragment, everyone from the Nation of Gods had completely lost contact with the Divine Version, becoming native residents of the Broken Cataclysm version.

The will of the Cataclysmic Heavenly Dao silently revised their true spirits—Grus included.

The fallen half-god remained silent for a long time. When the Heavenly Dao’s corrections were finally complete, a strange expression surfaced on his face—neither crying nor laughing, somewhere in between.

“The Nation of Gods… is gone!”

With just six words, the entire great hall erupted.

Meanwhile, the instigator—Lu Yan—had already withdrawn his moonlight projection and was focusing his attention on the changes within the Underworld’s Small Heaven.

Though the Underworld’s Small Heaven and the Nation of Gods were based on completely different rules, in essence, both were small domains with divine nation characteristics.

Now that the Nation of Gods had fully collapsed within the Underworld’s Small Heaven, the rules that once sustained it, along with tens of thousands of years of accumulation, began to integrate into the Underworld’s Small Heaven.

Even though most of the Divine Nation was destroyed by the Destruction Rule, the remnants alone were an immense boon to the newly-ascended Underworld domain.

At the edge of the endless void, the territory formed by the Human Emperor Qi began to stretch outward. Amid earth-shaking booms, millions of heroic souls fell to the land, breathing new life into the previously barren Underworld.

But this wasn’t all.

In the heavens above, the vast faith amassed over tens of thousands of years within the Nation of Gods began to surge toward the sky, becoming nourishment for the black sun overhead.

Inside the massive black egg, the sprout of sentience began to accelerate its gestation.

Lu Yan observed every change within the Underworld’s domain. The Five Ghostly Deities who governed the rules began actively restructuring the earth veins of the Underworld.

This process of growth lasted three full days, expanding the Underworld’s Small Heaven from just 300 kilometers in radius to over 400 kilometers—an increase of more than half.

Even deeper transformations lay hidden within, waiting for Lu Yan to uncover, but for now, he had no time.

Because the three-day deadline he had set with the major version factions had arrived.

Inside the central great hall, the representatives of each version faction sat with solemn expressions.

Those present were almost exactly the same as three days prior, save for three missing seats—Ninefold Heaven now had only six representatives left.

Yet above the Ninefold Heavens hung one more throne, suspended in mid-air.

Every powerhouse gazed at that topmost throne with grim expressions—mixed with reverence and a hint of anticipation.

At last, under everyone’s watchful eyes, a stream of radiant moonlight descended from the sky.

Lu Yan’s illusory projection emerged from the moonlight and slowly descended onto the highest throne.

Sweeping his gaze across the factions, Lu Yan quickly noticed the missing seats. He understood at once: in these three days, several version factions had already been devoured by Eternal Heaven.

With the fall of the Main God Space and the Nation of Gods, the remaining version factions were reaching their limit.

“Well then, what have you all decided?”

His voice echoed clearly in everyone’s ears.

After exchanging glances, it was ultimately the Human Saint of the Church of the Seven Gods who stepped forward.

Draped in white robes, Saint Shien spoke solemnly.

“Everyone present is willing to accept Lord Lu’s terms. We will abandon our core domains. Please destroy them.”

But before he could finish, Lu Yan interrupted coldly.

“You need to understand one thing. Destroying your core domains is not my condition—it’s your only path to survival.”

His voice wasn’t loud, but it carried the weight of heavenly law—utterly indisputable.

Saint Shien lowered his head slightly, his white robe fluttering without wind.

He drew a deep breath, a flash of struggle in his eyes before his expression turned resolute once more.

“We have no objections to this. The only issue now is determining the order in which the version domains will be destroyed.”

“In the past few days, while you were away, the Eternal Heaven’s demon army roamed the land and swallowed three more version factions.”

“One of those factions had already agreed to abandon their core domain, yet they were still hunted down and annihilated in the wilderness.”

“I ask—does Lord Lu have a solution to this?”

All eyes turned toward Lu Yan.

Staying within the version fragment meant death, but escaping only led to death as well. This seemingly hopeless situation had driven them to despair.

Lu Yan raised an eyebrow.

Until now, Eternal Heaven’s demon army had focused its attacks within version fragments. Rarely had they pursued survivors beyond them.

