Chapter 192: I, Gu Jin Nian, Use Scriptures to Subdue Demons and Gain Humanity's Vast Qi【Seeking Monthly Votes】

As a voice sounded.

Gu Jin Nian couldn't help but step out of the jade carriage.

Soon, a woman in a light teal long robe arrived, stepping on red lotus pads.

Cousin?

This time Gu Jin Nian was surprised: he actually had a younger cousin, a holy maiden of the Qingwei Immortal Sect.

Two elder cousins and one younger cousin were all assigned to cultivation sects; this was also part of the old master's scheme.

It wasn't necessarily out of fear that the royal house would target the Gu Family.

The main reason was that if these cousins stayed in the Gu Family, they would inevitably be married off for political alliances.

So they were sent to the sects: first to cultivate, second to stay away from court and avoid becoming sacrificial pawns. Whether there was a hidden backup plan, only the old master knew.

"Cousin, why are you here?"

Seeing his already graceful cousin, Gu Jin Nian couldn't help but feel curious.

"Older brother, I finally found you."

"These are rain‑prayer talismans, brought from the Qingwei Sacred Land, the Linglong Immortal Palace, and the Qingqiu Fox Clan."

The younger cousin was a bit breathless; she had searched for Gu Jin Nian for a long time, and fortunately found him at the crucial moment.

Looking at the nearly twenty rain‑prayer talismans before him, they were still a drop in the bucket, but compared with those from other sects, they were already quite good.

"Linglong Immortal Palace, Qingqiu Fox Clan."

Gu Jin Nian muttered to himself twice.

"Brother Jin Nian, your romantic luck is impressive; the second sister of Linglong Immortal Palace got you a few rain‑prayer talismans, but most of them were still obtained from the Yaochi Immortal."

"The Qingqiu Sacred Land didn't have many rain‑prayer talismans; the Qingqiu holy maiden went to great lengths to get you these five talismans."

The younger cousin spoke, praising Gu Jin Nian's romantic fate.

"Not serious at all."

"Later I'll go thank each of them for you; after the Da Xia natural disasters stabilize, brother will personally go to the Qingwei Sacred Land to thank them in person."

Although the number of talismans was small, the sentiment was there, and compared with other sects, it was far better.

"It's fine, we're all family."

"But Jin Nian brother, there are some things I have to tell you secretly,"

Gu Jing spoke, sounding somewhat mysterious.

"Go ahead, the jade carriage has a sound‑proof array, no need to worry."

Gu Jin Nian replied directly, realizing that his cousin wasn't merely bringing rain‑prayer talismans; she was likely here to discuss something.

Hearing that, Gu Jing also became evasive.

"Brother Jin Nian, do you know why the various cultivation sects of the Eastern Wilderness Realm refuse to lend you rain‑prayer talismans?"

Gu Jing began.

"Why?"

Gu Jin Nian asked curiously.

"The Eastern Wilderness Demon Cave."

Gu Jing said lightly, mentioning the matter.

"Eastern Wilderness Demon Cave?"

"How does it relate to this?"

At that moment, Gu Jin Nian couldn't help but frown, finding it odd.

"The Eastern Wilderness Demon Cave seals endless ancient demons; after countless years, several sects of the Eastern Wilderness have joined forces, hoping to monopolize its merits, and the Da Xia Dynasty could have taken part."

"Although the sects initially refused, I learned that the sovereign was adamant about having you involved to share the merits; the sects didn't reject outright, yet they still didn't consent."

"After a while, the Da Xia Dynasty experienced these natural disasters, and it's unclear how much they are linked to the sects."

"The only thing clear is that the Eastern Wilderness sects hope the Da Xia Dynasty continues to descend into chaos; as long as chaos reigns, they cannot contest the merits of the Eastern Wilderness Demon Cave."

Gu Jing spoke, revealing the fundamental reason.

"The Eastern Wilderness Demon Cave?"

Gu Jin Nian pondered lightly.

"Yes, brother, there's another matter: now that Heavenly Destiny Luck has manifested, the Confucian and Daoist sects should have been the first to receive it, but they were cut off, and the Buddhist sect, in theory, could also vie with the cultivation sects."

"The Buddhist sect was also cut by you, brother, so the cultivation sects seized the opportunity and have already gained some benefits; the exact details the sect's holy land didn't disclose."

"These Eastern Wilderness sects likely also gained benefits, and now they want to use the Demon Cave to seize the initiative."

Gu Jing continued, revealing a secret matter.

"Seize the initiative?"

"Heaven's Mandate?"

With that remark, Gu Jin Nian instantly understood many things.

The Eastern Wilderness sects' relationship with the Da Xia Dynasty wasn't especially good, but it wasn't bad either; especially the Taixuan Sect, whose ties with Da Xia were fairly decent, yet this time's Da Xia natural disasters saw those sects deliberately watching from the sidelines.

