Chapter 171: Endless Benefits, Supreme Immortal‑Martial Seal, Buddha Realm in the Palm, Heaven‑Bestowed Buddhist Artifact

Lightning struck the cliff.

Kong Wuya's expression was somewhat numb; he didn't know how long he had been here, only that at intervals a lightning strike would fall, subjecting him to an unspeakable pain.

But that pain was nothing; the true suffering was loneliness, solitude.

Around the Lightning Cliff lay the ocean, looking terrifyingly boundless.

At that moment, three figures suddenly appeared, their faces pale, sealed by Buddhist power on the Lightning Cliff.

The three wore expressions of extreme displeasure.

Crack!

And at that very moment.

A bolt of lightning struck down, and in an instant the four—including Kong Wuya—let out continuous cries, their bodies tingling, in unbearable pain.

"Gu Jin Nian, you truly are a monster."

Venerable Yuan Mie was in great pain; as one of the three Buddhist elders, he hadn't expected such a fate.

"Were you also captured here by Gu Jin Nian?"

Hearing the three's voices, Kong Wuya couldn't help his curiosity; he looked at them and asked, very inquisitively.

But the three were being struck by lightning for the first time, in excruciating pain, and had no mind to attend to Kong Wuya.

Seeing the three ignore him, Kong Wuya didn't feel distressed; he had been alone here for far too long, and finally three people arrived. Honestly, compared to the pain of loneliness, a lightning strike is nothing. "Take a rest. I've already calculated the times: a day has twelve double‑hours; normally only two bolts strike, three in a leap month. When they strike, grit your teeth and endure; leap‑month lightning is the most painful. We can help each other, knock the other out, so even if we're awakened by a strike, it won't hurt too much."

Kong Wuya spoke; his seasoned experience even led him to think of a way to neutralize it.

Venerable Yuan Mie and the other two truly didn't know what to say.

Meanwhile, in the western desert.

After subduing the three Buddhist elders, Gu Jin Nian didn't continue to trouble them; he knew the Buddhist sect would surely have a follow‑up, and if he truly spared no cost, it would only mean both jade and stone would be burned.

That was meaningless.

Unless the other side insisted on clashing with him.

"Amitabha."

Finally, Gu Jin Nian slowly spoke, uttering the four words Amitabha.

It also soothed the resentment in his heart.

At that moment, the true form of the Medicine Buddha gradually faded.

The myriad Buddhas in the sky also vanished.

However, all these phenomena transformed into golden light, surging into Gu Jin Nian's body.

The settlement began.

Gu Jin Nian recited the Medicine Buddha's empowerment mantra, which is boundless merit.

Combined with the twelve fundamental vows, the benefits are endless.

Now, the time of settlement has arrived.

Golden clouds filled the sky, coalescing into clusters that appeared above Gu Jin Nian's head.

Buddhist teachings surged like a tide, winding around Gu Jin Nian.

A sea of Buddhist teachings poured into Gu Jin Nian's body, directly devoured by the Tree of Sentient Beings.

Without any hesitation, Gu Jin Nian chose to harvest them.

They were like elixirs; after ingestion, they instantly transformed into Buddhist cultivation material.

Sure enough, when the fruits fell, golden lotuses blossomed, turning into rolling energy that erupted within his body.

In an instant, sutras resonated in his mind, and a golden lotus appeared before Gu Jin Nian.

That sutra was the Mahavairocana Tathagata Sutra of Sentient Beings.

It is the supreme art of the Buddhist sect.

Gu Jin Nian absorbed the essence of this scripture; currently he possesses the Supreme Martial Path Art and the Supreme Immortal Path Art, and adding a Supreme Buddhist Sect Art is no big deal.

The Seven Realms of the Buddhist Sect.

First Realm: Enlightened Zen Realm, comprehending Buddhist teachings, gathering Buddhist power.

Second Realm: True‑Heart Realm, cultivating Buddhism with one's true heart, the Dharma vast.

Third Realm: Buddha‑Affinity Realm, affinity with all laws, wondrous beyond words.

Fourth Realm: Meditative Absorption Realm, the true heart unmoving, all things as one.

Fifth Realm: Golden Body Realm, golden‑bodied Buddhist teachings, transformative divine powers.

Sixth Realm: Arhat Realm, cutting away afflictions, untouched by birth and death.

Seventh Realm: Nirvana Realm, rebirth through Nirvana, exchanging for my true body.

These are the seven great realms of the Buddhist sect; as for the eighth, it is the Ancient Buddha Realm, the true Buddha, transcending all above.

With the appearance of the Mahavairocana Tathagata Sutra of Sentient Beings, Gu Jin Nian directly entered the Enlightened Zen Realm, grasping many principles, some akin to Confucian and Daoist teachings, allowing an immediate breakthrough.

