Chapter 151: Prince Ning's Crown Prince Slaughters the People, Becomes a Warrior King, and Ends the Truce

Longzhong County.

Inside Ruins Village.

That night.

A detachment of Iron Cavalry silently appears in the village.

The leader of the Iron Cavalry wears brocade robes, rides a red prized horse, has a handsome complexion, but his gaze is somewhat gloomy.

He is Li Lengqiu, the eldest Crown Prince of Prince Ning.

At this moment, he appears here because he learned that his younger brother was beheaded by Gu Jin Nian.

He and his younger brother were extremely close, born of the same mother and raised together since childhood.

Now hearing that his brother met his end at Gu Jin Nian's hands, how could he swallow this grievance? Li Lengqiu knows that Gu Jin Nian is also a Da Xia Crown Prince, and in both status and rank far surpasses him.

Moreover, Gu Jin Nian is currently in Tongguan City, under the protection of a Lord of State, so he dares not offend him, nor would he try.

If he cannot offend Gu Jin Nian, can he afford to offend these culprits? In his view, his brother's death at Gu Jin Nian's hands is entirely due to the villagers of Ruins Village.

Thinking this, Li Lengqiu immediately intends to demand compensation.

The Iron Cavalry appears.

Each bears a stern expression.

They surround Li Lengqiu, appearing very solemn.

Thus.

When the Iron Cavalry arrives, everything in the village is startled.

It is already the Chou hour.

Inside Ruins Village, the only light comes from a tavern, the sole tavern in the village.

When the Iron Cavalry appears, the tavern's shopkeeper promptly shuts the doors.

Although they do not know what happened, they know that those who appear at this hour are unlikely to bear good intentions.

And being Iron Cavalry, officials' men—who would dare to provoke trouble? Yet.

Just as the shopkeeper closes the doors, a figure appears outside the tavern.

It is a Black Water Iron Cavalry.

He stands beneath the tavern doorway, his iron armor exuding a terrifying chill, and his mere presence instills fear.

The shopkeeper swallows saliva, momentarily at a loss for words.

"Shopkeeper."

"Closing at the early hour of Yin?"

The next moment, a soft voice sounds, its tone gentle.

Li Lengqiu walks forward.

He is dressed richly, a coiled‑dragon jade pendant at his waist, and a gentle smile on his face, giving an impression of harmlessness.

If not for the Black Water Iron Cavalry's intimidating presence, honestly, even at midnight Li Lengqiu's arrival would not have frightened the shopkeeper so much.

"Young master."

"The shop closes at Yin hour; please forgive us, young master."

The shopkeeper forces a smile, looking at Li Lengqiu and speaking meekly.

"Oh."

"I see, I thought you were afraid of me."

Li Lengqiu nods, giving an air of sudden understanding, then smiles.

It eases the tension a bit.

Faced with Li Lengqiu's courtesy, the shopkeeper also smiles.

"Such words from a young master."

"You look like you come from a wealthy family; how could this humble shop fear you? It's just that the hour is late, so we closed."

"Do you wish to dine, young master?"

The shopkeeper smiles, also asking curiously.

"Yes."

"We are preparing a meal, shopkeeper, bring a bowl of plain noodles."

Li Lengqiu glances at the sign inside and speaks casually.

After saying that, he looks around, and soon a figure appears before his eyes.

It is a young girl, about ten years old, standing not far away, her eyes a little fearful.

"Very well, young master, please come in and sit."

The shopkeeper smiles, then heads inside, ordering the kitchen to prepare a bowl of plain noodles.

At this moment.

Li Lengqiu also proceeds into the tavern.

The tavern is dilapidated; the tables and chairs, worn and patinated from countless wipes, look somewhat nauseating.

But Li Lengqiu is casual, caring little for such things, and sits down directly.

After Li Lengqiu sits down,

These soldiers also enter, few in number—six in total—standing behind Li Lengqiu, while the rest stand outside the tavern, guarding strictly.

"Little girl."

"Come here."

After sitting, Li Lengqiu smiles, looks at the nearby little girl, and waves.

Not far away.

The little girl stood behind the pillar, a bit cautious; after hearing Li Lengqiu's voice, she felt some fear deep down.

Children are like that; they feel apprehension toward strangers.

"Young master, my little daughter is shy of strangers; please forgive her."

The shopkeeper, seeing this, couldn't help but step forward to apologize, then walked over and pulled his own little daughter.