This clearly defied logic, especially since the Buddhist sect wanted to establish a presence in the Da Xia Dynasty while the cultivation sects remained indifferent.

That made it even more unreasonable.

At first I thought the Buddhist sect had promised the cultivation sects some benefits, but now it appears far different from what I imagined.

"That's about right, and the Buddhist sect also approached the Eastern Wilderness sects, perhaps for some deal."

"I don't know the specifics; brother, I have other matters—I must hurry back to my sect to prepare for a journey to the Taihao Immortal Realm, which also hides many treasures. The Eastern Wilderness sects intend to use the Demon Cave to seize the initiative, while the sects beyond the Eastern Wilderness are focusing on the Taihao Immortal Realm."

"The great change of the world is imminent; Jin Nian brother, you must act quickly—time left for you won't be plentiful. The Confucian and Daoist path still holds the advantage; as for the dynasty's affairs, brother, you can actually set some aside, your own strength is the only thing that matters."

Gu Jing spoke; she was about to leave and took the chance to advise Gu Jin Nian on these matters.

"Understood."

"Take good care of yourself; if we meet again and you need any help, just tell your elder brother directly."

Gu Jin Nian nodded.

"Don't worry, cousin Jin Nian, speed up your progress. If Heaven's Mandate comes later and I miss the chance, you have to help me, cousin."

Gu Jing smiled, and after saying that, left quickly.

After Gu Jing left, Gu Jin Nian returned to the Jade Carriage.

He was pondering some matters, about this Da Xia heavenly disaster.

The Great Profound Immortal Sect, Dragon‑Tiger Dao Sect, Void Moon Immortal Gate, and Longevity Dao Temple are all Eastern Wilderness Immortal Gates.

This Eastern Wilderness Demon Cavern belongs to no immortal sect, yet the Eastern Wilderness Immortal Gates clearly want to use this opportunity to gain benefits, to exclude the Da Xia Dynasty and other immortal sects outside the Eastern Wilderness.

For example, the Exquisite Immortal Palace and the Pure Subtle Sacred Land have no right to intervene.

It's not that they lack qualification, but they are excluded; forcing their way in would be of little meaning, so they choose the Taihao Immortal Realm as a profit exchange.

"Did cutting the Confucian Dao and the Buddhist Sect in one stroke cause the immortal sects to rise?"

Gu Jin Nian muttered to himself, indeed the future is something you can never foresee; back then, at the Kong Family's Main Residence, the strike against the Confucian Dao was for the upright spirit of scholars, while the Buddhist Sect was to resist that kind of religious invasion.

Yet he did not expect that, in the end, it would elevate the immortal sects.

However, these are not the matters at hand; solving the difficulty of Donglin County is the primary concern.

Inside the Jade Carriage.

Gu Jin Nian closed his eyes; he had been desperately seeking a solution, yet he had forgotten something.

The Tree of All Beings.

The Tree of All Beings in his mind can dispel doubts.

Because after the Tree of All Beings transformed, Gu Jin Nian forgot it, and only at a critical moment did he recall the Tree of All Beings.

"I just don't know if it's still useful."

Gu Jin Nian held a spiritual crystal in his hand, using it as payment to obtain some information.

The rain‑summoning talisman is impossible to acquire; even if someone tells him the method of forging it, he's afraid he still couldn't produce it.

But there is another way.

That is the merit golden rain.

The Buddhist Sect can resolve the great fire of Donglin County with merit golden rain.

However, he neither understands nor can practice this method himself.

Seeking help from the Tree of All Beings might offer a sliver of hope; if it truly works, it would be a great boon for him.

In an instant.

The spiritual crystal in his hand gradually faded.

At the same time.

Within the Great Profound Immortal Sect's realm.

Wang Xuan knelt before an elder; as an elder of the Great Profound Immortal Sect, his status is lofty, yet before the Supreme Elder he dares not even draw a breath.

From yesterday until today, Wang Xuan has not moved a muscle.

He knows in his heart that he erred, and being punished is a good thing; not being punished would be the real problem.

"Do you know where you went wrong?"

Finally, after kneeling for a whole day, the Supreme Elder before him spoke.

As his voice rang out,

the latter immediately replied.

"Elder, you should not have provoked Gu Jin Nian; please mete out punishment."

Wang Xuan spoke, lowering his head as he said.

"No."

"Provoking Gu Jin Nian was not wrong; the mistake was using the wrong method."

The Supreme Elder opened his eyes, looked at Wang Xuan with a calm gaze.

"Gu Jin Nian is nothing."

"The Da Xia Dynasty is nothing either."

