Heavenly Dao Shattered—Source Heaven Emperor's Backup Plan

Source Heaven Emperor smiled again and continued,

"This time, Nine Nether Great Emperor chose you, and I chose you as well. All of this was destined from the moment you did those things. If the other party had been a life-form completely controlled by Nine Nether Great Emperor, he could never have reached this step. Emperor Dao Practitioners like you are the key. Otherwise, the flaw of the Nine Hells Underworld Eye could not exist."

"As you were gradually guided into doing all this, if you had failed to live up to expectations, perhaps I would have found ways to lead you to your death. But now, it seems you truly have not disappointed me—at least, that is what your performance has shown."

Luo Feng could not help feeling secretly fortunate. Only because he had proven himself capable had he become a chess piece. Otherwise, a little covert guidance might have been enough to get him killed.

"Now, Nine Nether Great Emperor has already broken free. However, I have also communicated with Nine Nether and won some time for you." He did not pause, and his expression grew more solemn. "This world will naturally transition into its period of destruction. There are estimated to be another three to five thousand eras before its ultimate ruin. You need to condense Ultimate Power within that time. Otherwise, this world's destiny and fortune will be swallowed by the void, and you will no longer have any possibility of breaking through."

"Moreover, the sooner you break through, the better. I cannot guarantee whether Nine Nether Great Emperor will extract the World Embryo before the world is destroyed."

"Reaching the apex realm before the world collapses is the most conservative estimate. In fact, even reaching the apex realm may not be enough. You need to keep raising your strength, higher and higher."

"This body of mine is only an illusory consciousness form. I cannot help you much. You can only rely on yourself. However, I can tell you the path to becoming apex..."

Source Heaven Emperor continued speaking while Luo Feng listened quietly. Upon hearing this, Luo Feng focused even more intently.

Source Heaven Emperor continued, "Every life-form has a different path to the apex realm. The path you walk differs from the one I walked in the past, so my method of breaking through may not suit you. I can only say that this is one path to becoming apex, and you may use it as a reference."

As he spoke, Source Heaven Emperor looked at Luo Feng.

Luo Feng nodded. "Please speak, Senior."

"There are many ways to become apex. The one I verified was the method by which I became apex."

"Before I explain, I need to correct one of your misconceptions. The apex realm is not simply attained by comprehending a single Eternal Dao to a sufficiently high level. There are many different methods. The apex beings you have encountered are almost proficient in every Eternal Dao, but the Eternal Dao they excel in most may not even rival the Eternal Dao corresponding to the Ten Great Rules."

"After reaching the ordinary apex realm, the mysteries of the Eternal Dao all led to the same destination in their eyes. They could draw inferences instantly. Once they comprehended one Eternal Dao, they could comprehend a second, a third, a fourth, and even more. They could almost instantly wield the power of certain Eternal Daos, even ones they had never comprehended."

"Therefore, trying to reach the apex realm simply by taking one Eternal Dao to its ultimate limit is extremely difficult. Note that it is not impossible, merely difficult. There have been those who reached the limit in such a way and used that opportunity to become apex. Among them, the best Eternal Dao would be the Soul Dao."

"You also know that Eternal Daos are actually part of the rules of heaven and earth. After a life-form reaches Great God Heaven, in a certain sense, it becomes an individual independent of the Highest Heavenly Dao Rules. They fuse the mysteries of the Eternal Dao rules they have comprehended and construct them within their souls and bodies. This shows that Great God Heaven has undergone a separation from the Highest Heavenly Dao Rules, though that separation is incomplete."

"But the apex realm can achieve a complete separation, thereby constructing a Dao domain and radiating the influence of its own rules upon the foundation of the Heavenly Dao Rules."

"Having heard this much, you should understand part of the difference between the apex realm and Great God Heaven, shouldn't you?"

"The difference between the apex realm and Great God Heaven, from the perspective of life level, is that apex beings have escaped this world's Highest Heavenly Dao Rules. The reason they are still affected is because they can only exist by relying on this world, so they naturally must abide by certain rules and laws."

"Of course, everything I have said above concerns ordinary apex beings, not Emperor Dao Apex Realm beings. Emperor Dao Apex Realm beings are even more special, even more inconceivable. For an Emperor Dao Apex Realm being, the emperor apex is heaven itself—truly becoming their own rules. That is why I could reforge this world's Highest Heavenly Dao Rules."

