The Heavenly Way, in its state of imperishability, is impervious to any external force or method that seeks to harm it. It is a state where even self-inflicted harm is impossible to achieve. It stands invulnerable to damage, exile, sealing, and curses. No matter what means are employed, they hold no significance against the indomitable Heavenly Way.
Not even a single strand of hair can be severed from the Heavenly Way!
Even the most formidable Heavenly Ways find themselves incapable of even making a single scratch. Therefore, although Zenith Heaven Emperor's attack catches the Fourth Heavenly Way off guard, it remains composed.
With unwavering composure, the Fourth Dark Heavenly Way maintains its focus solely on the battle of Heavenly Way authorities against Zenith Heaven Emperor. Its goal is to defeat its opponent by leveraging its extensive experience in manipulating Heavenly Way authorities.
In the face of Zenith Heaven Emperor's targeted assaults, the Fourth Heavenly Way exudes an air of utmost calmness. It understands that for it time is of the essence in this battle, and it is determined to emerge victorious by exploiting its superior mastery of Heavenly Way authorities.
The Heavenly Way possesses almost boundless capabilities. The confrontation between Heavenly Ways is not only a clash of Heavenly Way authorities but also a battle of imagination.
Words become reality.
With just a single sentence... even just a thought.
As long as it is Zenith Heaven Emperor's will, under the near-unlimited power of the 'Heavenly Way Authority' everything becomes reality.
With a decisive strike from his formidable World Destruction Weapon, Zenith Heaven Emperor unleashed his might upon the Fourth Dark Heavenly Way.
Although no visible damage was inflicted, the force of the impact sent the Fourth Heavenly Way flying through the air, unable to escape the effects of being propelled backward.
"It is over!" The Fourth Heavenly Way tightened its fist with determination.
In the battle for the 'Heavenly Way Authority' Zenith Heaven Emperor had suffered a resounding defeat, and his control over that authority had been completely suppressed.
However, as the Fourth Heavenly Way exerted force in its clenched fist, an unexpected occurrence disrupted its consciousness for a brief moment. In that fleeting instance, it felt as if time itself had reversed.
But just as quickly as the confusion had arisen, it dissipated, and the Fourth Heavenly Way regained its composure. To its surprise, it realized that the intense struggle for the 'Heavenly Way Authority' between itself and Zenith Heaven Emperor had returned to square one.
A colossal question mark materialized in the mind of the Fourth Heavenly Way, casting doubt on the nature of this turn of events.
'What just happened?'
'I had successfully subdued Zenith Heaven Emperor and claimed the 'Heavenly Way Authority' that belonged to him.'
'The taste of victory was so close, I could almost touch it.'
'Yet, in an instant, everything reverted back to the starting point.'
"I'm back to square one," It lamented, the weight of disappointment heavy on its heart.
For a brief moment, even the seasoned heart of the Fourth Heavenly Way trembled as if it were being mercilessly tossed and turned on a bed of shattered glass.
What made it even more unbearable was that the 'Heavenly Way Authority' struggle with Zenith Heaven Emperor had returned to its starting point, but time hadn't reversed!
Its state hadn't returned to the time when it contended for the control of the Heavenly Way Authority with Zenith Heaven Emperor!
"What have you done?" the pitch-black Heavenly Way spoke.
Even in such a difficult situation, it still didn't give up. Once again, it began to suppress Zenith Heaven Emperor with its skilled experience and operational techniques.
No matter how bitter and difficult, it was not defeated, nor discouraged.
It wasn't because it could endure... it was because it had no choice.
There was no retreat, only the determination to continue despite the odds.
On the other side, Zenith Heaven Emperor responded to the fourth Heavenly Way.
To make matters worse, the struggle for the 'Heavenly Way Authority' between Zenith Heaven Emperor and the Fourth Heavenly Way had returned to its initial stage, but time had not reversed!
The origin of itself it consumed did not return, only the situation of Zenith Heaven Emperor returned to square one!
"What have you done?" the Fourth Heavenly Way questioned, its voice filled with disbelief.
Even in such a dire predicament, it refused to give up. With its vast experience and adept techniques, it once again sought to suppress Zenith Heaven Emperor.
Despite the bitterness and challenges, it remained undefeated and undeterred. It persevered not because of its endurance, but because it had no other choice.
There was no room for retreat; only unwavering determination to persist against all odds.
Meanwhile, Zenith Heaven Emperor prepared his response to the Fourth Heavenly Way, his eyes focused and his mind sharp.
With a confident smile, Zenith Heaven Emperor looked at the Fourth Heavenly Way and declared, "So, it is I who should speak now!"