"Yun Er, quickly meet the young master."

The shopkeeper also didn't want to offend Li Lengqiu, even though he didn't know what Li Lengqiu intended.

But they have many people and great power; how could I offend them?

Moreover, from Li Lengqiu's attire, it was clear he was certainly no ordinary person.

"Being shy of strangers is fine."

"Here, brother will give you a trinket."

Li Lengqiu smiled as he spoke, took a golden bell from his chest, gave it a gentle shake, and the bell rang with a crisp sound.

It attracted the little girl.

"Little sister, shall brother play a game with you?"

At this moment, Li Lengqiu's face was full of smiles; he placed the small bell on the table and looked at the other with a cheerful grin.

"Okay."

The little girl nodded, a bit naive, but her gaze was directly drawn to the bell.

"Later then."

"If the served Yangchun noodles have scallions, the bell is yours."

"If there are no scallions, brother will kill your father, okay?"

Li Lengqiu's voice rang out, his tone gentle, and his smile even more pronounced.

In the first half, the shopkeeper still wore a smile, but hearing the second half, he was stunned.

"Young master."

"This"

The shopkeeper was about to say something, but the next moment Li Lengqiu's voice sounded.

"Just a joke."

"Don't be nervous."

Li Lengqiu smiled as he spoke, but the shopkeeper didn't know what to say.

He swallowed a mouthful of saliva.

It seemed Li Lengqiu wasn't joking; his heart was tormented with fear.

"No."

"I don't want this bell."

The little girl's voice rang out; she understood Li Lengqiu's words and immediately chose to refuse.

But Li Lengqiu smiled.

He didn't care; he placed the bell on the table and waited quietly for the back kitchen.

"Young master."

The shopkeeper wanted to continue speaking, but for a moment truly didn't know what to say.

An unprecedented pressure surged instantly, making him feel uneasy all over.

Fear.

Dread.

These emotions intertwined within his heart.

In less than half a moment.

Finally, a bowl of Yangchun noodles was brought up.

"Noodles are here."

The back kitchen's voice rang out; the shopkeeper widened his eyes and stared fixedly at the bowl of Yangchun noodles.

Just a glance.

The shopkeeper's heart sank instantly.

The steaming Yangchun noodles were sprinkled with a layer of scallions, looking appetizing.

"What a pity."

Looking at the served Yangchun noodles, Li Lengqiu sighed.

He lost.

He guessed wrong.

But after his voice fell, Li Lengqiu's eyes instantly showed coldness; he grabbed a chopstick and aimed it directly at the little girl beside him.

On the spot.

The slender chopstick pierced the girl's brow, killing her instantly.

In an instant.

The inn was utterly quiet.

The back kitchen staff who delivered the noodles froze on the spot, and the shopkeeper's eyes widened, his mind blank for a moment.

He hadn't expected Li Lengqiu to be so cruel, killing his own daughter on the spot.

Blood splattered on him, staining Li Lengqiu's brocade robe red; his gaze was extremely calm, as if an innocent life was worth nothing to him.

"You beast."

After a short while, the shopkeeper's angry shout rang out; his eyes were bloodshot, his breathing rapid, and he trembled all over with fury, unable to believe any of this.

He had only closed the stall a little later, yet he was brutally killed.

His whole body shook, he could barely think, and he threw a punch at Li Lengqiu.

But in an instant.

Puff.

A Blackwater Iron Cavalry rider drew a battle sword and beheaded him without any hesitation or mercy.

Extremely cold‑blooded.

"Ah!"

A scream rang out; it was the kitchen chef, who at that moment collapsed on the ground, trembling all over.

Meanwhile, inside the restaurant.

Li Lengqiu retrieved his chopsticks and then stirred them into the plain noodles.

Fresh blood reddened the bowl of noodles; Li Lengqiu blew a breath of hot air and chewed the noodles slowly.

"Capture everyone in the village."

"Leave none alive."

Li Lengqiu's voice was icy.

His expression at that moment turned completely cold.

He came here to avenge his younger brother; Gu Jin Nian was not someone he could provoke.

But these people, he could still provoke.

A voice sounded.

In the next moment, the Blackwater Iron Cavalry outside set off immediately, moving at great speed.

In Ruins Village, the population was already small; with these soldiers looting, in less than half an hour—

Over four hundred villagers were all seized at the village entrance.

Everyone couldn't help but feel fear.