"At the Emperor Apex Realm, there is no need to draw inferences. The apex power within one's body can evolve the power of countless Eternal Daos of heaven and earth. That is the difference between the emperor apex and the ordinary apex realm."

When he said this, a powerful light was clearly present in Source Heaven Emperor's eyes.

Who among those who could reach the Emperor Apex Realm was not proud as heaven's most favored genius? He had once been one as well.

As Luo Feng listened, his heart surged with longing.

The emperor apex was heaven itself, equivalent to becoming a true set of rules. It was even more terrifying than the ordinary apex realm.

"Next, I will explain the method and process by which I became apex—"

"During my time at Great God Heaven, the Dao I primarily cultivated was the Dao of the physical body. This was also my Emperor Way. Before reaching the apex realm, Emperor Power manifested in the form of an Emperor Seed."

"Speaking of Emperor Seeds, you should know that some apex beings can extract Emperor Dao Seeds for their own use. Emperor Seeds during the God Heaven stage are immature. Even if apex beings extract them, they are not very useful, at most forging Pseudo-Emperor Power."

"Only Emperor Power at the Great God Heaven Level can be considered mature power. Yet even such mature power is extremely difficult for apex beings to refine, and the chances of successful refinement are exceedingly small. In my era, among the three Emperor Dao Apex Realm beings, one attained that level through this method."

"Over countless years, only one succeeded. You can imagine how low the odds were."

"Even after succeeding, that person's strength was inferior to pure Emperor Apex beings like myself and Nine Nether Great Emperor. Therefore, in that battle long ago, aside from the invader, he too became a fallen Emperor Dao Apex Realm being."

"Returning to Emperor Way Great God Heaven: during the Great God Heaven stage, Emperor Power manifests as an Emperor Seed. Yet after reaching the apex realm, any Eternal Dao you control becomes Emperor Dao Power. Emperor Way is the form in which Emperor Power manifests, while the word 'emperor' itself represents a level of life."

"The reason I was able to become apex back then could be called an accident, but it was also inevitable. The path I took was the union of soul and physical body."

"Of course, the union of soul and physical body I speak of does not merely refer to the superficial meaning. It also encompasses power at the Eternal Dao level. I merged my soul power into my emperor body. The two complemented one another by nature, helping me construct a supreme emperor body. Thus, I tore apart the rules with my bare hands, cast off every shackle binding me, condensed Ultimate Power, and became apex."

"It was exceedingly difficult for me to accomplish that step back then." A look of reminiscence appeared in Source Heaven Emperor's eyes.

"I can tell you that to reach the apex realm, you must condense Ultimate Power yourself. Then, using Ultimate Power as the guide, you must thoroughly break free from your Life Shackles and reach an entirely new level of life."

"When I constructed my supreme emperor body, I cultivated Ultimate Power—Supreme Physical Body Power. This power could reach the level of the Highest Heavenly Dao Rules without being affected by them. It could evade the rules. Using that power as my guide, I directly triggered my own transformation and thus became apex."

"Now that the Highest Heavenly Dao Will is gone, you still need to condense Ultimate Power if you wish to break through. Only such power can guide life into transforming to a higher level."

Luo Feng listened quietly as Source Heaven Emperor slowly explained,

"Besides my method, I have also heard of several others. Some forcefully elevate their level of life from within—using their own bodies as vessels and intensely constructing an Eternal Dao Body, thereby allowing their bodies to break all restrictions imposed by the rules and become apex."

"Others begin with their Inner World. The Inner World is also the foundation of a life-form. When the world within becomes powerful enough, it can generate 'Ultimate Power' from within. Through that internally generated power, one can likewise break the shackles of the physical body and attain the apex realm."

"..."

"As I said from the beginning, every life-form's method differs. You must choose according to your own circumstances. Here, I must remind you that if you seek to imitate others, you are destined to fail."

Source Heaven Emperor spoke slowly, telling Luo Feng both his own method of breaking through and the methods he knew.

"Every life-form can break through in a different way, and no two will be exactly alike." Luo Feng nodded.

