Chapter 173: Hidden Sword Mountain, Nine Great Immortal Swords, Supreme Sword Manual, Gu Jin Nian Returns to the Capital

Within Da Xia.

An unnamed mountain and river.

A waterfall plunges down, scattering water droplets.

Gu Jin Nian, Su Huaiyu, and the Eastern Sword Saint are resting here for a moment.

This place is less than eight hundred li from the Da Xia Capital.

The three of them aren't in a hurry to return, chatting casually along the way.

At this moment, having stopped to rest, the Eastern Sword Saint's voice involuntarily sounded.

"Young friend Jin Nian."

"Would you like me to teach you two sword moves?"

The Eastern Sword Saint's sudden voice caused Gu Jin Nian, who was admiring the scenery, to startle involuntarily.

"Sword technique?"

Gu Jin Nian looked toward the Eastern Sword Saint, his eyes showing some curiosity, not quite understanding why the Eastern Sword Saint would say this out of the blue. "En."

"I see you have talent for sword practice."

The Eastern Sword Saint spoke lightly.

He is a strong practitioner at the sixth realm of Sword Dao; speaking frankly, how many sword cultivators in the world would want to take him as a master?

However, the Eastern Sword Saint doesn't take a liking to just anyone; nowadays he rather appreciates Gu Jin Nian, but not to take him as a disciple, merely to offer some guidance.

"You've discovered all this?"

Gu Jin Nian felt a bit embarrassed.

Eastern Sword Saint: "."

Su Huaiyu: "."

"How can one see Sword Dao talent?"

"Do I have it?"

At this moment, Su Huaiyu, feeling curious, asked the Eastern Sword Saint.

"You don't have it."

The Eastern Sword Saint spoke directly, cutting off Su Huaiyu's thoughts of Sword Dao.

"On what basis?"

Su Huaiyu felt a bit displeased; although he himself lacked Sword Dao talent and thought it didn't matter much, it was mainly the Eastern Sword Saint's firm and unyielding tone that made him very unhappy.

"What does that mean?"

"I believe Sword Dao talent should meet three criteria."

"First, one's appearance must be sufficiently handsome."

The Eastern Sword Saint spoke lightly, stating the three major qualifications for Sword Dao talent.

"Sufficiently handsome? There's such a saying?"

"Moreover, why do you say I'm not handsome enough, sir?"

Using appearance to judge qualifications, Su Huaiyu disagrees; what's more, he finds it hard to accept that he himself is not handsome.

"You are handsome, but your handsomeness isn't obvious enough; look at Young Friend Jin Nian—several beauties vie for his affection—do you have that?"

The Eastern Sword Saint spoke, and his words left Su Huaiyu silent.

"Then what's the connection between sword practice and appearance?"

Su Huaiyu couldn't help but ask.

"There definitely is a connection, and it's a significant one."

"In everyone's mind, a Sword Immortal is suave and extraordinarily handsome; think about it—if a person is ugly in appearance, can they be called a Sword Immortal?"

"Even if he reaches the seventh realm of Sword Dao, he can only be called a sword cultivator."

"Thus, the Sword Immortal lineage lives off youth; setting that aside, when I was young, wherever I went, whoever I met would give me a bit of respect—why? Because I was handsome."

The Eastern Sword Saint said this very seriously.

Gu Jin Nian and Su Huaiyu couldn't help but fall silent.

They wanted to refute a bit, but hearing it, they also felt this guy made a lot of sense.

It's reasoning, but this reasoning is somewhat twisted.

"Then why, Senior, are you still free of worldly ties to this day?"

Su Huaiyu couldn't help but ask.

Upon mentioning this, the Eastern Sword Saint seemed to recall some unpleasant memories; he sighed and spoke slowly.

"When I was young, I didn't understand things."

"I was aloof, avoided women, devoted myself to sword practice, and later reached the sixth realm, losing the best years of my youth."

"I missed a good opportunity."

It's clear the Eastern Sword Saint feels terrible.

"But Senior, your appearance isn't bad either; if you truly wanted a dao companion, wouldn't you be able to find one?"

Gu Jin Nian couldn't help but speak up.

"No, that's not right."

"First, I prefer younger people."

"Second, I don't like sycophants."

The Eastern Sword Saint spoke calmly, explaining the reason he remains free of worldly ties to this day.

In that moment, Gu Jin Nian and Su Huaiyu suddenly understood.

"Now that I'm old, I truly regret it immensely—flowers don't bloom again, people aren't young again. You two, while you're young, must absolutely not learn from me; even if you do learn from me, remember: when it's time to lower your stance, you still must lower your stance."

"This isn't a matter of having backbone or not; over these years I've realized: while you're still hesitating whether to lower your stance, the fairies have already been taken away—it's not your turn."

