Chapter 193: The First of Ten Thousand Classics, the Enlightening Sutra Revealed, Hundreds of Millions of Demons All Suppressed

Tai Xuan Sect.

The Supreme Elder is already anxious.

Although he does not believe Gu Jin Nian can resolve the crisis of the Eastern Wilderness Demon Cave.

But Gu Jin Nian's having such a notion is a trouble for him; whether Gu Jin Nian succeeds or fails, it is not what he wishes to see.

Only, he did not expect that at the critical moment Su Wenjing would intervene.

"Su Wenjing, you should know what the Eastern Wilderness Demon Cave means."

The Supreme Elder's voice rang out; facing Su Wenjing, he truly could not act, nor could he stop Gu Jin Nian.

"I, an old man, do not know what the Eastern Wilderness Demon Cave signifies."

"I only know that Gu Jin Nian is my disciple."

Su Wenjing's voice sounded; this was his reply—simple, direct, and revealing his intent.

"Su Wenjing!"

"The Eastern Wilderness Demon Cave is a relic sealed by sects in ancient times; after countless years it has weakened, yet it still harbors various troubles that require careful handling."

"Our Eastern Wilderness Sect joins forces to suppress it, removing a menace from the world; Gu Jin Nian's actions are extremely reckless—if they affect the Eastern Wilderness Demon Cave, who will bear the responsibility?"

"Even you, Half Saint, cannot be held accountable; you are merely abetting cruelty."

He spoke, his words sharp, harshly condemning Su Wenjing's deeds.

Upon hearing this, Su Wenjing could not help but let out a cold snort.

"What a perfect example of abetting cruelty?"

"May I ask, is this Eastern Wilderness Demon Cave the property of your sect?"

"Furthermore, can your sect guarantee it will not affect the Eastern Wilderness Demon Cave?"

"Eradicating demonic afflictions is not solely the sect's duty; Gu Jin Nian is a saint of my Confucian‑Daoist lineage, who can say he cannot suppress the cave?"

Su Wenjing sneered repeatedly; this sect is truly laughable.

The sect can, but Confucian‑Daoist cannot?

On what grounds? "I'm too lazy to say more; if the Eastern Wilderness Demon Cave causes a major problem, both you and Gu Jin Nian will have to pay the price!"

"If you now go to stop Gu Jin Nian, everything is negotiable; tell me how many rain talismans you need, and the Tai Xuan Sect will give you that many."

"This is the final bottom line; extinguishing the fire is paramount."

The Supreme Elder continued, his greatest fear being that Gu Jin Nian might truly solve the difficulty of the Eastern Wilderness Demon Cave.

After all, this is the sect's chance for transformation.

In other words, this is a treasure land; if Gu Jin Nian takes it, who can accept? Which member of the Eastern Wilderness Sect would be willing to accept?

For the Eastern Wilderness Demon Cave, they have paid many prices; the Buddhist sect entered the Da Xia Dynasty with their consent, and to prevent other sects from sharing the spoils, they even relinquished the quota for the Tai Hao Immortal Realm.

They even offended the Da Xia Dynasty for the sake of the Eastern Wilderness Demon Cave.

All these measures, for what? To make the sect ever stronger, seize the initiative, and reap benefits before Heaven's Mandate descends.

But now?

Gu Jin Nian suddenly intervened; regardless of whether the outcome is good or bad, it is not what they wish to see.

Truly resolving the Eastern Wilderness Demon Cave issue is what they fear most and least want to witness.

"Now you speak of rain talismans; don't you think it's too late?"

"All of this is your own self‑inflicted consequence."

Su Wenjing spoke; he has been monitoring this matter, and Gu Jin Nian came earlier to borrow rain talismans for the sake of the common people.

Even if it is for the Da Xia populace, aren't they also the common folk? The sect does not lend.

Then Gu Jin Nian will borrow in his own way; let's see who loses more. "You!"

This time the Supreme Elder truly does not know what to say.

He wants to stop Gu Jin Nian, but with Su Wenjing before him, he is utterly powerless.

Meanwhile.

Gu Jin Nian is already soaring four thousand li away.

His speed keeps increasing as he flies toward the Eastern Wilderness Demon Cave.

Thus, half an hour later.

As a desolate land appears, it signifies arrival at the Eastern Wilderness Demon Cave.

Affected by the Eastern Wilderness Demon Cave, this region is barren, with not a blade of grass, appearing especially desolate.

At least a two‑thousand‑li radius is a scarlet wasteland.

In fact, the Eastern Wilderness Demon Cave lies a bit closer to the Da Xia Dynasty, but due to territorial issues, this area is unclaimed.

The Da Xia Dynasty could annex this territory at any time, yet the land is extremely barren, unsuitable for cultivation; for these reasons, the Da Xia Dynasty does not desire it.

It involves many disputes.

Now, Gu Jin Nian intends to resolve some troubles.

In the scarlet wasteland, Gu Jin Nian walks toward the central zone; inside his jade carriage, the scriptures in his mind have fully surfaced.

Another half hour passes.

Finally, Gu Jin Nian sees the Eastern Wilderness Demon Cave.

Rather than call it a demon cave, it is more like a blood‑red plain, dozens of li east to west; the entire ground is covered with runes, and two massive talisman sheets lie horizontally and vertically, emitting an uncanny glow.