"Furthermore, I must solemnly tell you that the most important point from these examples is this: where the heart reaches, the realm reaches. The first thing you must break through is your own heart. You must have sufficient confidence, then continue walking your own path. Only then can you possibly succeed," Source Heaven Emperor added.

Many thoughts flashed through Luo Feng's mind.

Walk his own path!

The Demon Blade was special. Its power already existed outside the Heavenly Dao Rules. Perhaps that was one of Luo Feng's paths to breaking the deadlock.

Use Demon Blade Power to construct an incomparably powerful Eternal Dao Body, then merge in the Soul Dao?

In other words, fuse the Soul Dao with the Eternal Dao of the Blade?

Nine Nether True Body had considered this idea before, and that was precisely his current feeling: the two needed to merge into one.

"Only if you have enough confidence can the shackles in your heart be broken. Only by breaking the shackles of the heart can you possibly condense Ultimate Power and thereby break the shackles of the body." Source Heaven Emperor looked at Luo Feng.

"It seems becoming apex is not easy," Luo Feng said.

Three to five thousand eras—would that be enough time?

Luo Feng felt a heavy weight in his heart.

"Of course it is not easy," Source Heaven Emperor said. "And the situation you face now is actually terrible."

"The Heavenly Dao Shattered has given you an opportunity to break through to the apex realm, but it has also become an obstacle restricting your breakthrough. The time limit is far too tight. You do not have much time. Once this world truly declines and shatters, and all its rules dissipate, all fortune will be swallowed by the void. Then, it will be almost impossible for you to condense Ultimate Power and become apex."

"That is why I said just now that you need to reach that step before this world truly declines and shatters. Otherwise, you truly will have no chance."

"When you reach that step, your life level will break through, and you will draw away all the world's fortune and destiny. The world's remaining rules will directly shatter, and the world will immediately enter its final collapse and destruction."

"This means that the current world can only give birth to one Emperor Dao Apex Realm being—one and only one. You have two true bodies. Most likely, only one of them can break through. If possible, the other can only break through after one of your true bodies has already done so. They cannot condense Ultimate Power simultaneously."

"Moreover, that possibility is not great. So do not think about having both true bodies break through. It is extremely, extremely difficult."

"The best solution is to have the true body that breaks through refine the other one. Whether you refine it into your body or forge it into your blade, either is possible," Source Heaven Emperor suggested.

"Only one of my two true bodies can break through?" Luo Feng frowned.

Source Heaven Emperor smiled. "Do not be greedy. What do you think the apex realm is? Being allowed to possess the battle power of one true body is already generous enough, yet you want two?"

Naturally, Luo Feng did not want to refine either one. If possible, he still wanted the battle power of two true bodies. With two true bodies, many things would become far more convenient.

Source Heaven Emperor smiled and did not dwell on the matter with Luo Feng. "Furthermore, you need to know that when you become apex, that may be when you must face Nine Nether Great Emperor."

"So, I will give you a suggestion. If your realm has reached the necessary level and you have condensed Ultimate Power, you can temporarily delay the transformation of your physical body and soul. That way, you will have more time to make preparations. At the very least, your treasures can still be upgraded. By then, your blade will probably need to be reconstructed as well."

"..."

Luo Feng nodded. "I understand. I will keep that in mind. Breaking through to the apex realm..."

If that was truly the case, then the difficulty was simply too great.

Most importantly, this world truly had not left him much time.

He tried his best to remain confident, but he knew he did not possess absolute certainty.

"Besides that, other Emperor Dao Practitioners can only become nourishment for you or your treasures."

"Emperor Way concerns a certain amount of destiny, especially Emperor Ways born from Primordial Chaos Space. They will affect your own power. After you reach the apex realm, you need to gather all of them. Either extract and use them directly, refining them yourself or having your treasures refine them, or destroy them and let them naturally return to heaven and earth. As an emperor, I believe you should be able to do that. There is no need to show them mercy," Source Heaven Emperor said.

"I will remember." Luo Feng nodded.

"Mhm." Source Heaven Emperor looked at Luo Feng. "I saw doubt in your expression just now. Ask your question. I will continue with the rest afterward."

"Senior, among the Ten Great Sky Regions in the current Primordial Chaos Space, the apex beings born through the possession of rule apexes—how were those innate apex beings formed? Can their methods offer any reference for my breakthrough?"