Their eyes showed terror and also confusion; they didn't know what had happened, yet they harbored some speculation.

After all, there had been trouble in the village before.

When all the villagers gathered, inside the restaurant—

Li Lengqiu also finished the bowl of noodles, stood up, wiped his mouth, and then left the restaurant.

The sky was like ink.

Though speckled with a few twinkling stars, it seemed utterly desolate.

Looking at these villagers, Li Lengqiu's gaze was filled with calm.

"May I ask, young master?"

"In the dead of night, what business do you have with us?"

At that moment, an elder stepped forward, clasped his hands and spoke, his posture extremely humble.

Puff.

In an instant, Li Lengqiu drew the battle sword from his retainer and beheaded the elder without any mercy.

With the elder slain—

The villagers instantly panicked, each beginning to scream or wail.

Facing this scene.

Li Lengqiu's eyes showed a strange pleasure; he wanted to see these people terrified and fearful.

The more they feared, the more excited he became.

With the battle sword in hand.

Li Lengqiu stepped forward alone, aimed at the unarmed villagers, and swung his sword at them.

At that moment.

Intense cries of agony, wails, and pleas for mercy merged together.

These villagers would die never understanding what they had done wrong.

Li Lengqiu's methods were even more ruthless; he slaughtered all of them cleanly, sparing no children, utterly savage.

That was his method: if he killed, he killed completely.

He was not afraid, nor did he have any dread.

Because he was the heir of Prince Ning.

An hour later.

Only after all the common folk of Ruins Village died of shock did Li Lengqiu finally exhale.

Then, in an icy tone, he said.

"Go to another village."

"All those implicated shall be eliminated by this heir."

Li Lengqiu spoke.

He still hadn't killed enough; the more than four hundred lives hadn't let him vent, and instead his heart grew more suppressed.

Even more angry.

"Obey the order."

The Blackwater Iron Cavalry said no more, disappearing into the vast night with hundreds of people; they were not slow.

It didn't take an hour, and it was another cold-blooded massacre.

But just then.

Several figures quickly appeared; they arrived at the scene — these were people from the Prince Ning's mansion.

When those few people appeared and saw the gruesome sight at the village entrance, they all involuntarily furrowed their brows.

The reason is simple; such a large-scale massacre is no trivial matter, and if it reached the emperor's ears, it would certainly not be trivial.

"Your Highness, the Crown Prince."

"The Prince has ordered you to return to the mansion quickly."

Those few people came before Li Lengqiu and said this.

"Return to the mansion?"

"What's the point of returning to the mansion for no reason?"

Hearing this, Li Lengqiu slightly furrowed his brows, looking at them with curiosity.

"Your Highness, the Crown Prince."

"The result of the first battle is out: Da Xia's Crown Prince Gu Jin Nian summoned heavenly fire stones and slaughtered the Xiongnu state's 300,000-strong army."

"Peace talks are currently underway; if nothing unexpected happens, they should conclude soon."

"The Prince ordered you to hurry back, lest you run into Gu Jin Nian and invite trouble."

The latter spoke up, informing Li Lengqiu what had happened.

As those words were spoken, Li Lengqiu's brows instantly knit tight.

"What did you say?"

"Has the result of the first battle already come out? Did Gu Jin Nian really slaughter the Xiongnu's 300,000-strong army?"

This time Li Lengqiu could hardly stay seated.

He was fully aware of the war between Da Xia and the Xiongnu state, and understood what this battle signified.

The two countries would surely fight for months, so Gu Jin Nian would certainly return to the Da Xia Capital.

But now that this has happened, it's no longer a minor matter.

Gu Jin Nian's slaughter of 300,000 troops likely means his achievements have peaked; if he discovers what I've done now...

Li Lengqiu fell silent.

He dared not think further.

"Why wasn't this kind of thing said earlier?"

Li Lengqiu really grew somewhat angry this time.

He is indeed arrogant and domineering, but he also has a brain.

This is the western border, a village nobody cares about; killing everyone here would go unnoticed, and even if discovered, it couldn't be traced back to me.

So he could act lawlessly, venting his anger for his deceased brother, letting his brother's spirit rest in peace.

Yet he never expected that Gu Jin Nian, by his own power, would turn the tide of battle.

That is not a good thing for him.

"Your Highness, I only just learned this news myself; I've been rushing here nonstop."

"Please forgive me, Your Highness."

The latter spoke, lowering his head and daring not to say more.