The entire cave is now shrouded by a barrier; various sects have gathered here, and in the next two days they will begin to transform the Eastern Wilderness Demon Cave.

Naturally, they must be meticulous.

At this very moment.

In the central area of the cave, a dozen or so immortal‑cultivation masters circle inside, conducting preliminary preparations.

The leader of the Tai Xuan Immortal Sect, the Shangqing True Person, was discussing with the heads of other immortal sects.

Dragon Tiger Dao Sect leader, Zhang Zhenren.

Head instructor of the Empty Moon Immortal Sect, Cang Xin Daoren.

Head instructor of the Golden Mountain Immortal Sect, Ping Yun Daoren.

In total ten people, representing the seven great immortal sects, the Great Jin Dynasty, the Fuyu Dynasty's Great Scholar, and senior monks of the Buddhist sect.

In fact, originally all the world's immortal sects should have dealt with this together, but the seven great sects of the Eastern Wilderness, having the advantage of proximity, and various profit transactions, made it so.

Ultimately, occupying the Eastern Wilderness Demon Cavern, the seven great sects together with the Great Jin Dynasty, the Fuyu Dynasty, and the Buddhist sect jointly claimed this merit.

Bringing in the Great Jin Dynasty and the Fuyu Dynasty was to curb the Da Xia Dynasty; as for the Buddhist sect, they are mainly kept in the rear.

If something truly went wrong, at the critical moment the Buddhist sect could still lend a hand.

"Shangqing Daoist, is it really certain nothing will go wrong?"

Sect Leader Cang Xin spoke, looking at the Shangqing Daoist as he asked, and he was still somewhat worried, for the Eastern Wilderness Demon Cavern's influence is huge, and a single misstep would be troublesome.

All the Eastern Wilderness immortal sects would have to pay a painful price because of this.

"Rest assured, this time my seven great sects have set up a barrier, and moreover have summoned a celestial artifact; this Eastern Wilderness Demon Cavern, having endured countless years, must have reached its decline point."

"As long as we act according to the plan, there will be no problem; after the Eastern Wilderness Demon Cavern is dealt with, we will share the merit, which is what we should consider."

"Under Heaven's Mandate, the immortal sect receives its recognition; after the Eastern Wilderness Demon Cavern is resolved, the Central Continent immortal sect will resolve the Taihao Immortal Realm, and that sect will become the unparalleled existence in the world."

Shangqing Daoist spoke, appearing especially confident.

Indeed, as he spoke, the others also nodded, collectively endorsing his view.

"Now the immortal sect has received Heaven's Mandate's blessing, it is no longer as before; if we can seize the initiative, the future will surpass everything."

"In the end, all this owes thanks to Gu Jin Nian; without Gu Jin Nian, our immortal sects could hardly ever seize Heaven's Mandate."

"Indeed, without Gu Jin Nian, our immortal sects could never claim Heaven's Mandate; at least the Confucian‑Daoist sects are favored by Heaven's Mandate, and even without them, the Buddhist sect remains our strongest competitor."

"When my immortal sect truly rises, we must indeed thank Gu Jin Nian properly."

"Indeed, doesn't he have an immortal spirit root? When the sect fully rises, we can give him some benefits; if he is sensible, he can submit to the sect and all will be well; otherwise, we will disregard him."

They transmitted their words covertly, discussing this matter.

Listening to the others, Shangqing Daoist nodded and said.

"Indeed, it is not only about seizing the initiative; more importantly, we also know what the future of Heaven's Mandate holds. Now my sect has undergone transformation; had it not been for this transformation, solving the Eastern Wilderness Demon Cavern would have taken another three to four hundred years."

He voiced his transmission, saying.

And at that moment, one voice after another suddenly rang out.

"Who?"

"Who dares to intrude?"

"This is our sect's forbidden ground; who dares to trespass?"

As these voices rang out, they startled the Shangqing Daoist.

The ten people all turned their gazes there.

Above the firmament, a figure appeared before everyone's eyes.

It was Gu Jin Nian's figure.

The Immortal King's Jade Carriage floated in the firmament, and Gu Jin Nian stood within the carriage, looking down on everything.

"Is that Gu Jin Nian?"

"How did he get here?"

"What is he doing here? Didn't he tell the Da Xia Dynasty that the Eastern Wilderness Demon Cavern doesn't need people from the Da Xia Dynasty?"

"Does he want to forcefully take a share?"

"Isn't Gu Jin Nian busy solving the Da Xia heavenly disaster? How did he come here?"

Voices kept echoing.

The others were very puzzled; after all, in their view Gu Jin Nian should be dealing with the Da Xia heavenly disaster, so how could he have arrived here?

Moreover, what purpose did Gu Jin Nian have in coming? This left them very doubtful.

Thump! Outside the barrier, Gu Jin Nian piloted the Immortal King's Jade Carriage, forcefully breaking in, causing the barrier to tremble incessantly.

In an instant, everyone frowned; thousands of immortal sect disciples, wielding flying swords, defended within the barrier, but they all knew who Gu Jin Nian was, so they dared not act, merely preparing.

"Heaven's Mandate Marquis!"

"What are you doing?"