Buddhist teachings condensed within him, turning into a golden lotus, symbolizing completeness.

"The Buddhist sect arranged such a grand plan, yet didn't anticipate Gu Jin Nian easily unraveling it; not only that, Gu Jin Nian even embarked on the Buddhist cultivation path because of it—truly a loss of both wife and troops."

"I never expected the First Marquis of Da Xia to excel not only in Confucian and Daoist arts but also to master Buddhist teachings so well; I truly admire him."

"It seems this contest of Heaven's Mandate truly exists."

"The Da Xia Dynasty shall become fully glorious because of Gu Jin Nian."

"The twelve great vows—what rewards will Heaven and Earth bestow? It does make one somewhat eager."

Various voices rose; some praised Gu Jin Nian's methods as both domineering and straightforward, others took perverse pleasure in the Buddhist sect's misfortune, but most people still focused on Gu Jin Nian, wanting to know what benefits he would gain after this great battle.

Inside Pu Han Temple.

The entire Pu Han Temple had become a complete ruin; Gu Jin Nian lay on the ground, a faint golden aura surrounding him.

Clang.

A bell tone rang from within Gu Jin Nian's body.

A ten‑thousand‑character Buddha seal appeared on his forehead, adding an indescribable charm.

It cannot be denied that Gu Jin Nian is handsome, but because of his deeds, many people overlook his appearance.

"The Buddhist bell reverberates in the heart, its sound spreading outward; this is a sign of one's true state being complete."

A Buddhist practitioner spoke up, pointing out what change had occurred in Gu Jin Nian.

"Directly leaping into two realms?"

"It's only been so short a time, how could he already reach his true state?"

Someone shouted in astonishment, finding Gu Jin Nian's direct jump into two great realms absurd; for ordinary cultivators, even crossing a single great realm is considered lightning‑fast.

Because for them, daily cultivation takes several years, even a decade, to break through one realm; reaching the third or fourth realm is a lifetime achievement. So seeing Gu Jin Nian cross two great realms in less than a quarter of an hour naturally astonished them.

"Is it rare to recite the Buddha's True Scripture and directly attain the true state?"

But soon, another voice spoke, saying:

Upon hearing that, many people felt a bit relieved.

Indeed, after all, for those earlier, being able to recite the Buddha's True Scripture means Gu Jin Nian's breakthrough of two great realms is not that astonishing.

But soon, golden Buddhist light surged from Gu Jin Nian's body, then behind him it transformed into layers upon layers of circular light—this is merit circular light.

One layer, two layers, three layers, nine layers, twelve layers, up to twenty‑four layers of Buddhist sect circular light.

With the appearance of the Buddhist circle, a sudden chorus of astonishment arose.

"Twenty‑four layers of Buddhist sect circular light."

"Nine layers of circular light symbolize a perfect Buddhist affinity; even the three venerables of the Buddhist sect barely have nine layers behind their heads. In this vast world, only those of great merit can gather such light."

"Why does he have twenty‑four layers of Buddhist sect circular light?"

A voice sounded from an old monk on a distant barren hill, pointing at Gu Jin Nian as he said:

Many strong cultivators had already arrived nearby, silently observing.

Now hearing such words, they naturally grew curious, casting glances one by one.

Most people, though acquainted with the Buddhist sect, still do not understand some of its cultivation techniques, since Buddhist practice differs entirely from Immortal Dao or Martial Dao.

The Buddhist sect emphasizes Confucian‑Daoist insight as primary, Immortal Dao's qi cultivation as secondary, and also accumulates merit; it sounds very complex.

Becoming a monk is easy: do good deeds, recite Buddhist sutras, worship devoutly, and one can become a monk; in three to five years one can master Buddhist teachings.

But attaining a certain realm within the Buddhist sect is far more complicated.

Now hearing about the nine layers of circular light fills them with curiosity.

Sensing the crowd's doubt, the old monk slowly began to speak; he had already returned to lay life and did not die in this calamity.

"Circular light is the light of merit. Upon entering the third realm of the Buddhist sect, the Buddhist affinity realm, the first layer of circular light is the light of karmic law; each subsequent layer has a different name. If one cultivates this realm to perfection, one can gather seven layers of circular light; a person of merit, a Buddhist sect's heavenly pride, can gather nine layers."

"According to legend, the Buddhist sect's circular light has thirty‑three layers, reflecting the thirty‑three heavens; only a true Buddha possesses all thirty‑three. Gu Jin Nian already has twenty‑four layers, indicating his Buddhist affinity realm is perfectly complete."

"Moreover, due to boundless merit, he obtained this Buddhist sect circular light; his Dharma form can intimidate demons, remain untouched by all laws, and eradicate all evils."