The reason is simple.

One can reason with anyone, but with this prince before you, reason truly doesn't work.

This prince is not only ruthless to outsiders, he is extremely harsh even toward his own people.

"Useless thing."

"Get lost!"

Li Lengqiu drew a deep breath, realizing what trouble he would bring upon himself, and a nameless anger surged in his heart.

But he knew better than anyone that he should leave immediately and not linger here.

Hurry up and run! Moreover, he must not return to the prince's mansion.

The peace talks have ended.

Gu Jin Nian will certainly return; if he discovers what I've done, I fear he will lead his army and demand lives from the prince's mansion.

He deserves to die.

He truly deserves to die.

Li Lengqiu mounted his warhorse, his expression grim beyond compare, and then he looked at his retinue and said.

"Clear this place out completely."

"Besides, no matter what, do not let it spread that this prince has been here."

Having said that, Li Lengqiu rushed straight to the mansion.

At that moment, several hundred iron cavalry followed behind Li Lengqiu, providing escort and protection.

Meanwhile, inside the village.

The remaining soldiers, each looking at the other, fell silent as they gazed upon the corpses on the ground.

They also couldn't fathom why the prince doted so heavily on this eldest son.

Although he is a noble and powerful figure.

He does not treat the lives of commoners as lives.

But surely it isn't that extreme, is it?

To slaughter over four hundred people outright—is that something a human could do?

But no matter what, for now they can only clean up the mess; they absolutely cannot reveal even a trace.

And at this moment.

Da Xia Imperial Palace.

After the peace treaty document was urgently sent to the Hall of Nurturing Heart.

Emperor Yongsheng carefully examined this peace treaty.

After a moment.

Emperor Yongsheng let out a long breath.

"Come here."

"Apply the seal."

Emperor Yongsheng took another deep breath, his eyes filled with joy, joy that could not be concealed.

Gu Jin Nian not only fought a splendid battle, but also made this peace treaty quite perfect.

Making the Xiongnu state pay silver reparations was enough, but he also demanded that the Xiongnu state send the principal culprit from thirteen years ago into Da Xia.

Just based on this, the humiliation from thirteen years ago could be wiped away.

Thirteen years ago, the Xiongnu cavalry broke through the city and slaughtered Da Xia's people; this hatred was not only kept in his heart.

The people also kept it in their hearts.

One could say, just this clause alone made him extremely satisfied; whether other things existed or not didn't matter.

"Jin Nian, Jin Nian, how should I speak of you?"

"You truly resemble me."

"They say nephews resemble their uncles, and that saying is indeed true, hey!" Emperor Yongsheng's face broke into a smile, his mood simply wonderful beyond measure.

This nephew truly brought him a great surprise.

However, shortly after the peace treaty was sealed, it was sent by express horse to Tongguan City.

Then, after the two states exchanged it and sealed it again, the matter could be considered fully effective.

At the same time.

Inside Tongguan City.

In the military camp.

As box after box of medicinal pills were transported into the camp.

These were the pills promised by Prince Ning, plus those granted by His Majesty, and additionally those brought by the old man.

The entire camp was nearly filled with hundreds of boxes.

Gu Jin Nian was not polite either.

He now needed to raise his martial cultivation realm, and had to rely on taking pills to level up.

Through this, Gu Jin Nian realized the biggest problem: his realm was too low.

Even saying his strength was so poor it was shocking; although his martial cultivation realm had reached the Treasure Body Realm, due to the Supreme Martial Cultivation Technique, he could fight a Human-Dragon Realm expert.

But this was still too weak.

It wasn't that the Human-Dragon Realm was weak, but his status was too high; as the honored Da Xia crown prince, anyone who dared to offend him was a top-tier existence in the world.

To put it bluntly, as long as he remained within Da Xia's borders, but if he left Da Xia's territory, he would likely encounter a Martial King expert attacking him at any moment.

Martial Kings are rare under heaven.

That makes sense.

But "rare" doesn't mean none; when gathered together, there are several hundred or even thousands of such individuals.

They are simply hard for ordinary people to see.

Once one's status reaches that level, the people they encounter are different.

Therefore, the Treasure Body Realm is meaningless.

Gu Jin Nian wanted to use this opportunity to rush directly to the third or fourth realm.

Preferably the fourth realm.

Reaching the Martial Divine Ability Realm would be quite good; as for the Martial King Realm, Gu Jin Nian hadn't even thought about it, not because he lacked ambition.