The Eastern Sword Saint's sigh made the two fall into a moment of contemplation.

That makes sense, but it's still a bit off.

"What about the second point?"

Su Huaiyu continued to ask.

"You need to know how to act cool."

The Eastern Sword Saint continued speaking, still uttering astonishing words.

"Is this also related to cultivating the sword way? Senior, are you trying to fool me?"

Su Huaiyu really couldn't hold back.

"He's good-looking, he admits, but does he also need to act cool? 'I'm not fooling you.'"

"The Sword Immortal lineage must know how to act; even if one's cultivation is insufficient, one cannot lose one's aura."

"As the old saying goes, I'd rather make a mistake than not act."

"Strength is temporary; being handsome is a lifelong matter."

The Eastern Sword Saint's words overturned the two's worldviews.

"This guy has a bit of a problem with his brain."

However, at this moment, Su Huaiyu frowned slightly; after a while, he seemed deep in thought.

It seems he actually accepts these words.

"But Senior, your undefeated sword technique seems unrelated to being handsome, right?"

Gu Jin Nian spoke up to ask.

"That's different; I've already passed that age—whether I'm handsome or not has nothing to do with me; being alive is the highest realm."

The Eastern Sword Saint shook his head, beginning to make excuses for his actions.

"What about the third?"

Gu Jin Nian continued to ask.

"The third is to proactively cause trouble."

The Eastern Sword Saint stated the third point.

"Cause trouble? The Sword Immortal lineage isn't supposed to wander freely between heaven and earth? What does proactively causing trouble mean?"

Gu Jin Nian really felt a bit confused this time.

"As a Sword Immortal, being good-looking and knowing how to act cool—if you hide in the deep mountains and old forests, what would that be?"

"As sword cultivators, if we don't go show off our handsomeness and act cool, to gain fame and establish ourselves, but instead stay in the mountains to cultivate, would that be embarrassing or not?"

Upon mentioning this, the Eastern Sword Saint became spirited.

Combining all of the above, Gu Jin Nian felt the Eastern Sword Saint's words were absolutely correct.

Being good-looking and able to act cool—if you don't show off, what are you doing? Hide away until you're seventy or eighty, then come out to win people over with virtue? Needless to say, the Sword Saint is indeed the Sword Saint; his comprehension is truly exceptional.

"Little friend Jin Nian, do you have any intention to practice swordsmanship?"

"I won't take you as a disciple, I'll just teach you two moves; after all, you have extraordinary talent, you really can give it a try."

Seeing Gu Jin Nian show a bit of interest, the Eastern Sword Saint couldn't help but speak.

"I won't practice."

Gu Jin Nian shook his head—not intentionally to go against the grain, but because he currently cultivates martial arts, as well as the immortal and Buddhist paths; his basic cultivation is even more the Confucian Dao, and adding a sword path.

"To be honest, the time cost is too great; I really have no time."

"If it's just casually learning a couple of moves, there's no need either; within the Da Xia Dynasty, if I have nothing to do, why would I go show off handsomeness? If I really want to show off, isn't the Confucian Dao handsome? A poem brings forth phenomena one after another—wouldn't that girl be infatuated?"

"Moreover, the power of the sword way is just that; there's no need to waste time."

"Why don't you practice?"

The Eastern Sword Saint's face looked somewhat strange; after all he's gone to such lengths to set this up, Gu Jin Nian still won't practice sword—this is a bit of a slap in the face.

"Replying, Senior, I don't have the time; as a junior, I already cultivate many things—if I add a sword path, I'm afraid I'll accomplish nothing."

"Furthermore, the power of the sword way, looking at it, seems just that."

Gu Jin Nian spoke frankly.

Actually, saying this in one's heart is fine, but outwardly it makes the Eastern Sword Saint feel even more displeased.

Of course, Gu Jin Nian knows in his heart that saying this is also hoping the Eastern Sword Saint will cut off transmitting his sword technique to him.

"The power of the sword way, is it just that?"

"Heh, little friend Jin Nian, you're really being ignorant of the heights of heaven and depths of earth."

"Do you really think my strength is lacking?"

The Eastern Sword Saint is somewhat unhappy.

"Um"

Gu Jin Nian didn't nod, but the meaning is roughly the same.

Feeling Gu Jin Nian's gaze and attitude, the Eastern Sword Saint coughed slightly, then spoke.

"This time, the abbot of Puhan Temple—aside from the sneak attack, I truly didn't expect the Buddhist sect to set up such a formation, summoning the true body of the Buddha."

"If I had known this, I would have brought my immortal sword and rushed here; by then you would be able to see the strength of the Sword Immortal lineage."