"Whether to lend or not is a matter for the immortal sects; it is not for others to point fingers."

"What you did earlier was fine; Gu Jin Nian's humiliation of our Great Profound Immortal Sect and your response were not wrong, but the error lies in your method. The Donglin County fire is severe; you would rather waste a rain‑summoning talisman than lend it to him."

"If it were not for the Da Xia Dynasty's current crisis, he would have no intention to intervene; otherwise, given what you've done and his temperament, it would surely cause a cataclysm, and then no one could protect you."

The latter spoke, stating cause and effect.

"The elder's lesson is…"

"But now our immortal sect has already obtained part of Heaven's Mandate; why fear Gu Jin Nian?"

Wang Xuan, though admitting fault, remains resentful and does not care about Gu Jin Nian.

"The Great Profound Immortal Sect has never feared Gu Jin Nian, nor a dynasty."

"You are right; we have already received Heaven's Mandate's blessing, but this is only the initial Mandate; the true Mandate has yet to appear. After the Eastern Wilderness Demon Cavern is resolved, we will obtain the first Mandate."

"This is what we call seizing the initiative; do you know why we ordered not to offend Gu Jin Nian?"

"Because of the Eastern Wilderness Demon Cavern; if it is not solved in a day, the immortal sect must remain low‑key."

"Moreover, there is no need to offend the Da Xia Dynasty; before the immortal sect fully transforms, staying low‑key is never a bad thing, lest we become a target of all arrows."

"When our strength grows, our immortal sect cultivators will be able to summon wind and rain; then, not even the Da Xia Dynasty, let alone the Central Continent Dynasty, could do anything."

The Supreme Elder said.

"The disciple understands."

"Thank you, Elder, for your instruction."

Wang Xuan nodded.

"Since you admit the mistake, take two rain‑summoning talismans to Eastern Forest County, bring down a thunderstorm, which will at least mitigate the situation and prevent Gu Jin Nian from clinging to this matter."

"But you must watch where the rain falls, and also inform the Buddhist Sect that we have already allied with the Eastern Wilderness Immortal Sect to oppose the Da Xia Dynasty; the matter is settled, have them bring the Buddhist Sect's artifact, and in two days the sect head will act."

He continued speaking, ordering Wang Xuan to handle these matters.

"As you command."

Wang Xuan nodded, appearing exceedingly respectful.

And so.

Within the Eastern Wilderness.

After expending ten spirit crystals, a fruit indeed sprouted on the Tree of All Beings.

Its effect remains.

This made Gu Jin Nian let out a long sigh.

He did not waste time and directly commanded the fruit to fall.

In an instant, a cultivation method appeared in his mind.

【Meritorious Golden Rain】

It is one of the Buddhist Sect's wondrous teachings: converting merit into rain, which can erase worldly karmic obstacles and aid in the liberation of departed souls.

As the method floated into his mind, Gu Jin Nian gradually understood why the Buddhist Sect is so confident, ensuring that he cannot wield this Buddhist divine ability.

Because to summon another Meritorious Golden Rain, the greatest obstacle is merit itself.

The merit from his twelve great vows would suffice for another Meritorious Golden Rain, but all that merit has been converted into energy, elevating him to the Fifth Realm.

At present he has little merit; even if he were to make another great vow now, he fears the merit gained would be insufficient.

That is the most troublesome part.

This also explains the Buddhist Sect's confidence, for they have stored vast amounts of merit, which ordinary people generally do not accumulate.

"Merit?"

"Merit!"

Gu Jin Nian slightly frowned, contemplating how to obtain merit, and it must be a large quantity.

A tiny amount of merit is of little significance.

The main point is,

There is not enough time.

"Merit?"

"Eastern Wilderness Demon Cave?"

Half a quarter‑hour later, abruptly, Gu Jin Nian thought of a solution.

"How could I have forgotten this?"

In an instant, Gu Jin Nian couldn't help but think to himself, "Stupid."

Isn't the Eastern Wilderness Demon Cave precisely a place to farm merit? Gu Jin Nian doesn't know much about the cave, but he has a rough idea.

Inside that Eastern Wilderness Demon Cave, essentially a sealed horde of demons; after countless years most have perished, leaving only lingering souls and resentful thoughts.

For him, converting such things is not difficult.

The Śūraṅgama Sūtra, the Immovable King Mantra, the Cundi Mantra—these are scriptures specifically for suppressing demons and liberating departed souls; even the Rebirth Mantra wouldn't suffice? "No."

"No Buddhist scriptures needed."

Abruptly, Gu Jin Nian recalled the humiliation he suffered at the Immortal Sect and did not wish to use Buddhist scriptures to transform these demonic souls.

He intends to use Daoist scriptures for the transformation.

First, there is a particular scripture that fits perfectly.