"His Buddhist attainment is rare throughout history."

The old monk explained, informing the crowd of the terrifying nature of this Buddhist sect circular light.

After hearing this, the crowd indeed clicked their tongues and felt deeply shocked; light of this sort having such intricacies makes the Buddhist sect truly bizarre.

Yet likewise, many cast envious glances; Gu Jin Nian is an Immortal‑Spirit root, and his Confucian‑Daoist cultivation was revered by Confucius as a saint of later generations; now his Buddhist practice can produce twenty‑four layers of Buddhist sect circular light.

How could this not incite jealousy and envy? Moreover, everyone knows this is just the beginning; the true reward has not yet appeared.

The monks of the Western Desert Buddhist sect, however, grew increasingly sullen, for they felt Gu Jin Nian had taken their benefits.

Some senior monks trembled in distress, their hearts aching.

Usually the Buddhist sect demands benefits from others; never have others taken advantage of the sect—this is truly disheartening.

Indeed.

After the circular light appeared, Gu Jin Nian quietly comprehended the Dao, though this time it lasted a little longer than before.

In his mind, shadows of various Buddhas appeared, chanting ancient sutras, Sanskrit sounds resonating, awakening Gu Jin Nian's supreme wisdom.

The sky‑filled Golden Auspicious Clouds surged into his body; the Tree of All Beings continuously bore fruit, then repeatedly dropped merit Golden Lotus, aiding Gu Jin Nian in advancing his Buddhist cultivation.

Finally, after one hour.

Behind Gu Jin Nian, an ancient Bodhi tree emerged, its branches shedding myriad streams of emerald light, illuminating him like a deity.

His visage resembled a Buddha, his aura like a god, transcendent and dazzling to the world.

At the same time, Gu Jin Nian formally entered the fourth realm of the Buddhist sect, the meditative realm.

He, like the old monk, sat beneath the Bodhi tree, perceiving certain truths.

In his mind, numerous thoughts arose; previous dilemmas were suddenly illuminated.

At that moment, all things seemed unified; everyone vanished from his sight, and the green mountains, clear waters, waterfalls, and long rivers appeared indescribably beautiful. Beneath the Bodhi tree, his body radiated golden light, while the tree itself emitted emerald glow.

The two lights intertwined, flooding the area and forming an ocean.

At this time, clusters of merit golden clouds blessed Gu Jin Nian's body, becoming a continuous source of energy.

But Gu Jin Nian did not continue to break through realms; instead, he transformed those merit golden clouds into other energy, intending to surge through three major systems in one go, rather than tackling them separately.

He is comprehending the Dao.

The Dao, Buddhist law, and the law of martial ways.

The three paths continuously intertwine within his body, using the meditative realm's aid to fuse all laws.

"In the Buddhist sect's meditative realm, one can instantly heighten wisdom and comprehend many teachings; senior monks often prepare extensively in this realm, reading sutras and noting down everything they do not understand."

"Thus, when entering the meditative realm, answers can be obtained; of course, the exceedingly profound remain inaccessible unless one possesses extraordinary talent."

"Gu Jin Nian now in meditation possesses the law of martial ways and the law of Immortal Dao; having recited the Buddha's True Scripture, he likely already masters the Buddhist sect's law. It is unimaginable what level he will reach after the meditative phase ends."

The contest of Heaven's Mandate is about to begin; after today's bout, it seems Gu Jin Nian will monopolize the top spot, leaving the younger generation far behind the older cultivators.

He turned into a mountain, causing later arrivals to sigh in awe, making his peers despair, like a seed that takes root in the heart, sprouts, and grows into a towering tree that cannot be opposed.

A voice sounded, offering ample analysis of Gu Jin Nian's current situation.

Such an appraisal is somewhat excessive, drawing the eyes of many younger people, and even some elder cultivators couldn't help looking.

Their gazes were odd; though Gu Jin Nian's deeds over the years have attracted attention from all over the world.

But the problem is, this kind of praise is a bit over the top, right?

On the hilltop stood a young man speaking eloquently; he wore a Confucian robe, stared at Gu Jin Nian, saliva spitting, and spoke with perfect logic.

"Who are you, and how do you know so much?"

Someone could no longer hold back and asked who the other was.

"Ah! I am Xu Qiyue, a native of Yuzhang, a wandering scholar, well‑read, thus aware of some rare things; what I just said includes some personal speculation, for reference only."

The young scholar spoke, quickly bowing, and even added an explanation.

With those words, many frowned; a person who knows so much cannot be ordinary.

Some chewed over the name Xu Qiyue repeatedly, others wrote it down, planning to meet Xu Qiyue after this matter ends; such a person, if chatted with, might yield some gain.