"The strength of the Sword Immortal lies in the unity of person and sword; to put it bluntly, I've already conceded a move to the Buddhist sect—if I truly bore the immortal sword on my back, what could they amount to?"

The Eastern Sword Saint spoke arrogantly.

He doesn't consider himself lacking; rather, he thinks it's because he didn't bring the immortal sword.

When those words were spoken, Su Huaiyu beside him also came to his senses.

He nodded and agreed.

"Indeed, the Sword Immortal lineage requires both person and sword; by the way, Eastern Sword Saint, logically Hidden Sword Mountain should have opened—why have there been no news in recent years?"

Su Huaiyu approved what the Eastern Sword Saint said.

"Yes, logically Hidden Sword Mountain should have opened three years ago, but because of Heaven's Mandate, the major Sword Dao sects did not choose to open it. They plan to wait until the contest of Heaven's Mandate begins, then open Hidden Sword Mountain, perhaps adding another Immortal Sword to our Sword Dao lineage."

The Eastern Sword Saint answered thus.

The Immortal Sword is the name for one of the Sword Dao's Nine Instruments.

"Hidden Sword Mountain."

Gu Jin Nian thought for a moment; he knew the place.

Sword Dao Sacred Mountain.

On that mountain every sword is present; any Sword cultivator who reaches the third realm, after death their swords fly to the Sacred Mountain as ownerless weapons. Periodically the mountain opens, allowing later seekers to ascend and inherit the Sword Dao's supreme techniques.

Within Hidden Sword Mountain, Immortal Swords can even be forged; each opening carries a chance to activate an Immortal Sword, though the probability is very low.

At present, the Sword Dao has only two Immortal Swords.

"Young friend Jin Nian, if you're interested, after Hidden Sword Mountain opens I'll take you there; perhaps you could obtain a top‑grade Flying Sword."

The Eastern Sword Saint spoke, inviting Gu Jin Nian to go to Hidden Sword Mountain.

"Alright, thank you, senior."

Gu Jin Nian nodded; why give it away for free? "Do they practice swordsmanship there?"

The Eastern Sword Saint asked.

"No."

Gu Jin Nian still shook his head, his attitude sincere.

Eastern Sword Saint:.

After a while, the Eastern Sword Saint stood up, looked at Gu Jin Nian and said,

"Young friend Jin Nian, use the strongest martial art of your life and punch me."

The Eastern Sword Saint's expression remained calm as he said,

"Huh? Why is that?"

Gu Jin Nian was a little confused.

"To let you witness the might of a Sword Immortal."

The Eastern Sword Saint spoke.

His tone was resolute.

"Isn't this improper? I, the junior, have already entered the fifth realm, and my mortal body is strong, senior—"

Gu Jin Nian felt something was off; he was currently at the Martial King realm, but due to his unrefined mortal body he could exert Martial Emperor battle power, which was somewhat problematic.

If he truly threw a punch, he feared he might kill the Eastern Sword Saint.

"No."

"Come punch."

"A mere fifth realm is nothing!"

"Use the strongest martial art of your life, strike."

The Eastern Sword Saint was clearly outraged; it wasn't that Gu Jin Nian despised the Sword Dao, but that he looked down on it, which he could not tolerate.

"Who am I?" he thought. A dignified Eastern Sword Saint.

A sixth‑realm Sword cultivator.

Riding a horse, teaching you sword techniques, and you are unwilling? You even belittle my Sword Dao as inferior to the martial path? No, today he must make Gu Jin Nian submit.

"Senior."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, still feeling something was off.

"No!"

"Quick."

The Eastern Sword Saint strained his neck and said,

In an instant, Gu Jin Nian felt helpless, seeing the other's stance—very serious.

At that moment, Gu Jin Nian forced a wry smile, stood up and wiped his palm; this was the other's insistence, unrelated to himself.

"Senior, is this truly full force?"

Gu Jin Nian asked.

"Give it your all."

The Eastern Sword Saint was exceedingly proud.

"Alright."

Gu Jin Nian didn't bother to chatter; he also wanted to see how strong he truly was.

Boom—

In an instant, a dragon's roar resonated within, the Immortal Martial Supreme Seal manifested; Gu Jin Nian struck the fist seal, the Dragon Fist Tiger Seal.

Bang—

The surrounding mountains trembled, the waterfalls stalled.

Gu Jin Nian didn't truly exert full force, about half strength, and charged at the opponent.

In a single instant, the Eastern Sword Saint sensed something was off.

"Is this the power of a Martial King? Are you teasing me?" The Eastern Sword Saint could not have imagined Gu Jin Nian's punch to be so terrifying.

But he was too late.

To be precise, it wasn't that he was late, but that he couldn't run.

He could only grit his teeth and take the punch.

Thud.