Second, he wants to seize this chance to strike a blow against the Immortal Sect.

Calming the anger in his heart.

Having seen through everything, Gu Jin Nian this time truly let out a long sigh.

The Great Profound Immortal Sect—he was genuinely offended.

If it weren't for the people of Eastern Forest County, and if Wang Xuan were willing to waste the rain‑summoning talismans rather than help them, Gu Jin Nian would not have been satisfied to let it go.

At this very moment.

Gu Jin Nian stood up, repeatedly recalling the key points of that scripture in his mind.

At the same time, he rode the Immortal King's jade carriage toward the Great Profound Immortal Sect.

Thus.

In less than two hours.

Great Profound Immortal Sect.

As the Immortal King's jade carriage appeared again, it instantly attracted countless gazes.

"Why is Gu Jin Nian here again?"

"Has he tangled with our Great Profound Immortal Sect?"

"Is his spirit truly lingering?"

"We already said there are no rain‑summoning talismans; what are you doing here?"

Voices rose one after another; at this moment, many Great Profound Immortal Sect disciples furrowed their brows, subconsciously feeling intense aversion toward Gu Jin Nian.

Among the disciples, Xu Ya, Zhao Siqing, Shangguan Baiyu, and Xu Changge all showed a look of helplessness.

Gu Jin Nian appears again; surely he has come to cause trouble for the Supreme Mystery Immortal Sect.

But the Supreme Mystery Immortal Sect is no longer what it once was; Gu Jin Nian must have arrived full of anger, having hit a wall at other immortal sects, and it is very likely he has come to cause trouble.

"Let's go, let's meet Brother Jin Nian, don't aggravate the conflict."

Xu Chang Ge spoke, saying that no matter what, he did not want to see Gu Jin Nian and the Supreme Mystery Immortal Sect develop further conflict.

He spoke, and together with the three of them they immediately rushed to outside the Supreme Mystery Immortal Sect.

At the same moment, several elders also sensed the situation outside the immortal sect.

Upon learning that Gu Jin Nian had appeared again, in an instant, some elders who already harbored resentment toward Gu Jin Nian all spoke up.

"What is he coming to do this time? Do they really think our Supreme Mystery Immortal Sect is easy to bully?"

"Perhaps he hit a wall elsewhere and thinks our Supreme Mystery Immortal Sect is behind it; now he's come over, nothing more than wanting to cause trouble."

"Unable to resolve the trouble in East Forest Commandery, now you want to cause trouble for our sect? Is this to shift the blame?"

"That is possible; Gu Jin Nian is not the first time he has done such a thing."

The elders spoke back and forth, clearly they were all somewhat emotional.

"If he dares to speak nonsense again, let him experience the power of our Supreme Mystery Immortal Sect, so that no one will come to cause trouble for our sect."

Some elders who were originally neutral could no longer hold back at this moment; they spoke up and made a decision.

However.

When the Immortal King's Jade Carriage appeared outside the Supreme Mystery Immortal Sect.

Gu Jin Nian's voice also sounded at that moment.

"Da Xia Heaven's Mandate Marquis Gu Jin Nian has come to return the rain talisman."

His voice sounded.

It startled the entire Supreme Mystery Immortal Sect.

Just as these words were spoken, countless cultivators instantly frowned.

"What does that mean? Return the rain talisman?"

Everyone frowned, and many even thought they might have misheard.

"Return the rain talisman?"

"Gu Jin Nian isn't lacking a rain talisman, so why is he returning one?" "Brother Jin Nian, what does this mean?"

At this moment, Xu Chang Ge's figure appeared again; he looked at Gu Jin Nian, his eyes full of curiosity.

I originally thought Gu Jin Nian had come to cause trouble, but I never expected he had come to return the rain talisman.

This is somewhat contrary to common sense.

"The Da Xia Dynasty borrowed twelve rain talismans from the Supreme Mystery Immortal Sect; here are twenty-two rain talismans."

"Twelve are to be returned to the Supreme Mystery Immortal Sect, and ten are interest; from today onward, the Da Xia Dynasty and the Supreme Mystery Immortal Sect will have no further ties."

"Gu Mou has come here solely to settle the karmic debt." Gu Jin Nian spoke, and as he spoke he directly returned the twenty-two rain talismans to the Supreme Mystery Immortal Sect.

He did not want to owe this karmic debt.

Now that there is a solution, this matter also needs to be brought to a close.

Revenge is not delayed overnight.

This is Gu Jin Nian's principle in conducting affairs.

At that moment, the twenty-two rain talismans appeared before Xu Chang Ge, causing him to frown even more involuntarily.

He simply could not understand what Gu Jin Nian was doing.

East Forest Commandery suffered a fire and lacked rain talismans; now they are being returned, even with interest? This is somewhat confusing.