The Fourth Heavenly Way's expression turned grim as it realized its defeat. There was only one reason for their failure, and that reason stood before it: Zenith Heaven Emperor.
"The power you possess is nothing compared to mine," Zenith Heaven Emperor continued, his voice filled with authority. "I am the embodiment of unparalleled strength and wisdom. You were destined to fail in the face of my might."
The Fourth Heavenly Way could feel their grip on power slipping away, its authority crumbling in the presence of Zenith Heaven Emperor's overwhelming presence. It had no choice but to acknowledge its defeat, its voice filled with resignation as they uttered a single sentence, "Is this the End?"
"Let's cease this child's play and proceed with the real battle," proclaimed Zenith Heaven Emperor with determination etched on his face. With a wave of his hand, he unleashed a torrential aura that enveloped the Fourth Heavenly Way, overwhelming him completely.
The Fourth Heavenly Way was left dumbfounded, his voice trembling with disbelief. "How... How is this even possible?" he stammered, unable to comprehend the immense power before him.
"You transcended!" The Fourth Heavenly exclaimed. There was a mix of astonishment and disbelief in its voice, unable to comprehend how Zenith Heaven Emperor could have surpassed its own.
Indeed, while the Fourth Heavenly Way may have had better control over the Heavenly Way Authority due to his experience, Zenith Heaven Emperor was not someone he could challenge to begin with.
---
A little bit earlier, Zenith Heaven Emperor
Zenith Heaven Emperor marveled at his own power. "The Heavenly Way's might is truly impressive," he murmured, a hint of excitement in his voice.
A sly grin crept across his face. "Ah, the Fourth Heaven attempts to reclaim his position. How predictable."
"Time to have some fun and crush all his hopes" He looked forward to the opportunity to crush his opponent's aspirations.
"Now let's try this!" With that said, he uses his mastery over the Path of Heaven and Human Path to impose his will on the Heavenly Way.
To his surprise, the Heavenly Way offered no resistance. A perplexed expression crossed his features. "Why does the Heavenly Way not resist?" he wondered.
Driven by curiosity, Zenith Heaven Emperor utilized his abilities to examine himself and the Heavenly Way, looking for any abnormalities. And there it was, a discovery that confirmed his suspicions.
This something is what once was the eleventh dragon mark.
"I've always pondered the purpose of this particular dragon mark, but never did I fathom its true significance!" Zenith Heaven Emperor experienced a profound epiphany, as if a veil had been lifted from his understanding.
He realized why his Dragon Marks were that much different from a normal one!
He realized why he was born with his innate cultivation technique, the Heaven Devouring Battle Law.
That moment he realized that everything is connected!
He is a soul, not originating from All Heavens and Myriad Realms, therefore he was not restricted by it.
All of these were most likely due to him crossing the dimensional wall that separates the different dimensions. As he breached this threshold, an immense surge of energy surged forth, intertwining with his soul, bestowing upon it forbidden knowledge and an innate cultivation technique.
Despite the realization of this profound transformation, one question lingered in the mind of Zenith Heaven Emperor. 'What was the catalyst for this unprecedented occurrence?'
As Zenith Heaven Emperor concluded his thoughts, the ascension process reached its climax, propelling him beyond the confines of the Heavenly Way and into an unparalleled state of transcendence.
---
"Now, perish!" Zenith Heaven Emperor's voice echoed with deadly intent.
Even the indomitable Heavenly Way's Imperishable Body stood no chance against the transcendent being.
"Impossible!" The Fourth Heavenly Way's feeble voice protested, his remaining power futile against the transcendent's command.
The Heavenly Way chose to obey the transcendents' command, taking the easy way out. Although even the Heavenly Way can not harm the body of the Fourth Heavenly Way, it has other options to get rid of him without harming his body and soul.
The Heavenly Way activated the reincarnation system and reincarnated the Fourth Heavenly Way. During the process, all his memories and powers were erased, but his indestructible body remained intact, although now without any consciousness. Simultaneously, the Heavenly Way stripped him of all authority, reducing his reincarnation to a mere individual with an exceptionally powerful soul.
The soul remained Imperishable, yet it was constrained by the cycle of reincarnation. Ultimately, although the Fourth Heavenly Way's soul eluded complete eradication, it could not evade the reincarnation system of the Heavenly Way.
As a result of this, in the future, the opponents of the reincarnated won't be able to eliminate his soul, allowing it to reincarnate continuously. This method was proven by the Fifth Heavenly Way. To this day, she reincarnates endlessly, currently appearing as a certain onion accompanying Song Shuhang.
Although Zenith Heaven Emperor could have destroyed the Fourth Heavenly Way's body and soul, in the end he has chosen this method.