As an incredibly muffled sound rang out, the Eastern Sword Saint's mortal body shivered; his face remained expressionless, and no one knew exactly what was happening.

Beside him, Su Huaiyu watched silently.

After about a moment, Gu Jin Nian withdrew his fist imprint and couldn't help but frown, because the Eastern Sword Saint's mortal body was like a piece of divine iron; his own hammering punch seemed to cause little damage.

Is the Sword Immortal Lineage really this strong? Gu Jin Nian wondered.

"Jin Nian, little friend."

"Do you understand now?"

After withstanding the punch, the other's voice sounded.

The Eastern Sword Saint still wore an arrogant expression, and especially in his eyes there was calm and indifference; it had to be said, he was truly handsome.

"I, the junior, understand."

"It was my presumptuousness as a junior."

Gu Jin Nian nodded and said sincerely.

"Good, since you understand, that's best."

The Eastern Sword Saint nodded, showing a satisfied smile, but his complexion soon changed, his brows furrowed as he surveyed the surroundings.

"There's killing intent."

"You two go first; I'll cut off what's behind."

The Eastern Sword Saint suddenly changed color, causing Gu Jin Nian and Su Huaiyu to become alert.

In the next instant, the Eastern Sword Saint vanished.

"What do you mean?"

Su Huaiyu looked at Gu Jin Nian, watching the surroundings warily.

"Leave first."

Gu Jin Nian also didn't know what was happening; where did this sudden killing intent come from? But since the Eastern Sword Saint said there was killing intent, they dared not take it lightly and planned to leave first.

Thus, the two disappeared from the spot and headed toward the Da Xia Dynasty.

And dozens of li away.

By a small creek, the Eastern Sword Saint's figure appeared.

"Wow."

In the next moment, the Eastern Sword Saint lay prone by the creek and spat out a mouthful of fresh blood.

"Wow."

Another mouthful of blood.

The crimson blood dissolved in the water, and at that moment a faint sob rose.

It was the Eastern Sword Saint.

He sobbed.

Pain! It's too painful! It's damn painful.

If it weren't for him channeling his mana at the critical moment to block the punch, he knew in his heart he would have been dead or maimed.

"Gu Jin Nian, Gu Jin Nian, you damn it, why the hell are you calling this the Martial King Realm?"

The Eastern Sword Saint was truly crying.

His sternum cracked inch by inch, pain choking him.

Although Gu Jin Nian is a Martial King, his explosive power equals that of a Martial Emperor strongman, and being a warrior, he is a sword cultivator; sword cultivators also train their bodies, but compared to martial ways, it's certainly insufficient.

Fortunately, he was clever at the crucial moment.

Otherwise, something would have happened.

"Wow."

Another mouthful of blood; the Eastern Sword Saint lay there, unable to move.

"Luckily I'm smart enough to have fled at the crucial moment; if he had found me here spitting blood continuously."

"That would have been utterly humiliating."

The Eastern Sword Saint muttered to himself, preferring death over having this disgraceful scene discovered.

But fortunately, he managed to deceive his way out.

About half an hour later.

The Eastern Sword Saint finally caught his breath, yet still lay by the creek.

He drank some river water, regained a bit of strength, and swallowed two pills.

He also washed his clothes once, since there were still bloodstains; being seen later would be bad.

After doing all that, the Eastern Sword Saint followed along.

"I suppose Gu Jin Nian should trust the strength of the Sword Immortal Lineage, and later I'll teach him two moves."

"However, I can't just teach randomly; this person's talent is extraordinary. If I use conventional methods and teach him ordinary sword techniques, he'll see through them at a glance."

"If I teach him some sect secret techniques, first it's against the rules, second, if he masters them instantly, wouldn't that be awkward?"

"I need to think of a way."

The Eastern Sword Saint muttered, initially just thinking of casually teaching Gu Jin Nian two sword moves, simply because he felt Gu Jin Nian suited becoming a Sword Immortal, not intending to take him as a disciple.

Now, it's a bit of a dilemma; casually teaching two moves would be improper and embarrassing.

Passing on an advanced sword technique, yet fearing Gu Jin Nian might master it instantly, puts one in a dilemma.

After just half a quarter hour, the Eastern Sword Saint smacked his head and thought of a solution.

"I'm really a bit stupid."

"I could just devise a sword technique, couldn't I?"

"A sword technique that's mysterious to the extreme, and fundamentally impossible to practice."

"First, once Gu Jin Nian obtains it, he'll be repeatedly shocked; second, he certainly won't be able to learn it, and then he'll realize how difficult the Sword Immortal lineage is, and how strong I truly am, instantly elevating my image to grandeur."

"If he's willing, I can later teach him some more advanced sword techniques; that way, even if he finds them simple, I can explain that the advanced techniques are beyond his grasp, and he'll have to stick to basic sword methods."