As Source Heaven Emperor spoke of breaking through to the apex realm, Luo Feng thought of the apex beings of the Ten Great Sky Regions and, at the same time, of Devil Blade True Body.

He had always felt that Devil Blade True Body should be the body that would break his deadlock. This happened to correspond with the rule apexes.

"The rule apexes of the Sky Regions were originally wisps of consciousness belonging to the rules. In essence, they were consciousnesses equivalent to apex beings, much like Eternal Dao Seeds possessing awareness. They are aggregates of rules. Before possessing a body, they merely lacked a life vessel. Once they possess a life vessel, they become apex life-forms."

"They themselves already carry a certain power of the apex realm, the so-called 'Ultimate Power.' This means their realm is inherently the apex realm. They then use that power to affect and transform the soul and body. Once they possess a life-form, they naturally become apex beings."

"Therefore, their situation has no significance whatsoever for your breakthrough."

"Although their existence is similar to your Demon Blade True Body, they exist within the Heavenly Dao Rules, while you exist outside them."

As the will of the Heavenly Dao Rules, Source Heaven Emperor naturally knew all this.

When he mentioned Luo Feng's Devil Blade True Body, he was actually quite curious as well. The birth of this Devil Blade True Body had exceeded his expectations somewhat. In the unseen depths, he sensed that it was connected to a kind of "rule" within the void that was even more ethereal, harder to sense, and harder to grasp.

Though Source Heaven Emperor was curious, he did not elaborate. He continued, "You have controlled the Demon Blade's consciousness, which is equivalent to possessing the Demon Blade's consciousness and thus obtaining your current Devil Blade True Body."

"After they escaped the influence of the Highest Heavenly Dao Rules, they may have separated from the rules, but they still cannot compare to you."

"Therefore, from any perspective, their attainment of the apex realm offers you no reference at all."

Source Heaven Emperor explained with a smile.

Luo Feng nodded. This left him somewhat helpless. In the end, he could still only rely on himself.

"Senior, is there another realm above the apex realm? Over such a long time, is it possible that Nine Nether Great Emperor has advanced another step?" After a while, Luo Feng thought of this question. He was worried that Nine Nether Great Emperor might have made a breakthrough.

"Above the apex realm..." Source Heaven Emperor seemed to murmur to himself, then shook his head. "I do not know. I have never encountered any such rumors, so I do not know whether there is anything beyond the apex realm. Nine Nether Great Emperor would not know either. Even that fellow who intruded into the Heaven Origin Era did not know."

"However, I have always had a question in my heart. Why did this world exist in my era? Why did the four Axes of Space-Time exist? Those are all mysteries. Perhaps they were created by some great being, or perhaps heaven and earth gave birth to them on their own."

"So, I cannot answer your question."

"But rest assured, I can confirm that Nine Nether Great Emperor is only at the apex realm. He cannot have surpassed it. If a realm truly exists above the apex realm, then perhaps such an existence would be what is called a Creator God. At that level, one would not even need a World Embryo to enter the void."

Source Heaven Emperor replied.

After all, there had been no such rumors in his era. He truly did not know whether such a realm existed.

But then again...

When his body had completely merged with the Axis of Space-Time and his consciousness touched the World Embryo, he seemed to have glimpsed the possibility of a higher level. That was also why he felt Luo Feng's Devil Blade True Body was so special.

However, he was not certain. With his current capabilities, he simply could not reach those things.

Luo Feng nodded. After pondering for a long while, he still asked, "If a Great God Heaven life-form falls, is there any possibility of resurrection?"

Source Heaven Emperor looked at Luo Feng. The person Luo Feng was thinking of was likely Azure Profound Monarch. He shook his head. "I do not know. In the world of my era, the rules were flourishing. When a Great God Heaven being fell, the highest rules erased everything. Resurrection was impossible. The person you wish to resurrect died at a special point in time. I cannot confirm whether resurrection is possible. Perhaps it is not. Perhaps it is. You can only learn the answer after reaching a certain step."

Luo Feng nodded inwardly. Though regret lingered in his heart, Source Heaven Emperor had already answered this way, so he did not ask further. As long as Nine Nether Great Emperor had not surpassed the apex realm, then he still had a sliver of hope. If he won that final battle and reforged this world, everything would have an answer.