The main core reason is still insufficient pills; even with the old man's contribution, plus His Majesty's and Prince Ning's pills, under the Supreme Martial Cultivation Technique, breaking through to the Martial King Realm is nearly impossible.

However, what exactly it is still needs to be seen.

Thinking of this, Gu Jin Nian didn't waste words, taking out box after box of pills from the wooden crate and laying them out before him.

In an instant, ten Martial King Treasure Pills, a hundred Divine Ability Pills, several thousand Human-Dragon Realm Treasure Pills, and additionally several thousand Treasure Body Realm Treasure Pills appeared before Gu Jin Nian.

Treasure pills appeared.

Throughout the great camp, there was a rich fragrance, a herbal aroma spreading.

The next moment, Gu Jin Nian swallowed each pill one by one; as the pills entered his throat, they instantly turned into surging energy, which the ancient tree directly devoured and refined.

Martial King Treasure Pills, for Gu Jin Nian at his current realm, absolutely cannot be taken casually, otherwise he would burst and die on the spot; but possessing the All-Beings Tree, Gu Jin Nian would suffer no serious harm after taking them.

Pill after pill entered his throat.

Gu Jin Nian didn't care about the pills' quality at all, simply gulping them down in one go.

Several thousand pills, nearly an hour, were completely consumed.

Thus, on the All-Beings Tree, four All-Beings Fruits also grew.

This made Gu Jin Nian feel moved; four All-Beings Fruits seemed few, whereas before, he would have gotten at least forty.

However, the All-Beings Tree had already completed its transformation; although only four fruits, their effect was much greater than before.

Thinking of this, Gu Jin Nian settled his mind and spirit, then immediately began the draw.

Each time he picked a fruit, to Gu Jin Nian it was like a lottery, filling him with anticipation.

As Gu Jin Nian's will commanded, the first fruit fell.

In an instant, golden light scattered, and a treasure pill appeared before Gu Jin Nian's eyes.

The pill was milky white, exuded a strong fragrance, and on its surface were fine golden patterns.

Soon, a Golden Dragon floated above the pill, imprinting itself within the treasure pill.

True Dragon Golden Pill

With the pill's appearance, a piece of information surged into Gu Jin Nian's mind.

He also learned the name of this pill.

This pill carries a true dragon aura; after swallowing, it has a special effect.

Gu Jin Nian did not swallow the pill directly, but continued to pick the second Living Being Fruit.

As the second Living Being Fruit was plucked.

It was still a True Dragon Golden Pill.

No surprise; the next two were also True Dragon Golden Pills.

Looking at the four True Dragon Golden Pills, Gu Jin Nian took them out and swallowed them.

In an instant.

A dragon's roar rang in his mind, Gu Jin Nian's body trembled, his flesh emitted golden light, and his blood vessels surfaced.

Inside, it was as if a raging river surged in, ferocious and overwhelming.

The Supreme Martial Dao skill instantly activated, a furnace appeared, absorbing all the energy.

For a full minute.

Gu Jin Nian's power surged step by step, instantly reaching the Treasure Body Perfect Realm.

His flesh, at that moment, radiated dazzling light, and golden dragon scales appeared on his body, looking extremely brilliant.

Moreover, his blood vessels transformed into a dragon vein, with a terrifyingly powerful aura; simply sitting there, he could emit an unparalleled presence.

In that instant, Gu Jin Nian reached the Treasure Body Perfect Realm.

But he said nothing and directly swallowed the second True Dragon Golden Pill.

After swallowing the second True Dragon Golden Pill, the aura grew even stronger, his body undergoing metamorphosis, aura like a dragon.

Outside the camp.

The powerful aura caused the soldiers to look surprised; they all knew Gu Jin Nian intended to break through a realm.

They just didn't expect that the Crown Prince would be so terrifying? In the army, soldiers' realms are also classified: generally, the Treasure Body Realm can reach a fifth‑rank official position, the Human‑Dragon Realm starts at least at fourth rank, the Divine Power Realm at third, and with corresponding battle merits one might reach second rank.

If one attains the Martial King Realm, with appropriate battle merits, one can be ennobled as a marquis! The martial Dao realms decide everything; regardless of education or humble origin, as long as you become a Martial King, you will eventually be granted a marquisate.

The premise is having no ulterior motives.