Abruptly, the Shangqing Daoist's voice rang out; he looked at Gu Jin Nian, his eyes full of curiosity, not understanding what Gu Jin Nian was doing.

"I have come to transmute the Eastern Wilderness demons, exchanging for the world's vast righteous Qi."

Gu Jin Nian's voice sounded, his expression calm as he stated his intention.

Upon hearing this, everyone frowned, each finding it somewhat odd.

Shangqing Daoist, Zhang Zhenren, Cang Yue Daoist, and Ping Yun Daoist, among others, could not help but knit their brows.

"Lord Marquis truly has the world in his heart, yet the Da Xia Dynasty is in peril, especially Donglin County; I, a humble Daoist, know the Donglin County fire is terrifying, and the Marquis does not go to rescue the Da Xia people."

"Coming here to save the Eastern Wilderness's living beings, indeed he has the world in his heart, but the Marquis should first finish his own affairs before dealing with this."

Shangqing Daoist spoke; his words carried an indescribable tone—perhaps a hint of sarcasm, yet also not quite sarcasm, which was reasonable.

However, when Donglin County was mentioned, Gu Jin Nian's complexion turned cold.

"Senior, everyone in the world has the right to speak of Donglin County, except the Tai Xuan Immortal Sect has no such right."

"I, the Marquis, went to the Tai Xuan Immortal Sect to borrow a rain talisman; you Tai Xuan Immortal Sect not only refused to lend it, but also insulted me, preferring to waste a rain talisman rather than give it to me."

"What right do you have to speak of Donglin County?"

Gu Jin Nian spoke; he had originally held some goodwill toward the Shangqing Daoist, but after this incident, Gu Jin Nian fully understood that there is no good or bad in this world, only matters of stance.

The other side, for profit, would never care about the life or death of the Da Xia Dynasty, but when it benefits the Great Profound Immortal Sect, the sect head will personally step forward to ingratiate himself.

But when they no longer need to rely on him, or when he offers them no benefit, they will ruthlessly cast him aside.

Since that is the case, Gu Jin Nian will not show them any courtesy; everything revolves around profit.

Upon hearing this, the Supreme Clarity Daoist's complexion changed involuntarily; he didn't know about that matter, but he was aware of the refusal to lend the Rain‑Calling Talisman, because that also reflected his intention.

He hadn't expected members of his own sect to act like this; indeed, it was rather improper.

"Lord."

"These Rain‑Calling Talismans are indeed rare, not ordinary items; refusing to lend them is not out of disrespect for the Lord, nor because we don't wish to aid the Da Xia Dynasty."

"However, someone acting like this is indeed inappropriate; therefore, this humble Daoist gives the Lord ten Rain‑Calling Talismans, hoping the Lord will not be angry. I will later give the Lord an explanation for this matter."

"Lord, take the Rain‑Calling Talismans back and focus on disaster relief."

The Supreme Clarity Daoist spoke, and while speaking, produced ten Rain‑Calling Talismans. After all, members of his own sect had indeed gone too far; it's fine not to lend them, but he deliberately wasted a talisman just to disgust Gu Jin Nian.

That's not right; indeed, it's a loss of reason.

However, for him, Gu Jin Nian coming over specifically was just to cause trouble, namely for the Rain‑Calling Talisman.

Since that's the case, he doesn't want to create further complications, so he sends Gu Jin Nian off with ten Rain‑Calling Talismans.

In an instant.

The Rain‑Calling Talismans flew toward Gu Jin Nian.

"Get lost!"

Gu Jin Nian's voice rang out directly, his eyes filled with anger.

His anger was not due to the other's contempt, but because the Great Profound Immortal Sect possessed eighty Rain‑Calling Talismans, while this Supreme Clarity Daoist had only ten.

They gave them away so casually; who can truly know how many there are? Having so many talismans yet acting as if there were none—that is what infuriated Gu Jin Nian.

If, from the start, they had lent him twenty, even just twenty, he wouldn't have reacted this way; he might even have been grateful to the Great Profound Immortal Sect.

But the other side didn't give.

Indeed, their refusal stemmed from various motives, which Gu Jin Nian acknowledges; after all, why should they lend to him? That's the plain truth.

The point that the Great Profound Immortal Sect would rather waste than give to him is what angers Gu Jin Nian the most.

But Gu Jin Nian also concedes.

It's still that saying: why give to oneself? Why should one ask and have others give? Gu Jin Nian understands this reasoning.

Now he has a way to resolve it; thinking of using ten Rain‑Calling Talismans to get rid of himself? A delusional fantasy.

Hearing Gu Jin Nian's voice, the Supreme Clarity Daoist couldn't help but frown slightly; he could feel that Gu Jin Nian was truly angry.

However, he is not without temper.

"Lord, this matter is indeed a mistake by the Great Profound Immortal Sect, but it was only an individual's action and not greatly related to the sect itself."

"If you are truly for the people, taking the Rain‑Calling Talisman can save the common folk; resolving the issue is the main concern. This humble Daoist knows you are angry, but the people are paramount. What do you think?"

Although he harbored some emotions, the Supreme Clarity Daoist was not an ordinary person; he did not quarrel loudly with Gu Jin Nian, but hoped Gu Jin Nian would stop at a point and take the item and leave.