"Brother Jin Nian, the previous matter was indeed somewhat improper on our sect's part; please do not take it to heart."

"Take this rain talisman, Brother Jin Nian; disaster relief is important, everything else can be discussed later."

At this moment, Xu Chang Ge spoke, still advising Gu Jin Nian, subconsciously thinking that Gu Jin Nian had overreacted, which is why he did this.

"Brother Xu, I appreciate your good intentions; I understand that some things are not for you to decide. You remain a good friend of Gu Mou, without doubt, but the Supreme Mystery Immortal Sect's actions this time have sealed the outcome."

"The final outcome in East Forest Commandery is unsatisfactory; the Da Xia Dynasty and the Supreme Mystery Immortal Sect are now opposing sides."

"Even if this outcome ultimately turns out well, the Supreme Mystery Immortal Sect will from now on sever ties with the Da Xia Dynasty."

"No one can change that."

Gu Jin Nian spoke slowly; each of his words now is both a warning and from the heart.

"Truly, what a big mouth."

"Gu Jin Nian, just because the Supreme Mystery Immortal Sect refused to lend you a rain talisman, you repeatedly come to cause trouble for our sect?"

"You are quite the Da Xia Heaven's Mandate Marquis, but you are not the Da Xia Emperor; can your words represent the Da Xia Dynasty?"

A voice sounded, unable to hold back speaking.

"Whether it can represent or not, we shall wait and see."

"In short, these twenty-two rain talismans have already been returned to the Supreme Mystery Immortal Sect; from now on, do not speak of the Da Xia Dynasty owing any karmic debt."

Gu Jin Nian also couldn't be bothered with idle talk; he plans to go to the Eastern Wilderness Demon Cavern, suppress the demons, thereby gain merit, and let these people see his methods.

But some voices involuntarily sounded again.

"Is this the Da Xia Heaven's Mandate Marquis, the sage of Confucian Dao for later generations? Over a moment of anger, he disregards the people's lives? Over a tiny trifle, he bears such a grudge? What difference is there from a three-year-old child?"

"Truly laughable; Elder Wang Xuan may have done some things wrong, but regardless, Chang Ge gave you two rain talismans, which is already the utmost benevolence and righteousness."

"You constantly say it's for the people, for the people, yet over the past few days you went to other immortal sects to borrow rain talismans; instead of first saving the people, you came to our Supreme Mystery Immortal Sect to vent your anger? Is this the esteemed Heaven's Mandate Marquis? Is this the sage of Confucian Dao for later generations?"

"Truly laughable."

Some voices sounded; they were elders of the Supreme Mystery Immortal Sect, who chose not to criticize Gu Jin Nian but to mock him.

Because Gu Jin Nian returned the rain talisman, they cannot use that to criticize him.

After all, the Supreme Profound Immortal Sect had kept saying they lacked a rain talisman, and now they have returned the rain talisman—what more can you say?

But they all know that Gu Jin Nian clearly has Qi, and now he's in a fit of powerless rage.

It's just that Gu Jin Nian's powerless rage, they really can't go along with his wishes; otherwise they'd lose their reputation.

Listening to these successive sounds

Gu Jin Nian's expression remained calm.

At that moment, a figure appeared outside the Supreme Profound Immortal Sect.

"Amitabha."

"Benefactor Gu, you must not let a momentary anger affect the countless common folk. The Supreme Profound Immortal Sect is not refusing to help the Lord; the rain talisman is extremely precious, and there is no other way."

"Benefactor Gu, if you truly wish to save the world, the Buddhist Sect can invoke a meritorious golden rain for the Lord, relieving the disaster in Donglin County."

At that moment, the senior monk of the Buddhist Sect appeared, coming before Gu Jin Nian.

In fact he had been waiting all along, letting Gu Jin Nian hit wall after wall; now the timing is ripe, and he reveals himself to help Gu Jin Nian resolve the Donglin County disaster.

After solving this crisis, the Buddhist Sect can also take the opportunity to settle in the Da Xia Dynasty, which benefits both sides.

Seeing the senior monk of the Buddhist Sect appear, the cultivators of the Supreme Profound Immortal Sect felt a deep aversion at heart, but they could do nothing—orders had already come down not to interfere, as the Buddhist Sect and the Immortal Sect have a trade, now essentially an allied relationship.

At this time, the senior monk of the Buddhist Sect stood before Gu Jin Nian, still bearing the same compassion for the world.

One must admit, the Buddhist Sect's calculations are truly clever; the great fire in Donglin County—who knows how many civilians it has affected, nor how many soldiers have perished in the blaze.

If the Buddhist Sect truly had a compassionate heart, they would have already stepped in to help.