Roar.

At that moment, a dragon's roar sounded within Gu Jin Nian's body.

Under the bodhi tree, Gu Jin Nian's mortal body radiated a great brilliance, illuminating everything, utterly strange.

He was refining the three methods.

Only the Confucian‑Daoist method he did not incorporate, because Confucian‑Daoist is his primary path; whether martial path or Immortal Dao, they are all cultivation ways.

Clusters of merit Golden Lotuses were devoured by the Tree of All Beings; perhaps understanding Gu Jin Nian's thoughts, the Tree of All Beings cooperated this time, and the fruits it produced were all elixirs, supplying Gu Jin Nian's cultivation.

Under the blessing of the spirit elixir and miraculous medicine, Gu Jin Nian's Immortal Dao realm continued to ascend step by step.

The Twelve Spiritual Veins had long been successfully opened.

He had also already completed Qi cultivation.

Now, with his thoughts fully comprehended, Gu Jin Nian established a Yuan in a single breath.

In the Immortal Dao's Yuan establishment, in an instant, an Immortal Dao dantian opened within Gu Jin Nian; inside the dantian, an immensely potent spiritual energy poured in, leaving his spirit fully replete.

But that was far from enough.

Thousands of elixirs entered his body; with the aid of these Immortal Dao pills, Gu Jin Nian gritted his teeth and forced cultivation, and his Immortal Spirit Root exerted great effect at that moment.

The dantian expanded wildly, reaching a width of ten thousand zhang, then abruptly contracted, forming an inner elixir.

This is the Immortal Dao's fourth realm, the Inner Elixir realm.

At that moment, within the Golden Lotus before Gu Jin Nian, a Golden Core was born.

"Immortal Dao Golden Core!"

"He has not broken through to the Golden Core realm, yet possesses an Immortal Dao Golden Core; this is a realm of flawless perfection."

"How could this be? Throughout history, no one has ever heard of a cultivator forming a Golden Core without reaching the Golden Core realm."

"Good fellow, opening the three cultivations directly? Preemptively forming an Immortal Dao Golden Core—how terrifying!"

"What is the purpose? To surge forward and break into the fifth realm? Or to break into the sixth realm?"

The crowd was stunned, especially the Immortal Dao cultivators, each pointing at Gu Jin Nian; they were utterly astonished. It is well known that only upon reaching the Golden Core realm can one form an Immortal Dao Golden Core, yet Gu Jin Nian clearly showed no aura of the Golden Core realm.

Yet forming an Immortal Dao Golden Core—this literally breaks the norm.

"Do not forget, his Confucian‑Daoist realm is only at the third stage, the Establishing Speech of the Wise Saint."

"It is the unification of the four realms."

An elder spoke, reminding everyone not to overlook this point.

"Indeed, Gu Jin Nian is not limited to martial path, Immortal Dao, or Buddhist law reaching the four realms; his Confucian‑Daoist realm is at the third stage."

"Immortal, martial, Confucian, sword art, Buddhist, demon—seven major systems; now lacking Technique Dao, demon arts, and sword methods unpracticed. Could he be aiming for the Seven Realms Grand Perfection?"

Someone frowned, looking at Gu Jin Nian and asked thus.

If Gu Jin Nian were merely the foremost Confucian‑Daoist, these immortal sects and Buddhist sects would not mind much, since they are not the same system; but if Gu Jin Nian pursues full cultivation, it would be unfavorable for them.

At minimum, in each major system, the later stages demand ever more resources, and positions and opportunities become scarce.

This is the consensus of all under heaven; the higher realms seem fixed, as if the Great Scholars of Confucian‑Daoist are limited in number, let alone the sixth realm—how many Half Saints exist in the world? Though Confucian‑Daoist may differ somewhat.

But how many Buddhist sects have Arhat‑level strongmen? How many immortal sects have Void‑Empty elites? How many martial paths have Martial Emperors? In the end, it's just this small group; if Gu Jin Nian follows the full cultivation path, he would occupy a position in each major system.

The sixth realm is still tolerable; the seventh realm is the real concern.

If one day Gu Jin Nian's seven major systems all reach the seventh realm, he would be akin to a quasi‑eighth realm powerhouse; unless someone obtains Heaven's Mandate, no one could defeat Gu Jin Nian.

Naturally, this made many perceive a crisis.

"Unlikely."

"Cultivating a single realm takes more than a few decades to measure; Gu Jin Nian is a heaven‑born prodigy, I acknowledge him, but to cultivate the seven major systems is sheer nonsense."

Someone shook their head, deeming it impossible.

After all, cultivating a single system, the later stages require not only more resources but also time costs beyond what ordinary people can expend.