Let everyone keep to their own affairs.

"Speaking of this now is already too late."

"Resolving Donglin County may not even require the Rain‑Calling Talisman. This Marquis has other means; step aside for me. This Eastern Wilderness Demon Cavern is not your sect's matter, it does not belong to you."

"You have no right to block me here."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, and as he did, his magical force trembled; he controlled the jade palanquin, attempting to break directly into the Barrier.

However, Gu Jin Nian still underestimated the Barrier's power; despite giving his all, he could not break through.

Seeing this, everyone's expression changed.

"You know better, Gu Jin Nian, this humble Daoist has long heard of your reputation; the world respects you, and I respect you as well. Yet your actions today are somewhat sophistical."

"Now return, take the Rain‑Calling Talisman; this humble Daoist still respects you to some degree."

Cang Xin True Immortal spoke, somewhat displeased, yet he did not wish to make a scene; after all, the other side is the Da Xia Heaven's Mandate Marquis, and before the sect fully rises, no one wants to directly offend Gu Jin Nian or the Da Xia Dynasty.

After all, the saints of Confucianism and Daoism in later ages are not to be taken lightly.

"Respect?"

"Does this Marquis need your respect?"

"Supreme Clarity Daoist, as the head of the Great Profound Immortal Sect, you clearly know the Da Xia Dynasty is struck by a natural disaster, yet you remain silent. Do you still hold any sectarian righteousness in your heart?"

"You are still human, with selfish motives; this Marquis knows that, and I don't think much of it—it's a reasonable matter."

"But this Eastern Wilderness Demon Cavern is not your sect's property, nor does any prohibition apply."

"Today, the fortunes of this Eastern Wilderness Demon Cavern have been seized by this Marquis."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, voicing his thoughts, regardless of how they might think.

If the Rain‑Calling Talismans had originally been given to me, everything would have been easy; forcing me to this point means I shouldn't blame myself for showing no courtesy.

"Oh?"

"Then we'll see whether the Lord can break this Barrier."

At this point, the latter said no more; he was not at all afraid of Gu Jin Nian. If he hadn't wanted to avoid making things too rigid, he wouldn't have needed to care about Gu Jin Nian's thoughts.

Putting aside everything else, just this Barrier—Gu Jin Nian shouldn't even think of breaking it; as for other matters, he is too lazy to discuss.

Hearing this, Gu Jin Nian showed a slight silence.

He indeed cannot break this Barrier, but his inability doesn't mean others can't.

"Senior!"

"Help me!"

At this moment, Gu Jin Nian crushed the second jade pendant, which belonged to the Heavenly Demon Elder.

Now he needed the Heavenly Demon Elder's assistance.

As the jade pendant was crushed, a sudden gale rose, and clumps of black vapour appeared before Gu Jin Nian.

Eventually they coalesced into the figure of the Heavenly Demon Elder.

"Good disciple, I didn't expect that within just a year you would have used two jade pendants; it seems our master‑disciple bond truly runs deep."

"Hahaha!"

At this moment, the Heavenly Demon Elder's voice rang out, his laugh bright, gazing at Gu Jin Nian with an immensely joyful expression.

When he first gave Gu Jin Nian three jade pendants, he was actually worried that Gu Jin Nian might never be able to use them.

But to his surprise, in just a year Gu Jin Nian had already used two pendants—well done, well done; if Gu Jin Nian uses one more, this disciple will be settled.

And Gu Jin Nian must be convinced both inwardly and outwardly, with no unwillingness.

"Heavenly Demon Elder?"

"Why him? Isn't the rumor that Gu Jin Nian only helped the Heavenly Demon Elder once, and the Elder would only intervene for Gu Jin Nian a single time?"

"How did he appear?"

"Trouble, the Heavenly Demon Elder has arrived?"

In an instant, voices rose one after another; none of these sect strongmen could have imagined that at this critical moment the Heavenly Demon Elder would actually appear.

This is troublesome; if it were only Gu Jin Nian, they would be unafraid.

Even if Gu Jin Nian led five hundred thousand troops, they would feel no fear at all.

But the Heavenly Demon Elder is different; he is a near‑Seventh Realm cultivator, and even possesses a secret method that can reach the Seventh Realm in a short time.

The Seventh Realm, shaking ancient and dazzling the present, is an invincible existence; none of those present could slay even a single Heavenly Demon Elder.

"Gu Jin Nian, I didn't expect you to truly collude with demonic cultivators? Aren't you afraid something will happen?"

"Gu Jin Nian, this is a demonic practitioner; your collusion with him is a grave transgression. Are you, in a moment of anger, trying to brew a great mistake?"

"Just because our sect refuses to lend you a rain‑summoning talisman, you resort to colluding with demonic cultivators to breach the seal of the Eastern Wilderness Demon Cave? What do you intend? Do you realize this will brew a disaster?"

At this moment, Daoist Cang Xin, True Immortal Zhang, and Daoist Ping Yun all spoke up, and even the Great Jin Dynasty Great Scholar and the Fuyu Dynasty Great Scholar joined in.

They rebuked Gu Jin Nian's actions.