Yet they linger, waiting until the Da Xia Dynasty has no retreat, so they can seize the chance for a deal.

How laughable.

When the meritorious golden rain finally falls, that merit belongs to the Buddhist Sect, which can then settle in the Da Xia Dynasty—a double gain.

What a scheme.

Indeed, what a scheme.

"So the Buddhist Sect is assisting after all; no wonder they have such confidence."

"What was it like when you borrowed the rain talisman? Now that the Buddhist Sect assists, what is it like?"

"As expected, there are no eternal enemies, only eternal interests. A true Heaven's Mandate Lord, a saint of later Confucian and Daoist generations—are you not now cooperating with the Buddhist Sect? Previously you kept proclaiming that our Immortal Sect is like the Buddhist Sect; then I must ask, what difference is there between a saint and the Buddhist Sect?"

"Utterly ridiculous."

Some voices rose, some from elders, some from disciples.

They held little goodwill toward the Buddhist Sect; even when ordered, they couldn't help uttering a few words, mainly because of Gu Jin Nian.

"Shut up."

Xu Changge's voice rang out, glaring at the sect's disciples—this is the moment they have to cause trouble to feel happy, right? Yet Xu Changge's voice did not restrain the disciples; instead it provoked some resentment.

"Senior Brother Changge, have we said anything wrong? You keep telling us to be silent, favoring outsiders—what does that mean?"

"Indeed, Senior Brother Changge, we know you have a good relationship with Gu Jin Nian, but no matter how good, you cannot be so biased, can you? After all, Gu Jin Nian is still an outsider."

"Gu Jin Nian can insult the Supreme Profound Immortal Sect, but we cannot even speak a few words? Brother, aren't you being excessive?"

Voices rose one after another, expressing dissatisfaction; they were displeased with Xu Changge.

Of course, from these voices one can tell there is someone behind supporting them; otherwise the sect's disciples wouldn't speak to Xu Changge like this.

Xu Changge still commands respect; without backing, who would dare act rashly?

Hearing these voices, Xu Changge's complexion turned somewhat sour.

Yet Gu Jin Nian's voice sounded.

"Brother Xu, you have already helped me far too much."

"I do not wish to bring you any trouble."

Gu Jin Nian still thanked Xu Changge; at this point he did not want Xu Changge to continue speaking, lest he encounter trouble within the sect.

His words hung in the air.

The senior monk of the Buddhist Sect spoke again.

"Benefactor Gu, let us go. The great fire in Donglin County is already dire; if nothing changes, the two fire fronts will collide by tomorrow at the latest, and then even the Buddhist Sect may not be able to resolve the crisis."

The other side spoke, unwilling to linger here, wishing to go with Gu Jin Nian to Donglin County.

In his view, Gu Jin Nian returned the rain talisman—first out of angry shame, second because he realized he could not solve these matters and sought the Buddhist Sect's aid.

Thus, he stepped forward, giving Gu Jin Nian a way out, so Gu wouldn't have to lose face asking the Buddhist Sect for help.

Yet as the other spoke,

Gu Jin Nian's voice rang out.

"Did I, the Lord, ever say I would seek the Buddhist Sect's assistance?"

His voice was calm.

Yet it made many frown; a small portion were curious, not understanding what kind of medicine Gu Jin Nian was selling in his gourd.

To be honest, with the disaster in Donglin County, the Immortal Sect does not help, so Gu Jin Nian essentially has no recourse.

The only option is the Buddhist Sect.

Now that a senior monk of the Buddhist Sect steps forward, it serves as a way out for Gu Jin Nian, yet he remains so arrogant?

They truly do not grasp where Gu Jin Nian's confidence comes from, how he can be so brazen? "Amitabha, Benefactor Gu, this humble monk knows you are angry because of the Supreme Profound Immortal Sect, but the people of Donglin County are truly suffering; you cannot let your personal anger cause you to overlook these civilians."

"Please, Benefactor Gu, place the greater good and the people above all else."

The latter spoke, sounding grandiose yet pitiful beyond measure.

Yet Gu Jin Nian's gaze sharpened instantly; he looked at the latter, his expression icy as he said,

"Place the greater good above all?"

"Then I ask, if I, the Lord, do not allow the Buddhist Sect to settle in Da Xia, would the Buddhist Sect be willing to pray a meritorious golden rain for the people of Donglin County?"

Gu Jin Nian spoke, asking the latter.

When those words were spoken, the latter was startled, but still slowly opened his mouth and said.

"To bring down a meritorious golden rain, the price required is too great; if it were only a light rain, the Buddhist Sect would be willing to act unconditionally, but a meritorious golden rain is detrimental to our Buddhist Sect. Establishing a presence in the Da Xia Dynasty is also to compensate for the loss."

The other party spoke, his words sounding pompous.