“Has Eternal Heaven already realized I’m preemptively destroying version fragments to suppress its growth?”

“But hunting survivors outside the fragments… aside from increasing fear, what strategic purpose does it serve?”

After a brief pause, Lu Yan’s expression turned stern.

“I understand the nature of Eternal Heaven’s chaos now.”

“However, destroying a version fragment is not an instant process. The Ninefold Heaven factions should first select areas to establish cities, and the other version factions can move to the nearest city for protection and joint defense.”

“Outside the core domains, the Forbidden Entities won’t appear. With combined strength, the demon army won’t be a major threat.”

This suggestion won widespread support, especially among the middle and small version representatives whose expressions finally softened.

Though there were risks in co-defending with Ninefold Heaven factions, it was far better than facing the demon army alone.

Just then, the Martial Lord of the Great Dawn Dynasty suddenly asked:

“Since the matter is settled, which core domain will Lord Lu destroy first?”

The crowd looked to Lu Yan in anticipation.

Unlike several days ago, when version fragments were considered sacred heritage, they were now viewed as hot potatoes.

The sooner one’s fragment was destroyed, the lower the chances of being targeted again. The longer they held onto it, the greater the risk of encountering the demon army.

Even if the relocation succeeded, as long as the version fragment remained intact, the threat would linger.

They only had to look at the version faction that abandoned its domain and still met a grim end.

Hearing the question, Lu Yan glanced instinctively at the Immortal Slaughtering Lord seated in the position of the All-Immortals Alliance.

From a standpoint of proximity and trust, destroying their fragment first was the best choice. Plus, the Destruction Rule suppressed within the Starry Sky Pagoda could be absorbed by his own Destruction Rule, accelerating the process.

The others followed Lu Yan’s gaze, looking toward the Immortal Slaughtering Lord, envy flashing in their eyes.

Still, they didn’t protest. Lu Yan’s close ties to the All-Immortals Alliance were well-known, and prioritizing them made sense.

Lu Yan was about to make his declaration when, suddenly, the Divine Ability Seed in his body trembled faintly. The radiant brilliance akin to a chaotic sun dimmed drastically.

Frowning, Lu Yan examined his own body but found no anomalies—neither in his physique nor the Divine Ability Seed.

Yet an ominous feeling began to stir in his heart.

After a moment’s hesitation, Lu Yan shook his head and said:

“We’ll begin with the smaller version fragments. As for those belonging to the Ninefold Heaven factions, due to certain complexities, I’ll deal with them last.”

The Ninefold Heaven representatives frowned in confusion, but the middle and small version leaders were overjoyed.

In the Broken Cataclysm Realm, strength reigned—fairness was rare. But Lu Yan’s willingness to prioritize smaller factions earned him their heartfelt respect.

The Immortal Slaughtering Lord seemed like he wanted to speak, but ultimately nodded in silence.

Thus concluded the meeting in the great hall.

And so began the greatest migration in the history of the Broken Cataclysm Realm.

For over a month after the meeting, Lu Yan contended with Eternal Heaven over the version fragments.

Although the Destruction Rule could destroy fragments, it still took time—especially when the distances between version factions spanned tens of thousands of kilometers.

Even with support from many factions, Lu Yan could only destroy a limited number each day.

Fortunately, Eternal Heaven’s pace of devouring was even slower.

Unlike Lu Yan, who could move on after each destruction, Eternal Heaven had to digest what it devoured.

As their tug-of-war continued, version fragments scattered across the realm dwindled rapidly, and the Heavenly Dao of the Broken Cataclysm began to recover.

But the recovery wasn’t as smooth as Lu Yan had hoped.

The Heavenly Dao had to eliminate the suppression and interference caused by version fragments before it could fully revive.

Though the fragments were vanishing, Eternal Heaven was expanding with every one it consumed.

Each fragment devoured by Eternal Heaven increased its size and the burden it placed on the Heavenly Dao through its “this world’s only one” will.

One version fragment from Eternal Heaven was equivalent to several dozen normal ones.

Were it not for Lu Yan’s destruction of so many, the Heavenly Dao’s revival might have regressed instead.