In their view, Gu Jin Nian, because of the Donglin County incident and the sect's refusal to lend the rain talisman, redirected his anger toward the sect and summoned the Heavenly Demon Elder.

He seeks to destroy the Eastern Wilderness Demon Cave and plunge the world into chaos.

"Silence!"

In an instant, the Heavenly Demon Elder's voice rang out, booming like thunder.

His gaze, at that moment, became exceedingly sharp.

Scanning everyone present, lower‑realm cultivators trembled one by one, while higher‑realm cultivators furrowed their brows.

"One bite after another, demonic cultivators?"

"I act as I please, but at least I do not kill civilians. Look at you—does the Da Xia calamity bear your imprint? Aren't you aware?"

"Even if your mark is absent, under heavenly disaster countless lives suffer; do you possess even a modicum of compassion?"

"All you do is for profit, yet you dress your words in grandiosity. Do you have any shame?"

The Heavenly Demon Elder scolded, his eyes full of contempt.

At his words, everyone's complexion changed.

"Jin Nian, beloved disciple."

"Speak plainly—what do you wish to do for your master?"

The Heavenly Demon Elder spoke directly; seeing these hypocritical cultivators displeased him, even if Gu Jin Nian remained silent, he would still deal with this group.

"Master."

"Just break the seal of the Eastern Wilderness Demon Cave."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, voicing his thought.

But as soon as he said that, everyone's face changed dramatically, and even the Heavenly Demon Elder's brows twitched.

To be frank, the Heavenly Demon Elder had thought Gu Jin Nian wanted him to clean up these cultivators, vent his anger, then seize the rain talisman to resolve the Donglin County trouble.

But he did not expect Gu Jin Nian to utter such words.

That is indeed rather terrifying.

"Marquis of Heaven's Mandate, this must not be done."

"I, a humble Daoist, understand that you are angry over the rain talisman, but regardless, you must not act thus; this is the Eastern Wilderness Demon Cave, and if it is damaged, the trouble it brings will be enormous."

"When that happens, the whole world will be entangled, countless lives will perish in this cataclysm—far exceeding the Da Xia calamities by hundreds of times."

"Gu Jin Nian, though this Eastern Wilderness Demon Cave has decayed over tens of thousands of years, it remains extremely terrifying; even we dare not unseal it lightly, requiring extensive preparation. If you act rashly, the trouble will be dreadful."

"Heavenly Demon Elder, Gu Jin Nian acted in a moment of anger; you know how terrifying this Eastern Wilderness Demon Cave is—you cannot join him in wreaking havoc."

Voices rose one after another; they were truly panicking.

If Gu Jin Nian had not summoned the Heavenly Demon Elder, they would not have worried that Gu Jin Nian could break the seal here.

But the Heavenly Demon Elder is different; as a near‑Seventh Realm powerhouse, if he forcibly destroys it, a great disaster would truly ensue.

Everyone spoke—some urging Gu Jin Nian, others the Heavenly Demon Elder—ultimately, none wished the Eastern Wilderness Demon Cave to be broken.

No one believed Gu Jin Nian could resolve the crisis here.

"Jin Nian, the Eastern Wilderness Demon Cave has great influence and is indeed unique; if you act in a moment of anger, I can find a way to have them give you a rain talisman to solve the Donglin County disaster."

"There's no need for that."

The Heavenly Demon Elder sent a covert transmission, acknowledging that the place is terrifying; if truly unsealed and a disaster occurs, no one can stop it.

"Senior, I have a way to resolve it."

Gu Jin Nian inhaled deeply, being straightforward, his gaze extremely resolute.

Upon saying that, the Heavenly Demon Elder became somewhat embarrassed; he feared not the people but the calamity that might arise, and even as the Heavenly Demon Elder, he could not bear such a massive karmic consequence.

When the disaster strikes, it will be the common people of the world.

He can't hold on.

"Jin Nian, little friend, we have tried every method to help you resolve the trouble in Donglin County; no matter how many rain talismans you need, we have them and can use them for you—what do you think?"

"If you keep causing a ruckus, you'll invite huge trouble; the grievances of all beings will fall upon you, and the countless karmic retributions you simply cannot bear. Not only you, but the Da Xia Dynasty will also bear massive karmic burden."

"When that time comes, even if you want to regret, it will be useless."

At this moment, the Shangqing Daoist was truly getting anxious.

In his view, Gu Jin Nian was simply overwhelmed by raw Qi, which is why he acted this way; but Gu Jin Nian was angry, he could not become angry and could only follow Gu Jin Nian's intent.

Otherwise, it would truly get out of hand, and no one could bear such massive karmic cause and effect.

All the living under heaven would be implicated, and for them, they would also miss a chance for their sect to soar.

Hearing the Shangqing Daoist speak thus, the Heavenly Demon Elder could not help but continue to persuade.

"Disciple, listen to your master. What he says isn't without reason; we focus on solving the matter, there's no need for this."

The Heavenly Demon Elder kept urging.

But the next moment, Gu Jin Nian's gaze, unwavering, turned toward the Heavenly Demon Elder and said.

"Master!"

"Take action."

A voice rang out.

In an instant, the Heavenly Demon Elder was stunned.

"What do you call me?"

The Heavenly Demon Elder widened his eyes, looking at Gu Jin Nian and asking thus.