"Shut up."

"As a monk, opening one's mouth is a loss; a true Buddha, with compassion at heart, would a Buddha concern himself with gain and loss?"

"If the disaster of Donglin County occurs, the Buddhist Sect would, at the first moment, spare no expense and care not for profit or loss, rescuing the people of Donglin County; this Lord would truly allow your Buddhist Sect to settle in Da Xia."

"This Lord has never refused the Buddhist Sect, but what this Lord despises are false Buddhas."

"Go back and tell your superiors that if you wish to settle in the Da Xia Dynasty, as long as I live, the Buddhist Sect will only be daydreaming for a lifetime."

Gu Jin Nian spoke without hesitation; in his view, this Buddhist Sect lacks any compassion.

Concerned with gain and loss?

Would a true Buddha care about that?

Only false Buddhas would.

Listening to Gu Jin Nian's rebuke, the latter did not become angry; instead, he clasped his hands together, looked at Gu Jin Nian and said.

"Gu, your words are absolutely correct."

"Then, Gu, how do you intend to handle the disaster of Donglin County?"

"Will this argument cause the people of Donglin County to be burned alive?"

"Please, benefactor, calm down."

The latter spoke, but the earlier gentleness was gone, replaced by calm.

Fine.

"It's fine if you don't ask our Buddhist Sect for help, but you still have to resolve this matter, right? I want to see how you'll solve it."

As the Buddhist Sect's high monk asked, many cultivators of the Tai Xuan Immortal Sect also became curious. They truly wondered what Gu Jin Nian intended to do. Could it be just to vent? If so, Gu Jin Nian would indeed be foolish.

Hearing the other side speak like that.

Gu Jin Nian took a long, deep breath.

His expression then became utterly calm.

"At the Kong Family's Main Residence I summoned the sage, struck Confucianism and Daoism with a single slash, restoring the virtue of the true Confucian."

"At the border I reflected the true Buddha, seized the Buddhist Sect's qi fortune, shaping the Buddhist Sect's heart."

"Tai Xuan Immortal Sect!"

"Eastern Wilderness Immortal Sect!"

"You all, for profit, disregard the suffering of all beings; merely because Confucianism, Daoism, and the Buddhist Sect were cut with a slash, you rose opportunistically, yet lost your original heart."

"Today, I, Gu Jin Nian, with scriptures, will subdue demons and obtain the vast righteous qi of the mortal world."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, and upon saying this his gaze shifted, then he turned toward the direction of the Eastern Wilderness Demon Cave.

Many frowned, not understanding what Gu Jin Nian's words meant.

Even some elders showed a sneering expression.

They truly could not imagine what method Gu Jin Nian would use to resolve the disaster of Donglin County.

More importantly, Gu Jin Nian's words sounded as if he could even suppress an immortal sect?

What does he use to press?

This qi, Gu Jin Nian can only endure.

Suddenly, within the realm of the Tai Xuan Immortal Sect, the Supreme Elder almost instantly thought of something.

His complexion inevitably changed.

He guessed what Gu Jin Nian intended to do.

"This is impossible."

"He should not be able to."

"No, we cannot gamble; if he manages to do it, that would be trouble."

At this moment, heaven and earth instantly changed color, and a magnificent voice rang out—it was the Supreme Elder of the Tai Xuan Immortal Sect taking action.

"Gu Jin Nian."

"You are right; the sufferers of Donglin County are ultimately the common folk. The Tai Xuan Immortal Sect still has some rain‑invoking talismans, which we can give you entirely."

"Take them to rescue the disaster; this is also the last thing our Tai Xuan Immortal Sect can do."

Suddenly.

The voice of the Tai Xuan Immortal Sect's Supreme Elder made countless people frown, and also piqued their curiosity.

Why did the Supreme Elder suddenly soften? Meanwhile, the Buddhist Sect's high monk furrowed his brow even tighter; the Buddhist Sect and the immortal sect had already negotiated, forcing the Da Xia Dynasty to seek Buddhist help. If the Da Xia Dynasty does not accept the Buddhist Sect, the immortal sect, regardless of circumstance, cannot lend the rain‑invoking talismans to the Da Xia Dynasty.

That was agreed upon earlier.

Now the sudden reversal displeases him.

But the speaker is the Supreme Elder of the Tai Xuan Immortal Sect; he could not say much—there must be reason for the other side's actions—so he could not intervene, only watch silently.

"Now assistance?"

"It's already too late."

However, Gu Jin Nian's cold voice sounded, a refusal.

Hearing that voice, the Supreme Elder became even more certain of Gu Jin Nian's intention.

Crack!

Thunder spread, a powerful aura enveloped the area, aiming to directly block Gu Jin Nian.