"Luo Feng, I hope you can protect the World Embryo and protect this world." Source Heaven Emperor looked at Luo Feng with a solemn expression.

He did not want Luo Feng to refine the World Embryo as well. Once it was refined, the entire world would become void. At present, the world's continued existence undoubtedly relied on the power radiated by the World Embryo.

"Rest assured. Even if I reach the apex realm, I will not refine this World Embryo. I would rather see a world that possesses a brilliant culture of life continue to exist." Luo Feng nodded.

Hearing that answer, Source Heaven Emperor looked into Luo Feng's eyes. He saw no falsehood there. His expression softened, and he smiled.

"Luo Feng, do not place too much pressure on yourself. As long as your heart remains firm, I believe that perhaps you can accomplish it within the limited time. You are the only hope now. If you cannot do it, then the only path awaiting this world is destruction. It would be as though none of us had ever come here."

Though he still wished to fight for the last trace of hope, he had actually come to terms with it.

Everything he was doing now was merely to give the person he had once been an answer, and to give this world an answer.

In his eyes, as long as the agreement between himself and Nine Nether Great Emperor remained, and the Heart of World Suppression remained, then even if the one who broke the deadlock was not Luo Feng, another could appear in the future. As long as there was even the slightest possibility, it could happen. If enough time passed, the power he had left within the Axis of Space-Time might be affected. Then even the opportunity he had left for this world would be gone, and that would be true destruction.

At the very least, he still had a slight possibility of reviving this situation now.

At this moment, Source Heaven Emperor finally looked toward the Star Tower Spirit at the side. The Star Tower Spirit had not spoken throughout the entire exchange. Now, as he was stared at by this man, he did not know why, but it was as though he could not open his mouth.

Luo Feng looked at Source Heaven Emperor. In his gaze, Luo Feng seemed to see a trace of complexity. Within that complexity was determination, relief, and also a trace of unwillingness.

"Luo Feng," Source Heaven Emperor continued, "your becoming apex is merely the first step of this plan. The second step is that you need to suppress or kill Nine Nether Great Emperor. As for the third step, it is to reshape this world."

"The Axis of Space-Time has been damaged. This world was originally meant to perish and be gestated anew. But even if it could be reborn, it would only be a small world. It might never again produce an apex being, never again possess its current splendor, much less its former splendor."

"Therefore, I made a choice as well. This choice is only an attempt on my part, but it is also the backup plan I left for you, the help I left for you. I do not know whether it can succeed, but I want to try."

"I said earlier that my power had originally merged into the Axis of Space-Time, but I separated a portion and sent it into your treasure, the Star Tower. Within it is also a portion of my 'true spirit.'"

"In principle, with that true spirit, I could choose to possess a body and be reborn. However, after being eroded by endless years, the power of the spirit body I can wield has become extremely weak. The vast majority of my power has already fused with the Axis of Space-Time. The chance of successful possession is extremely small. Even if I succeeded, I would lose my original power, and my potential would be greatly reduced. I would never be able to return to my former height."

"As for possessing you, Luo Feng, in my current state, I can no longer do that."

"There is no meaning in possessing anyone else either."

"Therefore, my choice is for that portion of my true spirit to merge into the spirit of your supreme treasure." Seeing Luo Feng's expression change, Source Heaven Emperor smiled again. "But do not worry. The consciousness within that true spirit will fully cooperate with your treasure spirit's refinement and completely merge into your treasure spirit. It will not have any negative effect on him. Instead, it can make him much stronger and raise his potential by an entire tier."

"And this is my backup plan, my attempt. Once the Axis of Space-Time completely shatters and breaks apart, enough power will be needed to support this world. Perhaps your treasure can accomplish that."

"I can sense that it has an extremely close connection with you. According to your memories, it is your Heavenly Union Treasure. As your strength rises, it can likewise undergo tremendous improvement."

"As your treasure, it is not truly your servant in essence, but your right-hand man. Therefore, it can also retain the Emperor Power within my true spirit. Once it fuses with my true spirit, it will be equivalent to possessing a trace of my attributes. From then on, it will also be able to refine Emperor Seeds."