Gu Jin Nian is a heaven‑born talent; everyone believes his primary cultivation is Confucian‑Daoist, secondary is martial, which is already at the limit. To pursue all seven realms, where would the resources come from? Moreover, such cultivation would be seven times faster than others, and the multiplier would increase further in later stages—imagine how terrifying.

"Indeed, simultaneously cultivating the seven major systems is almost impossible; time‑wise it's manageable, for such a peerless prodigy, his one year of enlightenment surpasses a commoner's hundred years, but resources cannot be compensated by talent alone."

Xu Qiyue also nodded, acknowledging the elder's words.

"Then if he continues to recite ancient Buddhist sutras, or timeless writings?"

Someone couldn't help speaking up, raising this question.

"Continuing to recite only has a temporary effect and cannot rely on the Buddha's true sutras to elevate oneself; Lord Hou originally penned the first timeless article, gaining great benefit, but later it waned—such things are always best the first time."

"Moreover, the seventh realm cannot be broken through by this."

"Unless."

When Xu Qiyue reached this point, she paused briefly.

For a moment, many fell silent.

Skipping the crucial part? Are you ill? Though the crowd doesn't fully trust Xu Qiyue's words, at least she knows more than ordinary people, giving them something to judge and understand.

Choosing silence at such a critical moment, this kind of person is truly detestable, even more disgusting than the Buddhist sect in a sense.

"Unless what?"

"If you have it, say so; if not, just say you don't. Teasing people, I really don't know how to describe you."

"Ma De, if I weren't a righteous cultivator, I'd cut you down with a single sword right now."

"I am a demonic cultivator; I'm coming to slash."

Voices rose one after another, and someone even brandished a great sword, truly rushing forward.

In an instant, Xu Qiyue's face turned pale, and she hurriedly spoke.

"Between heaven and earth there are many treasure secret realms; unless Gu Jin Nian can obtain these realms and occupy them alone without sharing, which is unlikely."

"These treasure secret realms are usually public information, known to all major forces; even if Gu Jin Nian monopolized the top, he couldn't enjoy them alone."

Xu Qiyue spoke up, quickly clarifying to prevent the demonic cultivator from actually raising a blade.

That would indeed be troublesome.

As Xu Qiyue said that, everyone understood.

"I see, that really is unlikely."

"If you had said it earlier, it would be done. Why stall?" "If you dare do this again, I'll go dark and cut you down, believe it?"

The crowd suddenly comprehended and also issued a threat.

Hearing that, Xu Qiyue could only give an awkward smile, muttering something—scholars are like that, with poor thoughts and odd complaints of bodily discomfort.

But no one cared about Xu Qiyue; most eyes remained on Gu Jin Nian.

As the Merit Golden Lotus continued to empower, Gu Jin Nian accumulated a massive amount of Qi within his body.

The Merit Golden Lotus brought by the Twelve Great Vows was only devoured one-third by Gu Jin Nian, leaving two-thirds.

"Break."

In an instant, a voice rang out.

At that moment, the Pan Wu Supreme Skill, the Three Purities Mixed Origin Method, and the Great Sun Tathagata Sentient Technique all operated together.

A furnace.

Three void shadows.

A Buddha statue.

Inside the body, they were wildly absorbing this Qi.

Three methods fused into one.

Gu Jin Nian merged all his doctrines together, including techniques, Dao methods, and Buddhist teachings.

Finally, light entwined, weaving into a cocoon that prevented the crowd from seeing his state.

Within the golden cocoon, Gu Jin Nian's aura grew increasingly terrifying.

His tendons at that moment radiated light, his blood turned golden, his aura like a true dragon, his flesh like divine steel, his primordial spirit overwhelmingly powerful, and a lotus platform appeared at his feet.

Crack!

As if shackles shattered, Gu Jin Nian finally broke through to the Fifth Realm at this moment.

Martial King Realm.

His flesh like divine steel, aura like a dragon; under the boost of the Pan Wu Supreme Skill, Gu Jin Nian, though in the Martial King Realm, possesses strength comparable to a Martial Emperor, and moreover he has a flawless body.

Without a flawless body, even with the Pan Wu Supreme Skill, Gu Jin Nian could never leap a major realm.

Because the later the realm, the greater the gap; earlier realms are manageable, but later realms differ by tens of thousands of li.

With a flawless body, he wields power on par with a Martial Emperor.

Terrifying true Qi swirled inside like a great dragon; at this moment, Gu Jin Nian felt the pleasure of power growth.

He gazes arrogantly over the world's heroes.

A Martial King strongman can shatter three thousand armors alone.