"If he refuses, I've already set the bait, so let him think whatever."

"This plan is good, this plan is good."

The Eastern Sword Saint found the idea increasingly perfect.

In the end, he didn't rush the speed; instead, he fabricated a sword technique. As a Sword Saint, his sword Dao theory is naturally strong. Crafting a genuine sword technique would indeed be difficult, but concocting something that sounds plausible yet is utterly useless is far easier.

"Isn't that just a piece of cake?"

Thus, after another half hour, the Eastern Sword Saint finished his fabrication.

He even deliberately spent the time of an incense stick to devise the name of this sword technique.

【Zhu Shen Jue】

The name is sufficiently imposing.

The longer the name, the higher the cool factor.

The Eastern Sword Saint thought to himself.

Not only the name, but he also completely fabricated its content; it can be said to be watertight.

It belongs to the kind that looks and feels formidable, yet in reality has no effect at all.

Also Zhu Shen Jue.

Zhu Gui Jue is almost the same.

Thinking of this, the Eastern Sword Saint's smile grew even broader. He imagined that after Gu Jin Nian conquers the world, he'll tell everyone that his life has been smooth sailing except for one defeat—the sword secret the Eastern Sword Saint gave him, of which he cannot even grasp a tenth.

The Eastern Sword Saint's smile could not be concealed.

After about a while.

The Eastern Sword Saint accelerated his flight.

Thus.

In less than an hour, he sensed the figures of Gu Jin Nian and Su Huaiyu.

Swish.

The next moment.

The Eastern Sword Saint appeared before the two.

At that moment, Gu Jin Nian was on full alert, sensed someone approaching, and immediately threw a punch to strike.

"It's me."

Sensing Gu Jin Nian's punch aura, the Eastern Sword Saint quickly spoke, afraid Gu Jin Nian would strike again.

Hearing the Eastern Sword Saint's voice, Gu Jin Nian finally relaxed.

"Senior, what about the enemy?"

Gu Jin Nian spoke, restraining his punch aura.

"Already killed by me."

"The matter is settled."

The Eastern Sword Saint said calmly.

"Already resolved? Was it those passersby? To dare enter the Da Xia Dynasty at this critical moment and assassinate the Marquis?"

Su Huaiyu beside him couldn't help but ask.

After all, this is within Da Xia's territory; it's hard to believe anyone would dare such a deed.

"Identity unknown, you have too many enemies, but the matter is settled; no need to worry, not a single living soul remains."

"Of course, we should return to Da Xia Capital as soon as possible; that's safer."

The Eastern Sword Saint opened his eyes and spoke nonsense.

The two nodded after hearing it.

However, Gu Jin Nian's gaze involuntarily furrowed; he looked at the Eastern Sword Saint's face and saw a hint of blood.

Blood on his beard.

"Senior, are you injured? Why is there blood on your beard?"

Gu Jin Nian was somewhat concerned.

"Ha?"

The Eastern Sword Saint was startled; he had washed his clothes thoroughly, yet a flaw still showed?

In an instant, the Eastern Sword Saint crossed his arms, stood in the void, and said proudly.

"How could I be injured?"

"This is the enemy's blood."

The Eastern Sword Saint spoke calmly, forcing the matter to sound plausible.

"Enemy's blood?"

The two were a bit puzzled, as this didn't quite add up.

Without waiting for further questioning, the Eastern Sword Saint produced a sword manual and handed it to Gu Jin Nian, saying.

Jin Nian, little friend.

This sword technique is among the top hundred in my sword Dao; take it back and study it thoroughly. If you can master it, you'll have another skill at your disposal.

If you can't learn it, that shows I misjudged you. Later, if you still want to cultivate sword techniques, I'll just find you a common sword technique.

The Eastern Sword Saint handed the sword manual to Gu Jin Nian.

He took the manual, and upon seeing the three characters "God‑Slaying Decision", he couldn't help but look slightly surprised.

A sword manual ranked in the top hundred, and its name is so imposing?

He opened it and looked; the ink seemed a bit unfinished.

Ahem, Jin Nian, little friend, study it thoroughly.

Five hundred li ahead lies Da Xia Capital, so you don't need me to escort you. When Hidden Sword Mountain opens, I'll come find you and take you there for a visit.

Seemingly worried that Gu Jin Nian might press further, the Eastern Sword Saint said nothing, just made up a reason and prepared to leave.

Senior, take care.

Gu Jin Nian bowed courteously, while beside him Su Huaiyu stared at the sword manual with a slightly odd look.

Soon, the Eastern Sword Saint left.

Gu Jin Nian and Su Huaiyu quickened their pace, deciding to return to Da Xia Capital first, regardless of the circumstances.