They all knew Gu Jin Nian was a later saint of Confucianism and Daoism, a scholar among generals, but they didn't expect that Gu Jin Nian also understood the martial Dao.

And so powerful.

"No wonder people say, a dragon begets a dragon, a phoenix begets a phoenix; the grandson of a duke is indeed extraordinary."

"Indeed, the Crown Prince is both literary and martial; having such a reputation is absolutely fitting."

They discussed, praising Gu Jin Nian's extraordinariness.

And inside the camp.

A terrifying dragon roar fully rang out.

Roar! The dragon's roar echoed throughout the entire camp.

The soldiers all looked toward the tent where Gu Jin Nian was; they saw golden light soaring skyward, a dragon‑shaped aura manifesting, symbolizing nobility.

Gu Jin Nian has royal blood; the aura forming a Golden Dragon is not a big deal, yet people were astonished, looked over, and were deeply shocked.

Even elsewhere, the Duke's grandfather could not help but feel surprised.

"Clearly he only broke through the Treasure Body Realm, yet he exudes such a terrifying aura; even a Divine Power martial artist could not compare to Jin Nian."

"What method is Jin Nian using? Could it be related to that white rainbow that pierced the sun?"

Grandfather Gu was extremely surprised; he sensed Gu Jin Nian's aura.

Very strong, leaving one stunned.

Within the camp.

Gu Jin Nian's flesh completely transformed; the Treasure Body Realm hammers the flesh as if it were a treasure.

A warrior of this realm can hold their breath underwater for three days and three nights, endure extreme heat and cold, and their blood can be used as medicine.

Of course, the medicinal effect is not strong.

After Gu Jin Nian's transformation, his flesh turned into a dragon; his blood, though still far from true dragon blood, is compared to that of warriors of the same realm.

His blood is extremely precious; a single drop equals a ginseng plant.

In other words, if Gu Jin Nian is injured, he need not take any medicine; a sip of his own blood surpasses all good drugs.

This is the benefit of the Treasure Body Realm.

At this moment.

Gu Jin Nian reached the Human‑Dragon Realm; his entire aura indeed transformed powerfully.

The Seven Great Realms of Martial Dao.

Physical Body Realm, Treasure Body Realm, Human‑Dragon Realm, Divine Power Realm, Martial King Realm, Martial Emperor Realm, Martial Dao Supreme Realm.

Among them, the Physical Body Realm refines the flesh, mainly serving a "body‑nurturing" purpose.

The Treasure Body Realm allows the flesh to complete metamorphosis, achieving feats ordinary people cannot.

As for the Human‑Dragon Realm, it is a massive transformation.

Just like the Confucian‑Daoist realm.

The third realm is the watershed.

In the Human‑Dragon Realm, the flesh is like a dragon, strength is boundless; a warrior of the Human‑Dragon Realm can effortlessly defeat three hundred armored soldiers on the battlefield.

However, among Da Xia's half‑million troops, there are only about five hundred Human‑Dragon Realm elites, and these five hundred are the main opponents of the Xiongnu Iron Cavalry.

Da Xia dares to fight the Xiongnu State because these five hundred Human‑Dragon elites lead the charge, and together with Da Xia's iron cavalry they can fully counterbalance.

After Gu Jin Nian broke through to the Human‑Dragon Realm, his aura became extremely powerful.

A single kick can create a deep pit; this kind of force can shatter a thousand pieces of armor.

This is the greatness of the Panwu Supreme Skill; although it is the Human‑Dragon Realm, Gu Jin Nian's strength is equivalent to that of a Divine‑Power master.

But that is still not enough.

The third and fourth True Dragon Pills, Gu Jin Nian swallowed them in one go.

He aims to break through to the Divine‑Power Realm.

In that case, even if he possessed the strength of a Martial King, within Da Xia he would need not fear anyone.

Even as a true Martial King, Gu Jin Nian would not be afraid; self‑preservation is inevitable, merely a matter of whether he can win or lose.

The two precious pills entered his body, and the surging energy swept over him, causing Gu Jin Nian's whole body to tremble again.

Buzz— buzz—! The main camp of the army resonated at that moment; the Panwu Supreme Skill consumed those pills, channeling a continuous flow of energy.

Gu Jin Nian's aura rose step by step; his flesh shone like gold, and his gaze emitted golden light.

With each breath, everything around him changed.

Half an hour later, as the two True Dragon Pills were refined.