"In the future, when you are ready to break through at any moment, it will likely also be the moment when the Axis of Space-Time completely shatters. Have the Star Tower devour and refine the Axis of Space-Time in its entirety. It will not only refine all the power I have permeated into it, but also fuse the material of the Axis of Space-Time into the treasure. Your treasure will reach an entirely new height."

"In my plan, this treasure of yours will not only be the key to reforging this world, but also the key to dealing with Nine Nether Great Emperor."

Within the Axis of Space-Time, besides offering up his entire life, he had also refined his treasure into it. Only then had the balance of heaven and earth been maintained.

"As your Heavenly Union Treasure, if you refine the power of other Emperor Ways into the Star Tower, you can further enhance the Star Tower's capabilities."

"I will turn my power into a part of your treasure. If you truly accomplish the step I hope for, then it can be considered that I witnessed this world remain safe with my own eyes. Even if I fall, my heart will have no regrets."

Source Heaven Emperor spoke with a smile throughout.

Luo Feng listened quietly and also let out a breath of relief, but his expression was filled with extreme complexity. He had not expected that Source Heaven Emperor, an Emperor Dao Apex Realm being, would be willing to offer his life twice for this world.

Being able to do this proved that Source Heaven Emperor truly loved this world.

This was also the righteousness and grand vision of one who walked the Emperor Way.

"Besides the Axis of Space-Time, I am merely an illusory consciousness form and cannot leave you anything else. I cannot leave behind Dao arts or cultivation methods for you. If I did, they would only limit your possibility of becoming apex. You can only rely entirely on yourself. Only by relying on yourself can you truly walk your own Dao, become apex, and have a chance to face Nine Nether Great Emperor."

"Finally, regarding your Dao of blade intent, I can offer you some advice and guidance: follow your heart and act. Do not have too many reservations. The Eternal Dao of Great God Heaven comes more from within the heart than from this space. As long as you are strong enough and mad enough, even changing this world may not be impossible."

"Your heart is like a blade, which means you are meant to walk an extreme path. This is the path on which you are most likely to succeed."

"You have two bodies. In the end, as I said before, if the other body cannot break through into the apex realm, you can refine it into the other body, or refine it into the blade in your hand."

"Your Blood Shadow Saber seems somewhat lacking, far inferior to the Star Tower. I will leave you a method for refining a Lifebound Treasure within the information. Once you condense Ultimate Power, you can forge a new blade, one perfectly suited to you."

"Of course, if both your bodies can attain the apex realm, then let me congratulate you in advance. Someone like you would be unprecedented."

Source Heaven Emperor spoke with a smile.

"Thank you for your guidance, Senior." Luo Feng nodded. He had gained some understanding, but a trace of sorrow suddenly appeared in his eyes. Source Heaven Emperor was saying this because he was about to bid farewell.

Source Heaven Emperor nodded as well. "There is nothing else I need to say. Next, my true spirit will appear. Once your treasure spirit merges with and refines it, it should be able to undergo an ultimate strengthening. Once the treasure is strengthened, refining the Axis of Space-Time should not be a problem. This is the only help I can give you."

"Alright, Luo Feng. Having said so much, it is time to say goodbye. I leave everything else to you. After this illusory consciousness form of mine shatters, it will become a stream of information. It will contain the information I have spoken of here, as well as other information. Among it, the information concerning Nine Nether Great Emperor is of the utmost importance."

"If I speak too much directly, certain karmic connections may very well attract Nine Nether Great Emperor's attention. I can only pass it to you in this manner."

"Remember, you must wait until you are ready to break through at any moment before devouring the Axis of Space-Time. Once the Axis of Space-Time completely collapses, all of heaven and earth will rapidly enter its final destruction. At that moment, it will be time for you to break through, and time for you to fight Nine Nether Great Emperor," Source Heaven Emperor reminded him.

"I'll remember." Luo Feng nodded heavily.

"As long as you remember." Source Heaven Emperor nodded as well. "All right, it's time to say goodbye. Farewell, Luo Feng!"

As he spoke, Source Heaven Emperor smiled. In the end, with a whoosh, his entire illusory consciousness body instantly transformed into countless motes of light.

Luo Feng's expression was somewhat complicated. Looking at the motes of light before him, he reached out in a daze to touch them. A torrent of information surged toward him, and the next moment, he allowed those powers to merge into his mind.