Brother Su, do you want to cultivate a sword technique?

On the road, Gu Jin Nian asked Su Huaiyu whether he wanted the sword manual.

He wasn't particularly interested in that thing.

"No need."

"I'm just saying; I have my own method and don't need to cultivate a sword technique."

"But I always feel something's off about it."

Su Huaiyu shook his head and voiced some of his thoughts.

"Hmm, I also feel something's off, but as long as nothing happens, it's fine."

Gu Jin Nian kept the sword manual; he'll look for a chance to practice it later—if he can master it, that's best, just as the Eastern Sword Saint said, having an extra skill is never a loss.

If he can't master it, then never mind.

"That's true as well."

"Alright, let's return to the capital first; Heaven's Mandate has changed, so His Majesty likely has business for you."

Su Huaiyu nodded.

Thus, the two hurried away.

And in the distance—

The Eastern Sword Saint, also heading back to his sect, suddenly stopped.

He slightly frowned.

Because a possibility crossed his mind.

"Am I being a bit too conservative?"

"What if Gu Jin Nian masters this sword technique?"

After walking for a while, the Eastern Sword Saint suddenly realized an unlikely possibility.

Although he wrote this sword technique on a whim, it at least contains his sword Dao understanding; it's not random, being half true and half false.

If Gu Jin Nian's comprehension is extremely high and he derives other sword techniques, what then? Wouldn't his own wish‑fulfilling abacus be ruined?

After a while, the Eastern Sword Saint shook his head.

He thought it through carefully.

"Impossible."

"This sword technique can never be mastered; even though it contains my sword Dao insight, the moves are fake, and no one can cultivate them."

"If it were somehow mastered, I'd hand over my title of Sword Saint to Gu Jin Nian, making him my sword servant for life."

"Moreover, even if it were truly mastered, it would likely just be some other sword technique, which I could rewrite later."

"Alright, that's that; we'll discuss it next time we meet—it's not urgent."

"It's a pity, Jin Nian, little friend, is a person of the Da Xia Dynasty, truly a cultivator; I could have properly taught him the sword technique. This time Hidden Sword Mountain opens, it must be after Heaven's Mandate reveals the world, and the sect has already deduced that a celestial sword will be born this time."

"If Gu Jin Nian diligently cultivates sword Dao, there might be a minuscule chance he'll be recognized by a celestial sword as its master."

"Now it's almost impossible; at best he could obtain a single exquisite flying sword."

"Miss it and it's missed."

"Never mind, never mind."

After saying all that, the Eastern Sword Saint vanished completely.

At this moment—

Inside Da Xia Capital.

Indeed, Gu Jin Nian had just returned when Sixth Uncle came knocking.

One foot entered the capital, the other appeared.

It seemed he had waited at the city gate for a long time.

"Jin Nian."

"His Majesty has a secret order; go to the palace quickly."

At the north city gate of the capital, when Gu Ningya saw Gu Jin Nian, he immediately spoke.

"Alright."

Gu Jin Nian said nothing more.

Heaven's Mandate has changed, and everyone knows the world situation must shift; it is only natural that the Eternal Prosperous Emperor seeks me.

Thus, Gu Jin Nian followed Six Uncle and left.

Su Huaiyu returned directly to the academy.

In the capital.

Two figures hurried quickly toward the palace.

"Six Uncle, His Majesty is looking for me this time—what is it?"

Gu Jin Nian asked his Six Uncle.

"It should be related to Heaven's Mandate."

"These past few days the Celestial Surveillance Office has been swamped, deploying many spirit crystals."

"Some scouts reported that the Xiongnu, the Great Jin Dynasty, and the Fuyu Dynasty are all interpreting Heaven's Mandate."

"The celestial Dragon Pearl is closely tied to a nation's fortunes; the contest for Heaven's Mandate is about to begin. No one knows what will happen, but whoever seizes this opportunity will truly soar."

Gu Ningya does not know the specifics, but he has heard some news.

"Understood."

Gu Jin Nian nodded, and Gu Ningya's voice continued.

"Jin Nian, after the Jixia Academy, do you really intend to go to the Buddhist sect?"

Gu Ningya spoke, asking about this matter.

"Yes."

Gu Jin Nian nodded; having said that, he would not back down.

"There's no need, Six Uncle. I once went to the Western Desert Buddhist Kingdom; that cursed place is extremely strange. The old master also said before that the Western Desert Buddhist Kingdom has serious problems."

"I think you shouldn't go. This time at the Jixia Academy, you should firmly choose your sect; that way you'll have genuine supporters."

"This time you clash with the Buddhist sect, and the great figures of Confucianism, Daoism, etc., have not intervened because you have not yet chosen a school."

"Once you have chosen a school, in future sect disputes you won't be isolated."