"Do you have designs on the Eastern Wilderness Demon Cave?"

"That's impossible; you can't do it."

"The demons of the Eastern Wilderness Demon Cave cannot be suppressed by Buddhist sutras; don't entertain such a notion."

"If you act recklessly, it could very well affect the situation; then, with demons in chaos, the Da Xia Dynasty would have to pay an even greater price."

"The Tai Xuan Immortal Sect has eighty rain‑prayer talismans; we can give them all to you. I can personally intervene to obtain twenty more for you, helping you resolve the trouble in Donglin County."

"At this point, don't let a momentary anger lead to one mistake after another."

"You aren't wrong; you're just too radical."

"Stand down now; we can talk it out, lest a colossal mistake be brewed, after which no one can save you."

The Supreme Elder spoke, laying out cause and effect.

In an instant, everyone fully understood what Gu Jin Nian intended to do.

"So that's his confidence, huh?"

"He wants to go to the Eastern Wilderness Demon Cave, suppress the demons, and exchange that for merit?"

"It turns out that's his thought."

"Does he have the ability? Seems a bit overreaching, doesn't it?"

"Indeed, does he have that ability?"

"Not necessarily; Gu Jin Nian has recited the True Buddha Ancient Scripture before. If he can recite another volume, perhaps he could truly suppress some demons. In that case, the merit, which belongs to our Tai Xuan Immortal Sect, would be divided, which is not to our advantage."

Some voices rose; some were suddenly enlightened, others dismissed it. Yet when an elder mentioned that Gu Jin Nian had recited the True Buddha Ancient Scripture, many fell silent for a moment.

Indeed, Gu Jin Nian might actually be capable.

"The True Buddha Ancient Scripture may not be able to suppress the demons."

Others also spoke up, still not optimistic about Gu Jin Nian.

"No one knows whether it can be suppressed, but the Eastern Wilderness Demon Cave is under the control of our Eastern Wilderness Immortal Sect; if Gu Jin Nian goes there, even to cause trouble, it would be detrimental to us."

An elder spoke, offering a very reasonable analysis, regardless of the outcome.

If the outcome is favorable—Gu Jin Nian suppresses the cave—this yields immeasurable merit; even if he gains ten or twenty percent, in their eyes that's still drawing their blood.

If Gu Jin Nian fails to suppress it and instead jeopardizes the Immortal Sect's grand plan.

Then that would be a bad thing.

The Immortal Sect gains nothing, and Gu Jin Nian gains nothing.

"Gu Jin Nian is truly insidious, using this method to threaten us?"

"Since he can't obtain it, does he intend to destroy it?"

"Damn! After countless calculations, none anticipated he'd use this move."

Various voices rose, with everyone directly assuming Gu Jin Nian wants to exploit the Eastern Wilderness Demon Cave.

To threaten the Tai Xuan Immortal Sect.

But it must be said, this truly is a threat to them, a colossal one.

The Eastern Wilderness Demon Cave has always been regarded by various Immortal Sects as a blessed land.

When the timing is right, suppressing and transmuting these demons yields endless benefits.

Thus at this critical juncture, the Immortal Sect does not wish to offend anyone nor allow anyone to disrupt their plan.

Gu Jin Nian's current actions, in their view, amount to an attempt to sabotage the Eastern Wilderness Demon Cave.

Such a method is extremely poisonous.

Few believe Gu Jin Nian can resolve the Eastern Wilderness Demon Cave.

This cave harbors far too many extraordinary aspects.

Even the Immortal Sect lacks complete confidence in being able to resolve the cave; otherwise they would have acted long ago.

If Heaven's Mandate had not manifested, the various Immortal Sects would not entertain this notion.

"Too late."

Yet Gu Jin Nian's voice rang out.

Utterly indifferent.

This is his final response.

In an instant, Immortal King Yu Lian vanished from the spot and rushed toward the Eastern Wilderness Demon Cave at top speed.

"How dare you!"

The sound of heavenly thunder rang out.

The Supreme Elder did not want to give Gu Jin Nian any chance; regardless of whether Gu Jin Nian could resolve the Eastern Wilderness Demon Cave, he refused to grant him any opportunity.

With overwhelming divine power, a massive hand lunged straight at Gu Jin Nian.

But at that moment, a voice echoed across the heavens and earth.

"Tai Xuan Immortal Sect."

"Do you truly think my Confucian Daoist sect has no one?"

As the voice sounded, the terrifying force instantly shattered the massive hand.

It was Su Wenjing.

The Half Saint of Confucian Daoism stepped forward.

At the crucial moment, he assisted Gu Jin Nian.

Meanwhile, Gu Jin Nian was already racing thousands of li away; it wouldn't be long before he reached the Eastern Wilderness Demon Cave.

(End of Chapter)