A Martial Emperor strongman, facing a hundred thousand troops, can move freely, turning hand to cloud, palm to rain; amidst thousands of soldiers, he can take heads, and if fully unleashed at a cost, can slaughter a hundred thousand cavalry.

Originally, Master Luo Ze was a Six Realm Strongman, as were the Three Venerable of the Buddhist Sect, the Eastern Sword Saint, and the old master, all likely Six Realm Strongmen.

Today, using the Medicine Master Empowering Mantra, he gained immeasurable merit and formally entered the Martial King Realm.

But that is far from enough.

Gu Jin Nian's Golden Core also transformed at this moment; within the Golden Core, an infant silhouette emerged—this is the True Self.

The Immortal Dao Realm also entered its Fifth Realm at this moment, a great Golden Core realm, yet its aura remains terrifying, far surpassing other Golden Core strongmen.

Seven Immortal Dao Realms.

The Opening Vessel Realm can wield magical power, controlling objects and devices.

The Qi Refining Realm can command swords to fly, with perfected magical control.

The Foundation Building Realm boasts strong magical power, capable of killing within ten li.

The Inner Core Realm unifies magical power; under the seal, it can split mountains and crack earth, with a lifespan of three hundred years.

The Golden Core Realm transforms into a true body, can traverse ten li in an instant, carefree, commanding wind and thunder, with a lifespan up to five hundred.

The Void Abyss Realm merges with the true self, covering a hundred li, shrinking earth to inches, thunderous as ten thousand tons, with a lifespan of a thousand years.

The Primordial Soul Realm sees the flesh perish while the spirit endures, with a lifespan of three thousand years, granting the chance of enlightenment.

Gu Jin Nian is now in the Golden Core Realm, but his strength, like the martial path, also possesses the power of the Void Abyss Realm; a single step spans a hundred li of mountains and rivers, shrinking earth to inches, and his strike is a thunderous force.

But above his brows, the Buddha seal weighed heavily, spawning a bone of wisdom; the Buddhist sutras merged into his body, forging an indestructible Golden Body, with twenty‑four layers of circular light, like great brilliance, untouched by all dharmas, and all evils do not perish.

The Buddhist Sect's seven great realms: Enlightened Meditation is contemplation, Original Mind is clear insight, Buddha Affinity awakens wisdom, Meditation is liberation, Golden Body is imperishable, Arhat is awakened clarity, Nirvana is the next life.

Upon entering the Golden Body realm, Gu Jin Nian also possessed the might of an Arhat; everything was due to the empowerment of the flawless Treasure Body, and at this moment the flawless Treasure Body manifested an unprecedented value.

At this moment.

True Qi gathered like a sea.

Magical power was as mighty as a mountain.

Buddha Light illuminated his own body.

The four Path Marks also appeared in his heart.

The Martial Path was black.

The Immortal Path was purple.

The Buddha Path was golden.

As for the Confucian Path, it was white.

All four Path Marks were like jade, the Confucian Path mark stood at the center, while the other three marks encircled it.

The three great systems had all entered the Fifth Realm; although not the first, they were still among the very few.

Moreover, Gu Jin Nian was still young; he had plenty of time to contend.

The three laws unified.

Gu Jin Nian sat cross‑legged, continuing to comprehend the method.

He possessed some martial techniques, but they were insufficient; he needed to transform again, to grasp the form that suited him best and was also the sole one.

Because after the appearance of the Medicine Buddha, Gu Jin Nian sensed something.

The Heaven's Mandate Struggle.

When it truly began to accelerate, he had to devise every way to make himself stronger, and also to strengthen the Da Xia Dynasty.

Only in this way could he break the shackles, transcend above, and step into the Eighth Realm.

At the moment of meditation, Gu Jin Nian understood one thing.

In the Heaven's Mandate Struggle, regardless of how many participants, there is only one victor; if it is not him, his fate will be manipulated by the opponent.

Gu Jin Nian could choose not to contend; he also disliked contention, but compared with letting others manipulate him, he could not remain indifferent.

He will contend.

And he must contend for first place.

The Golden Lotus entered his body, and at this moment the Bodhi Tree that sprouted did not yield a miraculous elixir, but rather emerald green leaves.

They were Bodhi leaves.

Allowing him to enter a meditative state.

Gu Jin Nian earnestly contemplated the method.

Meanwhile, the outside world could no longer know Gu Jin Nian's current condition—whether he had successfully broken through or not; they knew nothing.

Thus, time passed bit by bit.

Within the Buddhist Sect, meetings were being held intensively.

Some senior monks arrived at Da Bao Liuli Temple at the fastest speed.

The Three Venerables had already been taken to Thunder Strike Cliff, which was a huge loss for the Buddhist Sect.

But now they were more worried about the Vajra Demon‑Subduing Pestle, the Eight Treasure Buddha Bell, and the Bodhi Prayer Beads.