"I asked Mr. Wen Jing; the sect struggle is more complicated than I imagined, unrelated to status. The Da Xia Dynasty cannot help you much; you must rely on yourself."

"You should think twice and not remain so impulsive."

Gu Ningya spoke with concern.

Previously, whenever Gu Jin Nian caused a stir, the Gu Family actually supported him, but only within the Da Xia Dynasty; beyond the Da Xia Dynasty, the Gu Family can only offer a few words.

The various great dynasties will also grant Gu Jin Nian some face.

But the problem is, once it involves sect disputes, it's different.

Confucianism, Daoism, Buddhism, the Daoist sects, as well as sword cultivators, magical arts, and demons.

These forces are not limited to a single dynasty; their influence spans the world, involving massive stakes.

A single Da Xia Dynasty is truly insignificant before these powers.

This time the Western Desert is so overbearing; the Da Xia Dynasty is willing but powerless—the most it can do is fully protect Gu Jin Nian.

And it cannot do anything else.

"Six Uncle, I understand this; rest assured, your nephew will think it through."

Gu Jin Nian realized his Six Uncle was caring for him, and that the whole Gu Family was concerned, but he let Six Uncle come to persuade him.

"It's best that you understand."

"Anyway, the Gu Family supports you, but don't make everyone worry, especially your mother. Every time you go out and struggle, she frets and often loses sleep for several nights."

"And your father—recently, because of your affairs, his official duties have been mishandled, and the Censorate has cited him several times. If this continues, your father will be in trouble."

Gu Ningya spoke, informing Gu Jin Nian of this matter.

"My father?"

"What happened to my father?"

Gu Jin Nian was curious, not understanding what happened to his father. "The Jiangnan tax issue was originally the Crown Prince's duty, but wasn't the Crown Prince stripped of regency? The Qin King is now regent, yet he has many affairs, so this matter was handed to your father."

"But that's not what I said. Six Uncle thinks it's not that your father delayed official business because of you; it's simply that his methods and abilities are lacking."

"Jin Nian, when you see His Majesty later, you must say something like, 'Give me the marquis title.' Honestly, Jin Nian, the bond between us uncle and nephew is the best. Remember, after your father became a Marquis, he started putting on a sour face, handling affairs in a bureaucratic manner."

"If Six Uncle were granted a marquisate, half of Da Xia's affairs would be decided by us uncle and nephew."

"Is that agreeable?"

Gu Ningya's words were completely out of sync.

Gu Jin Nian gave a wry smile.

"Alright, later I'll speak to His Majesty and ask Him to hand the Jiangnan tax problem over to you. Six Uncle, you handle this, okay?"

Gu Jin Nian asked.

"That won't do."

"The Jiangnan tax issue—I can't solve it; neither can the entire court of civil and military officials. The forces involved are too great; even if we go out killing people, it's useless. The court wants silver; killing more people without silver achieves nothing."

Gu Ningya shook his head outright.

He isn't stupid; he can claim rewards, but he resolutely refuses to take on certain matters.

Thus, the two had already entered the palace.

"May I have an audience with the Marquis."

As Gu Jin Nian appeared, the soldiers all shouted in unison, offering no resistance.

Gu Jin Nian rode a swift horse, galloping straight ahead; he has the privilege to ride within the palace.

As for Gu Ningya, he stopped outside the palace, dismounted from his warhorse, and tried to enter, but the palace guards politely blocked him.

"Commander, you may not enter the palace."

The commander spoke up, halting Gu Ningya.

"Why?"

"I have a secret order."

Gu Ningya was startled; it's the rule that he cannot ride a horse—why not just enter the palace himself? "I also have a secret order; you may not go in."

He laughed cheerfully.

"You also have a secret order?"

"Nonsense!"

"All of you, step aside. I must see the Emperor. I've been waiting at the city gate for two days, only now have I gotten Jin Nian. Who wants to take my merit?"

Gu Ningya felt a bit irritated.

Even if it's a minor achievement, a mosquito is still meat.

"Commander, please don't make it difficult for your subordinate; His Majesty truly has a secret order."

The other side forced a wry smile.

"Fine, remember that for me."

"If you have the ability, don't let it fall into my hands."

Gu Ningya felt a bit uncomfortable.

But at that moment, a figure appeared.

It was the Marquis of Linyang.

His older brother.

As Gu Qianzhou's figure emerged, the soldiers all spoke up, showing utmost respect.

The Marquis of Linyang merely nodded, stepped down from the jade carriage, walked toward the palace interior, and didn't even glance at Gu Ningya.

"Why is he allowed to enter?"

Gu Ningya pointed at Gu Qianzhou, feeling angry.

"Sir, there is a secret order."

He continued speaking, sneering.