Gu Jin Nian's realm also reached the pinnacle of the Human‑Dragon Realm, equivalent to the pinnacle of the Divine‑Power Realm, which is terrifying.

But this differed from Gu Jin Nian's expected outcome.

Far from enough.

Completely insufficient.

Without entering the Divine‑Power Realm, he still lacks any self‑preservation ability.

Just then, a voice slowly sounded.

"Jin Nian."

"Take it."

It was the old master's voice; as it sounded, a vividly emerald pill appeared, exuding a strong fragrance.

Swallowed into his mouth, it was instantly exceedingly sweet.

At once, terrifying vitality spread inward, and a powerful life aura filled him from head to toe.

"What is this?"

Gu Jin Nian frowned; he instantly sensed the pill's peculiarity.

Facing such a pill, the Tree of All Beings seemed to erupt, directly refining and devouring the pill, and in the next instant five All‑Beings fruits condensed.

In that instant, Gu Jin Nian also realized what it was.

Elixir of Longevity.

Yes.

Elixir of Longevity.

Only the Elixir of Longevity can have such effect, providing such terrifying life essence; moreover, even after swallowing thousands of pills before, he could only condense four All‑Beings fruits.

Now swallowing this one pill yields five fruits, which is astonishing.

The old master actually gave the Elixir of Longevity to him.

For a moment, Gu Jin Nian didn't know what to say.

His grandfather's lifespan was short; this Elixir of Longevity was likely prepared for the future, and now given to him—how could Gu Jin Nian accept it?

"Stop babbling, break through the realm quickly."

It was unclear whether the old master sensed Gu Jin Nian's emotions and directly transmitted his voice, prompting Gu Jin Nian to break through the realm swiftly.

Hearing the old master's words, Gu Jin Nian didn't act pretentiously; he would later find a way to obtain a new Elixir of Longevity for the old master.

He didn't believe he couldn't find one.

The five fruits were harvested and transformed into five True Dragon Pills.

At this point, Gu Jin Nian did not hesitate and swallowed the pills outright.

At this moment.

Gu Jin Nian's aura completely transformed.

Roar.

The dragon's roar sounded again, more terrifying than before.

The entire army camp's tents were ripped apart in an instant by this overwhelming aura.

In an instant, the stationed soldiers around were all shocked.

As the tents vanished, Gu Jin Nian's flesh radiated dazzling light, and the golden glow engulfed everything around.

From the beams of light, some soldiers even drew a gasp of cold air.

This aura swept across the entire Tongguan City.

Entering the Divine‑Power Realm.

It means Gu Jin Nian possesses strength not inferior to a martial‑king.

And as Gu Jin Nian entered the Divine‑Power Realm, countless pieces of information flooded his mind.

Golden light wrapped around him, forming a sphere.

Within the sphere, some martial divine abilities were directly inherited.

In Gu Jin Nian's mind, various martial arts techniques also surfaced—1,080 of them—gathered together, forming the 【Dragon Subduing Technique】.

This is a martial divine ability, and moreover an inherited divine ability, because the Coiling Martial Supreme Skill, based on Gu Jin Nian's qi, thus gave birth to the strongest divine ability.

More precisely, it is not the strongest divine ability, but the divine ability best suited to Gu Jin Nian's current state.

Dragon Subduing Technique.

The next moment.

Gu Jin Nian rose to his feet; the medicinal effects had been fully refined, and he consequently broke through to the Divine Ability Realm.

Although it was only the initial stage, it was already enough.

Within just two hours, breaking through two major realms is impossible for any martial artist.

Especially, Gu Jin Nian's breakthrough is completely different from that of an ordinary martial artist.

Boom.

Gu Jin Nian leapt into the air; leaving the ground, a single lunge sent him soaring a full hundred meters high—truly extravagant.

The next moment, Gu Jin Nian vanished in midair.

His speed was as fast as lightning, faster than a gale wind, and he disappeared directly before everyone's eyes.

He sank into the great mountains.

At this moment, Gu Jin Nian felt an unprecedented sense of exhilaration, his whole body brimming with power.

This power seemed inexhaustible, no matter how he used it.

Boom boom boom! In the mountains, Gu Jin Nian executed the Dragon Subduing Technique; his martial true qi transformed into golden true dragons, each tens of zhang long, blasting into the great mountains.

Countless rocks were shattered; a single punch blasted down, directly carving out a pit with a diameter of at least ten zhang and a depth of at least three zhang.

Its power was astonishing.