Inside the main hall of Da Bao Liuli Temple.

Around ten senior monks gathered, each with a heavy expression.

Guang Yuan Buddha sat at the center of the hall, his face calm; although he had previously endured various humiliations from Gu Jin Nian, it seemed to have no effect at all.

The crowd remained silent, as if awaiting something.

After a short while, a figure swiftly appeared and entered the hall.

Following the figure, it quickly reached Guang Yuan Buddha's side, whispered a few words into his ear, then hurried away.

For a moment, the monks' gazes inevitably turned toward Guang Yuan Buddha.

"May I ask, Buddha, how should our Buddhist Sect confront the upcoming changes?"

"Buddha, again, does the True Buddha have a decree?"

A senior monk spoke up, repeatedly asking whether the True Buddha had a decree.

This True Buddha is the Ascending True Buddha.

"There is a decree."

Guang Yuan Buddha nodded, then gazed at the crowd, and with a wave of his hand the ten‑meter‑high hall doors automatically shut.

His voice gradually rose.

"The True Buddha's decree."

"Exert all effort to retrieve the Three Buddha Artifacts; the suffering of the Three Venerables is karmic cause and effect, and when the karmic burden is removed, the True Buddha will personally go to Thunder Strike Cliff to rescue them."

"The Heaven's Mandate Struggle is at hand; the True Buddha's will is that in the contest for Heaven's Mandate, our sect's disciples should continue to amass virtuous karma and benefit all beings."

Guang Yuan Buddha spoke, delivering the Ascending True Buddha's decree.

Upon hearing this, the monks largely understood its meaning.

This matter is settled; retrieving the Three Buddha Artifacts is enough—if we lose, we lose, there's nothing more to say.

Focus their gaze on the forthcoming Heaven's Mandate Struggle.

To be honest, claiming not a single discomfort is impossible, but since this is the True Buddha's will, they could not really object.

"Does this so cheapen Gu Jin Nian?"

Da Xia Buddhist sect, our monks have suffered casualties exceeding one hundred thousand; are these sins to be settled just like this?

Gu Jin Nian has insulted our Buddhist sect; truly, we are unwilling.

Some voices sounded; they were filled with resentment.

Amitabha.

All karmic forces, myriad sins, various causes and effects are about to receive retribution; the people of the Da Xia Dynasty will bear the consequences of Gu Jin Nian's deeds today, and you need not be sorrowful.

However, the true Buddha's intention is still that our Buddhist sect disciples, in Da Xia's time of peril, extend a helping hand with sincere hearts to aid the Da Xia Dynasty, thereby commencing the mission to enter Da Xia.

He spoke, his voice calm.

Buddha, Gu Jin Nian has established the Three Laws; we fear there will be some difficulty entering Da Xia, right?

Someone spoke, mentioning the Three Laws set up by Gu Jin Nian.

This is the greatest obstacle to their entry into the Da Xia Dynasty.

Within the Western Desert Buddhist sect, there is no shortage of kind‑hearted people; although Gu Jin Nian has set the Three Laws, they merely target certain Buddhist sect disciples. Due to our status, we indeed generate some karmic obstruction and cannot enter the Da Xia Dynasty, but they can.

Buddha Guang Yuan said so.

Amitabha.

Hearing this, the monks suddenly understood.

If so, then we will depart first and make all preparations.

The monks spoke, and after saying this, each one rose and left.

After the senior monks departed.

Buddha Guang Yuan couldn't help but let out a long sigh.

Karma will be repaid.

Gu Jin Nian, although you have suppressed the Buddhist sect and sent the three patriarchs of the sect to Thunderclap Cliff, do you think this is truly a good thing?

Your enemy has increased by one; this time the Da Xia Dynasty's natural disaster may be even more severe than predicted.

Amitabha, after the Buddhist sect flourishes and prospers, I will attain self‑completion, repenting and atoning.

Buddha Guang Yuan muttered to himself.

Because the meaning conveyed by the earlier visitor was not that simple; it was to target the Da Xia Dynasty directly. Previously the Buddhist sect only participated to some extent, but now it is not merely participation.

It is direct involvement.

Since Gu Jin Nian completely disrupted their plan, they must adopt a different approach.

This is karma repaid.

If Gu Jin Nian did not deal with the Buddhist sect this way, the sect would not deal with Gu Jin Nian likewise.

Thus.

It lasted until the next day.

For a full day, the massive amount of Golden Lotus was completely digested by Gu Jin Nian.

He comprehended the law belonging to himself.

He expended a great many Bodhi Enlightenment Leaves; one‑third of the Golden Lotus propelled his body to the Fifth Realm, while the remaining two‑thirds, at this moment, enabled Gu Jin Nian to realize his own law.