"Master."

"If you do not break this seal, the disciple will never become your apprentice."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, his gaze utterly steadfast.

The more this sect behaved like this, the more he needed to break the seal.

"Alright!"

"Damn it, I told you I wasn't mistaken—crazy enough, wild enough, arrogant enough. Disciple, if you go mad, I'll go mad with you."

"Hahaha."

Hearing Gu Jin Nian call him 'master', the Heavenly Demon Elder burst into laughter.

He possessed a lifelong ultimate skill and had always sought someone to pass it to, but ordinary people didn't interest him. He had previously considered finding someone of ordinary talent like himself.

He wanted to see if they could match him, but after finding a few, he discovered ordinary people lacked such perseverance.

Thus he abandoned that notion, opting to find someone of extremely high talent, and he would only settle for the best.

Gu Jin Nian's appearance gave him hope; he wanted to train Gu Jin Nian to become the number one in the world.

But Gu Jin Nian's lack of cooperation made him extremely upset.

Now that Gu Jin Nian even called him 'master', he had nothing more to say.

Boom.

The Heavenly Demon Elder threw a punch; demonic energy engulfed everything around, and the next moment the barrier shattered on the spot, while the defending disciples were each blasted away.

"Heavenly Demon Elder, are you truly mad?"

"Gu Jin Nian is mad, and you are mad too?"

"Why is this necessary…"

"Heavenly Demon Elder, you must know that our sect still has a peerless strongman; if he emerges, you will surely die. This Eastern Wilderness Demon Cave is the thing our sect cherishes most. If you cross the Thunder Pool, your fate will be terrible." Voices rang out—Shangqing Daoist, Zhang Zhenren, and others all spoke.

His complexion turned extremely grim.

It's easy for others to say, but the Heavenly Demon Elder is different; they truly can't stop him.

"Peerless strongman? To put it bluntly, isn't it just a turtle hiding in the dark?"

"You could let him appear; then we'll see whether the primordial beings kill them first, or kill me first."

The Heavenly Demon Elder spoke coldly, and the next moment his hands gathered, forming a demonic bird that charged straight toward the central formation.

"Sacrificial Immortal Vessel!"

"By any means, do not let him destroy the formation."

The Shangqing Daoist let out a roar.

His complexion was grim as he stared at Gu Jin Nian, his eyes filled with coldness.

"Gu Jin Nian."

"You have committed a monstrous mistake; you have no idea what the Eastern Wilderness Demon Cave signifies."

"We are not fully prepared yet; if the Eastern Wilderness Demon Cave runs into trouble, no one can contain it."

"If you now make the Heavenly Demon Elder stop, the sect will definitely handle the Donglin County matter for you, including the Nanyue County issue, as well as the Jiangzhong County one; we will also solve the Da Xia natural disaster for you."

The Shangqing Daoist spoke.

Half of him still threatened Gu Jin Nian, but the other half had already softened.

He did not want any accident; this is the sect's sole chance to rise—more precisely, the Tai Xuan Immortal Sect's only chance to ascend.

If Gu Jin Nian were to destroy it, they would be truly heart‑broken.

At this very moment.

The gazes of all major forces turned to the Eastern Wilderness Demon Cave, which itself had attracted many factions' attention; however, within the cave lies the Eastern Wilderness Sect's barrier, preventing them from seeing inside and understanding the situation.

Now that the barrier has been shattered, many eyes naturally turned toward it.

When they saw this scene, it sparked considerable surprise.

People didn't know what had happened, nor did they understand why Gu Jin Nian clashed with the Immortal Sect, but they knew that if the Heavenly Demon Old Man truly broke the seal of the Eastern Wilderness Demon Cave.

It would cause terrifying things.

"Master!"

"Break the seal!"

However, inside the Immortal King's Jade Carriage, Gu Jin Nian's voice sounded again, even more resolute than before.

Upon hearing the words "Master" again, the Heavenly Demon Old Man's aura instantly became incomparably terrifying.

It was the Seven Realms.

A colossal demonic bird phantom appeared behind him, its incomparably terrifying power shattering the void; everyone felt a terrifying aura.

The Heavenly Demon Old Man's speed was too fast; with a single blow, he directly shattered this land.

Within a hundred miles, the ground instantly cracked, splitting inch by inch.

This was mainly because this area had demonic nature; otherwise, a Seven Realms expert could easily shatter a thousand miles.

"Immortal artifact! At any cost, revive the immortal artifact!"

"Gu Jin Nian, you're crazy! You're truly a lunatic!"

"Heavenly Demon Old Man, you are truly foolish."

A roar rang out, and an Immortal Sect expert spoke, calling for the full revival of the immortal artifact.

Boom boom boom.

Boom boom boom.

At this moment, a pagoda soared forth, radiating boundless light, emitting a terrifying aura, and pressed down directly.

This is one of the Nine Immortal Artifacts of the Immortal Dao, the Xuanhuang Pagoda.

The pagoda appeared, suppressing everything, stabilizing space, and in an instant suppressed the Heavenly Demon Old Man's mana.

This is an immortal artifact.

It possesses extraordinary power.

"What's going on? How can this immortal artifact have such terrifying power, actually able to suppress me?"