Its strength was terrifying.

Within the military camp, Grandfather Gu's eyes burst with light as he gazed at Gu Jin Nian, his gaze full of astonishment.

"Although he is in the Divine Ability Realm, he possesses the strength of a Martial King; if Jin Nian could step into the Martial King Realm, wouldn't he then have the strength of a Martial Emperor?"

"It seems that studying literature has still delayed Jin Nian."

Grandfather Gu didn't quite know what to say; before he thought Jin Nian's studying literature was a good thing, but now, after looking, he also felt that studying martial arts wasn't bad either.

About an hour later.

Gu Jin Nian returned from the mountains.

His clothes were somewhat tattered; after all, it's normal for garments to be damaged after freely unleashing the Dragon Subduing Technique.

This outing also let him gauge his current strength.

He also fully understood just how powerful a Martial King is.

Although not the kind of strength that destroys heaven and earth, it can shatter three thousand enemy armors.

These three thousand armors refer to the Xiongnu cavalry.

This is the limit of mortals.

A Martial King is the limit of a mortal fleshly body.

Beyond that, it is no longer a mortal fleshly body.

Returning to the military camp,

Gu Jin Nian took a bath, changed into fresh clothes, and immediately sought out Grandfather Gu.

Grandfather and grandson had not much to say.

He merely told Gu Jin Nian not to act rashly; better to let others form a misconception, then strike at the crucial moment—that would be best.

"Jin Nian."

"His Majesty's official document will arrive shortly."

"After both sides' documents are signed, the two nations will announce it to the world."

"At that time, Da Xia's national fortune will be enhanced; then you must make preparations."

Grandfather Gu spoke up, reminding Gu Jin Nian of this matter.

"Make preparations?"

"Grandfather, what does this mean?"

Gu Jin Nian was somewhat puzzled.

"Da Xia has three Heaven's Mandate markings; the increase in national fortune is entirely because of you, and you will receive Heaven's Mandate's blessing."

Grandfather Gu spoke, saying as such.

"Understood."

Upon hearing these words, Gu Jin Nian understood.

However, if before, Gu Jin Nian's feeling toward Heaven's Mandate was something ineffable—he felt having it was best, lacking it didn't matter.

But now it's different; upon learning that this Heaven's Mandate represents a kind of heavenly divine ability, Gu Jin Nian must strive for it.

Thus.

Dawn.

After Da Xia's peace treaty document was sent at the utmost speed,

Immediately, both sides exchanged their documents again, and they were sent back by express horse.

If nothing unexpected happens,

Tonight, after the peace treaty document is signed and sealed, it will be announced to the world tomorrow.

Then I too will have to return soon.

However.

The events are a bit faster than Gu Jin Nian imagined.

Before the hour of You arrived, the documents had already been delivered, stamped with the jade seals of both nations.

Moreover, the Great Emperor Yongsheng also sent a verbal decree, announcing that tomorrow he would proclaim to the world, ordering Gu Jin Nian to set out within three days.

Return home to receive a marquisate.

So it is.

When the documents arrived, Gu Jin Nian immediately had someone inform the Xiongnu Nation to come to Tongguan City the next day for the final exchange of peace documents.

And on the following day.

Harumu, Chen Song, and Zhen Ye rushed over.

All three sides hoped to sign the peace treaty as soon as possible.

After all, for them, an early conclusion meant early peace of mind.

Therefore, at the Mao hour they had already appeared in Tongguan City.

Moreover, Harumu also brought all the principal culprits.

A total of 345 people were involved.

With the main culprits brought in, the soldiers inside the city glared like knives, wishing they could rush up and cut them to pieces.

Yet under military orders, the soldiers could not act recklessly.

Thus.

Mao hour, three quarters.

Both sides formally submitted the peace documents.

Under the witness of the Fuyu Dynasty and the Great Jin Dynasty.

This war!

Peace!

The document exchange, carriage after carriage entered, this was the indemnity silver.

Fifty million taels of silver.

All must be delivered to the capital's Ministry of Revenue.

"Beat the drums!"

When Harumu and his party left with the documents, the voice of the Marquis of the State also rose slowly.

In an instant.

The war drums thundered.

Five hundred thousand soldiers silently watched it all.

Everyone remained silent.

Listening to the deafening drums, they said nothing.

At the same time.

Inside Prince Ning's Residence.

Li Lengqiu had just returned to the residence.

(End of chapter)