In a barren mountain range, the aftermath of destruction gradually settled under the Heavenly Dao’s suppression.

With the final medium-sized version fragment, the “Secret Cult,” reduced to nothing, Lu Yan withdrew the now-mature Destruction Rule.

Yin and Yang Qi swirled in his palm.

With growing proficiency, Lu Yan could now wield the Destruction Rule without relying on the Gate of Mystery Womb’s suppression.

He suspected this improvement came from how well his actions aligned with the Destruction Rule’s nature.

Letting out a long breath, Lu Yan looked into the distance.

“Now… the real battle begins.”

All the middle and small version fragments had been destroyed. Only six belonging to the Ninefold Heaven remained.

Over the past month, Eternal Heaven had shown remarkable restraint, focusing only on smaller targets and avoiding the Ninefold Heaven entirely.

Lu Yan, however, didn’t let down his guard.

These major versions were far too critical. If even one were devoured, it would greatly strengthen Eternal Heaven and further suppress the revival of the Heavenly Dao.

Thus, Lu Yan had devised a plan one month ago.

Once the smaller fragments were gone, the Ninefold Heaven factions would release the seals suppressing the Destruction Rule, allowing it to destroy their fragments from within.

No need for Lu Yan to intervene one by one—this would achieve the goal in the shortest time possible.

As Lu Yan issued the command, the Destruction Rule sealed for tens of thousands of years descended upon several version fragments simultaneously.

Lu Yan tore open space, arriving outside each collapsing domain to collect the Destruction Rule being suppressed by the Heavenly Dao.

The Church of the Seven Gods, Tenfold Martial Dao, Arcane Hall, Human Federation, Great Dawn Dynasty…

Everything proceeded even more smoothly than Lu Yan had imagined. As the version fragments crumbled, the Cataclysmic Heavenly Dao welcomed its full revival.

Even more astonishing—the collected Destruction Rules gathered into a nearly complete whole.

No interference from Eternal Heaven. No suppression from a “this world’s only one.” Everything unfolded perfectly—so perfectly that it felt surreal.

At last, Lu Yan arrived at his final destination.

The All-Immortals Alliance. The Cave Heaven World.

Within the Cave Heaven, the seventeen immortal islands and all the spirit veins had long been extracted. Even the Starry Sky Pagoda that suppressed the Destruction Rule had been taken.

Only the Destruction Grinder remained—ruthlessly demolishing everything.

Lu Yan watched in silence.

Yet deep inside, a sense of unease grew stronger. His soul’s intuition cried out—issuing a dire warning.

But it was already too late.

Even if he suppressed the Destruction Rule now, nothing could be salvaged.

The Grinder shattered the last inch of the version fragment. The Heavenly Dao descended, smoothing over the wounds left by destruction.

And in that instant—everything went silent.

High above the Cataclysmic Realm’s sky, an unimaginably colossal entity suddenly appeared.

It stretched across tens of thousands of miles, like a mirrored world hanging overhead—replacing the original sky.

As it manifested, it was as if a veil was lifted from Lu Yan’s mind.

In that moment, he realized in horror—

His true spirit had been defiled all along.

Ever since the first time he uttered the name “Heavenly Venerable of Eternal Heaven,” his spirit had been shrouded.

Even reversing time to avoid the Venerable’s gaze hadn’t truly freed him.

Under this haze, Lu Yan had missed countless key clues.

Why didn’t the Heavenly Venerable act against him earlier?

Why allow Lu Yan to destroy so many version fragments?

Was the Venerable’s purpose truly just expanding Eternal Heaven to support more will projections?

Now, Lu Yan understood.

That moment a month ago—when he was choosing whether to destroy the Ninefold Heaven versions first—and the Divine Ability Seed abruptly changed…

That was a warning.

A vital message that pierced through the Venerable’s obfuscation. A slim chance of survival delivered by the Divine Ability Seed.

If he had followed his original plan, and destroyed the Ninefold Heaven fragments first…

That would’ve been his grave.

Eternal Heaven’s devouring of smaller versions was deliberate. It pushed Lu Yan to do the same.

Because from beginning to end—

What the Heavenly Venerable feared most…

Was the Immortal Cultivation Version!

(End of Chapter)