At this moment, the Heavenly Demon Old Man couldn't help but frown; he felt somewhat incredulous.

He knew immortal artifacts; he had clashed with them before, and they were indeed extraordinary, but they couldn't suppress him—yet now it's different; this immortal artifact actually can suppress him.

This is very strange.

However, at the center.

Two huge talisman papers shattered into pieces at this moment.

Regardless of why the immortal artifact changed, at least the Heavenly Demon Old Man has already broken the seal.

"Damn it!!!!"

"Gu Jin Nian, you are truly foolish, you have caused a monstrous disaster."

Pingyun Daoist pointed at Gu Jin Nian and let out a roar.

These two talisman papers are the Supreme Daoist Talismans, meant to suppress the Eastern Wilderness Demon Cave.

Now that they've been destroyed, it means the Eastern Wilderness Demon Cave will face a major catastrophe.

"Don't argue."

"Immortal Sect disciples, hear the order: immediately form ranks, prepare to subdue demons and eliminate evil."

"Haohai High Monk, quickly go to the Buddhist Gate, summon ten thousand Buddhist monks, chant scriptures, suppress the demon cave."

"Everyone else, make all preparations."

"Two gentlemen, quickly offer the Half Saint Writings."

Supreme Clarity Daoist spoke, saying that since things have come to this, insulting Gu Jin Nian is meaningless; it's better to quickly resolve the matter—this is the kingly way.

Unfortunately.

Supreme Clarity Daoist's words had just fallen.

Suddenly, a mass of demonic qi surged out directly.

The talisman papers trembled incessantly.

Demonic qi spread everywhere.

It looked indeed terrifying.

"Suppress!"

Supreme Clarity Daoist gathered his mana, wanting to press down directly.

But.

Boom! Boom! Boom! At the leaking place, terrifying demonic qi instantly burst forth, piercing the clouds; this terrifying demonic qi covered the sky and blocked the sun.

Between heaven and earth, everything changed in an instant.

Extremely terrifying.

Afterwards, the talisman papers instantly shattered, turning into countless golden light threads that vanished into the ground.

Terrifying demonic qi surged straight toward the heavens, far more terrifying than imagined.

Within a thousand miles, demonic qi poured down like an inverted waterfall; this scene looked incomparably magnificent.

People were terrified; the faces of all major forces changed drastically, and they immediately ordered many things.

A major disaster was imminent.

The Eastern Wilderness Demon Cave was even more terrifying than imagined.

"Hahahaha! I didn't expect us to finally come out ahead."

"I never thought someone would actually break the seal, hahahaha!"

"Human race, I will kill you all, hahahaha."

"I never expected I could endure until now; who rescued me? I will eat you to repay the kindness."

"Fortunately I survived, fortunately I survived."

At that moment, terrifying voices rang out.

Amid the demonic aura, dreadful illusory shadows appeared: three heads and six arms, dragon heads with human bodies, various terrifying demons emerged, like the demon gods of legend.

This is their aura; their true forms still hide beneath the demon cave.

"Impossible, this is impossible—why aren't they dead yet?"

"Countless years have passed, how are they still not dead?"

"The twelve demonic monsters are still not dead?"

"This is the Emperor Void Demon God—does such a demon god truly exist in the world?"

Voices rose, someone gasped and pointed at a figure within the demonic aura.

It was a being with six legs and four wings, a bird‑beast humanoid, clutching a jade dragon in both hands.

This is the demon god of legend.

Extremely terrifying.

Daoist of the Supreme Purity, Daoist of the Azure Heart, Zhang Zhenren, and Daoist Ping Yun were all shocked; in their understanding, these demons should already be dead.

Had they known they were still alive, they would never have dared to lift the seal.

This is impossible, beyond their imagination.

At this moment, they felt a slight relief, glad that it was Gu Jin Nian who broke the seal rather than themselves; otherwise they could not bear the resulting karma.

"Gu Jin Nian, you shattered the seal and released the ancient demons; you must bear all the karma for this."

Daoist Ping Yun's voice rang out as he pointed at Gu Jin Nian and said.

As he spoke, the other cultivators also spoke up, throwing the question onto Gu Jin Nian.

They regarded it as a good deed by Gu Jin Nian.

It has nothing to do with them.

On the jade palanquin, Gu Jin Nian watched silently, yet he had to admit that the demonic aura stretching a thousand li like a hanging waterfall was indeed terrifying—a phenomenon unprecedented.

Even more frightening, this demonic aura consisted of the resentful souls of the living; upon close inspection, the aura resembled a sea, countless people struggling within the demon sea, emitting unbearably mournful cries, which was truly dreadful.

The dense multitude made one's scalp tingle.

Whether the twelve demonic monsters are terrifying or not is unclear, but these countless, endless resentful souls are surely the most terrifying thing.

This is the demon sea; the twelve demonic monsters survived within it.

All these years, Gu Jin Nian never believed the twelve demonic monsters suffered no loss at all?

They must be putting on a show, acting strong just to frighten others and escape this place.

In almost an instant, Gu Jin Nian guessed their intention.

However.

Regardless of what they think, it has nothing to do with Gu Jin Nian.

He came here to completely resolve the trouble of the Eastern Wilderness demon cave.

"I am Gu Jin Nian."