It is a law suited only to himself.

Immortal‑Martial Supreme Seal.

The ultimate seal that merges the immortal path and the martial path, infusing essence, qi, and spirit within; the great Dao is simple, all dharmas merge into one, and a single seal can manifest every law.

Dragon‑Striking Seal, Mountain‑Moving Seal, True Dragon Treasure Seal, Vermilion Bird Treasure Seal, Heavenly Palace Seal, Demon‑Eradicating Seal.

All of these, together, merge into one.

And the Buddhist sect's divine skill.

Is the Palm‑held Buddha Realm.

All dharmas are in the palm, countless vast worlds, myriad heavens of Buddhas and gods, arising and ceasing, all within the palm.

With the aid of the Bodhi Enlightenment Leaf, Gu Jin Nian derived the most suitable law from these two methods.

The immortal and martial paths combine into one.

The Buddhist law alone is also the most terrifying.

All because of the Medicine Buddha's consecration mantra.

In other words, if one continues to chant other sutras, the Buddhist law will be empowered within.

Extending his hand, countless vast Buddha realms appear; Medicine Buddha stands in the east. Chanting other sutras can summon other true Buddha seals, thereby strengthening this technique.

This is currently the strongest killing move; at a critical moment, it can catch an enemy off guard.

One could say the Immortal‑Martial Supreme Seal can unleash its power at 100%, matching the cultivation of a Martial King and Golden Core, yet it can exhibit the combat strength of a Martial Emperor and Void Cavern.

Yet this Palm‑held Buddha Realm can erupt the strongest combat power, incomparably profound and immensely powerful.

It is a massive killing move.

Even Gu Jin Nian feels that mid‑stage or late‑stage Martial Emperors might be unable to block this move.

Of course, this is only a feeling; he does not dare to be certain.

Now, everything is in great perfection.

Gu Jin Nian also let out a long sigh.

The golden cocoon dissipated at this moment, instantly drawing many gazes.

Their eyes, curious, looked at Gu Jin Nian.

And at this time.

A massive Ten‑Thousand‑Character Buddha Seal appeared in the heavens.

This is the Buddhist sect's fortune.

The ten‑thousand‑character Buddha seal fell, bestowing its blessing upon Gu Jin Nian's body.

"Indeed it is the Buddhist sect's fortune; the twelve great vows have yielded a portion of the Buddhist sect's fortune, which is not excessive."

"Look at it this way, the Buddhist sect will truly feel the pain this time; this portion of the Buddhist sect's fortune is equivalent to a thousand years of the sect's accumulated virtue, and Gu Jin Nian now controls that fortune, so in the future he could even become the head of the Buddhist sect, which is not impossible."

"The entire Buddhist sect's fortune being divided and bestowed upon an individual is unheard of; with such fortune, who would dare trouble Gu Jin Nian in the future?"

"Hmm, if such a person were killed, even the boundless karmic retribution alone would make one's scalp tingle."

Voices rose from the crowd, each gaze filled with envy.

"Not necessarily."

"After the Heaven's Mandate Struggle begins, whoever it is becomes a contender; the more fortune one has, the greater the benefits, but if killed, one's fortune is seized outright."

"Of course, it still depends on the specifics: during the contest one may fight to the death, but outside the contest, merely strong over weak is not acceptable."

Xu Qiyue's voice rang out, adding his own viewpoint.

It caused many to frown.

Because he understood far too much.

It involves the Heaven's Mandate, and even Xu Qiyue knows about it; saying he has no issues is impossible.

At that moment, someone set off, intending to find Xu Qiyue.

Among them were plenty of demonic cultivators.

But one thing is indisputable: the Buddhist sect truly feels excruciating pain.

The Buddhist sect's fortune is far stronger than Da Xia's fortune; it is the wealth the sect has amassed over countless years. Now Gu Jin Nian has taken a dou of it, and they are suffering to death—some enlightened high monks who have recited sutras for a hundred years still cannot obtain even a single strand of the Buddhist sect's fortune.

Gu Jin Nian directly shared one dou.

One tenth.

How could they not feel anguish? Yet, at that very moment…

Just when we thought the waters were calm.

But unexpectedly, a tear opened in the heavens above.

A golden sky curtain fell.

It attracted countless gazes.

Especially the Buddhist sect cultivators, each widening their eyes to watch.

After they saw clearly.

Sounds of choking rose in succession.

It is a Supreme Buddhist Artifact.

One of the Buddhist sect's Nine Supreme Buddhist Artifacts.

No, it's not just one of them.

It's the second.

Two Supreme Buddhist Artifacts fell simultaneously at that moment.

(End of Chapter)