"Another secret order?"

"Fine, Gu Qianzhou, you're scheming behind the scenes, aren't you?"

"You treacherous minister, you're suppressing me, right?"

This time Gu Ningya was furious; if others entered, he wouldn't say anything, but seeing his own elder brother go in, he could no longer bear it.

"Outside the palace gates, how can it be so noisy?"

"Guards, drive him out for this Marquis; he's a disgraceful spectacle."

Gu Qianzhou would not tolerate Gu Ningya.

Before Gu Jin Nian was born, he had endured plenty of Gu Ningya's contempt; now that Gu Ningya has finally grown up and is no longer in favor, he naturally...

The palace guards, hearing this, dared not say anything; after all, they were all of the same family, and any quarrel among them was a family matter.

If they truly dared to drag Gu Ningya away, they'd be in real trouble.

Soon, Gu Qianzhou left.

Gu Ningya stood outside the palace, fuming, his tears nearly spilling.

He had toiled for two days and two nights without sleep.

He was waiting for Gu Jin Nian to return, then escort him to the capital, and, in front of the Emperor, show his face—a chance to claim some merit.

He hadn't expected that after the deed, he wouldn't be able to claim any merit, which made him very angry.

But after a while,

another figure appeared.

It was the Minister of Revenue He Yan.

He Yan stepped down from the carriage, saw Gu Ningya, and couldn't help but laugh.

"Pleased to meet you, Commander."

He Yan said cheerfully.

Outside the palace, Gu Ningya leaned against the wall; hearing He Yan's voice, he glanced at the guard commander.

"This old stick also has a secret order?"

He asked.

"Yes."

The commander inside the palace nodded.

He Yan: "..."

"You damn old stick, you're the old stick, your whole family is old sticks."

"If you can't speak properly, then keep quiet."

"If it weren't for the Gu Family having done so much for the court, you, a mere commander, would have no right to receive my courtesy."

"Rude."

"Truly rude."

"How did the Gu Family produce such a scoundrel?"

He Yan let out a cold snort and headed straight toward the palace interior.

At this very moment,

inside the Hall of Nurturing the Heart.

Gu Jin Nian's figure also slowly appeared.

"Subject, Gu Jin Nian, pays respects to Your Majesty."

Outside the Hall of Nourishing the Heart.

Gu Jin Nian's voice sounded, and he quickly walked into the great hall.

The great hall was cool and shady.

However, it was not only Emperor Yong Sheng alone.

Also there was the Supervisor of the Surveillance of Heaven, Xu Taiyi.

At the same time.

On the jade table, Emperor Yong Sheng was holding a Buddhist sutra, looking very serious.

But one could feel it.

Emperor Yong Sheng probably couldn't understand it.

"Your Majesty, the Heaven's Mandate Marquis has arrived."

After a moment, Wei Xian's voice suddenly sounded.

Reminding Emperor Yong Sheng that Gu Jin Nian had arrived.

Upon hearing this, Emperor Yong Sheng snapped out of his thoughts, then put down the Buddhist sutra and spoke with a gentle smile.

"So it's Gu Jin Nian, my nephew, who has come."

"I was just engrossed in reading the Buddhist sutra and didn't notice."

"Ah, Gu Jin Nian, you know your uncle; if he doesn't read two Buddhist sutras a day, he feels uncomfortable all over."

"When you were little, your uncle specially brought you to read together; do you still remember?"

Emperor Yong Sheng smiled.

Meanwhile, inside the great hall, it was rather quiet.

Gu Jin Nian realized that his uncle was trying to mooch again.

Buddhist sutra?

It's not that Gu Jin Nian is humiliating his uncle; looking at military strategy is no big deal, but a Buddhist sutra? Can you understand it?

I myself don't really understand it either.

Having such a family really leaves one speechless.

"Gu Jin Nian, what do you mean by not speaking?"

"Do you think I misspoke?"

The next moment, Emperor Yong Sheng put on a stern face, becoming a little unhappy.

Upon hearing that, Gu Jin Nian came back to his senses.

He does not like flattery.

Scholars ought to be upright and not fawn.

Therefore, Gu Jin Nian immediately spoke up.

"Oh, no, the nephew wasn't thinking that, was he?"

"Ah, the nephew remembered; as a child, he really came every day to read the Buddhist sutra—hiss, that explains it; I said I don't understand the Buddhist sutra, but it turns out I've been reading since childhood."

"Gu Jin Nian, thank you, uncle."

After saying that, Gu Jin Nian showed a compromising smile.

For a moment.

Inside the Hall of Nourishing the Heart.

Emperor Yong Sheng's laughter rang out.

"I said so, didn't I?"

"Gu Jin Nian is just learning from me."

Hahahaha.

(End of chapter)