"Today, I wield the Sutra of Delivering Beings, to deliver the world's resentful souls, and restore the vast righteousness of Heaven and Earth."

In an instant.

Gu Jin Nian's voice rang out.

He stood atop the Immortal King's Jade Palanquin.

Boundless light surrounded him.

At this moment, Buddha Light appeared first, illuminating a thousand li and stabilizing the terrifying demonic aura.

Then two sacred artifacts emerged, accompanied by two Buddhist relics.

Everyone turned their gaze.

The immortal cultivators furrowed their brows one by one, not understanding what Gu Jin Nian intended.

"Can the Sutra of Delivering Beings subdue the demons here?"

"It seems they came prepared, but so what? Even the supreme Dao Sutra cannot suppress the demons here."

"In the end it's for the merit of this place; Gu Jin Nian, you underestimate the Eastern Wilderness demon cave and overestimate yourself—how could you…"

"Alas, it's over, it's over."

Voices rose; they were not surprised by Gu Jin Nian's Sutra of Delivering Beings, but thought he had come prepared and overestimated himself.

Only.

Holy Punishment's Voice slowly sounded at this moment.

"In ancient times within the prime azure heavens, the void of the blue firmament sang, the great floating earth."

"Receiving the primordial deliverer of beings, infinite supreme grade, the Primordial Heavenly Venerable, this is said to be the sutra."

"Circling ten cycles, to summon the ten directions, initially to reach the seat. The True Great Deity, Supreme Sage, Sublime Real Person, countless unbridled masses, riding the void to arrive."

"Flying clouds crimson sky, green carriage jade wheel, feathered canopy draping shade. Jade light, five colors flourishing, cavern shining into the great void. Seven days and seven nights. All heavens' sun and moon, constellations and gems, the jade balance halts its wheel, divine wind silent, mountains and seas conceal clouds, the sky bears no floating veil, the four qi clear and bright."

As the voice sounded.

Suddenly.

A great power spread, and the mountains and rivers spanning a thousand li fell silent in an instant.

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

But the sounding voice was filled with great power, as if a deity were chanting the sutra.

This scripture.

Every syllable reverberates, deafening the ears.

Each time he finishes a line, Gu Jin Nian's surrounding radiance multiplies several times.

"A nation's lands, mountains, rivers, forests— all level and equal, no hierarchy; the soil becomes jade, without any differing hue. The myriad true attendants, the Primordial Lord, hover, suspended above a five‑coloured lion."

"Recite the scripture once, and the great saints of the heavens simultaneously proclaim virtue; at that moment, the deaf and ailing men and women of the nation all have their ears opened to clarity."

The sound rang again.

Upon the Immortal King's Jade Palanquin.

The radiance split the heavens and earth, towering ten thousand zhang, blindingly intense.

These lights, shining into the demonic aura, in an instant swirled like rolling white smoke; an even more mournful sound rang out, and some heavily sinful demons, unable to hide, were burned to death by the living light.

At that very moment, a voice suddenly sounded.

"Look!"

"What is this?"

It was Daoist Ping Yun's voice.

His eyes flashed with terror as he pointed toward Gu Jin Nian's direction, letting out a frightened cry.

Only then,

Behind Gu Jin Nian, a supreme void‑shadow materialized.

The shadow was boundlessly vast, surrounded by countless artifacts, shedding billions of rays; flying clouds of cinnabar, green chariots with jade wheels, feathered canopies casting shade, jade balances halted, divine wind silent, mountains and seas hiding clouds, the sky unmarred, the four airs clear and bright.

It is the Dharma manifestation of the Primordial Lord.

"Dao Ancestor True Scripture! This is the Dao Ancestor True Scripture!"

In that sudden moment, True Immortal Zhang thought of something; his eyes filled with astonishment as he looked at Gu Jin Nian and said.

Upon hearing the words "Dao Ancestor True Scripture," every disciple of the sect was instantly shocked.

Dao Ancestor True Scripture.

This indeed rivals the Ancient Buddha True Scripture.

The entire sect possesses only one Dao Ancestor True Scripture.

But that Dao Ancestor True Scripture is not a scripture for deliverance; the passage Gu Jin Nian is reciting now is the deliverance scripture.

"No wonder he dared to come; it turns out he has the Dao Ancestor True Scripture."

"It's actually the Dao Ancestor True Scripture; this time the sect's wish‑calculating abacus is gone."

"Previously there was the Ancient Buddha True Scripture; now there is the Dao Ancestor Ancient Scripture. What kind of person is Gu Jin Nian?"

"Truly laughable—what used to be solved with a few dozen rain‑summoning talismans now escalates; one must offend Gu Jin Nian, the Dao Ancestor Ancient Scripture emerges, who can stop it? The merits of the Eastern Wilderness Demon Cave may all be taken by Gu Jin Nian."

"The sect is utterly ruined this time."

An unknown multitude of voices rang out.

All major forces were utterly shocked; who could have imagined.

Gu Jin Nian had actually prepared a Dao Ancestor True Scripture.

This is simply inconceivable! Suffocating!

Suffocating!

Almost everyone was left gasping.

They had calculated countless possibilities, yet none foresaw Gu Jin Nian preparing a Dao Ancestor True Scripture.

Especially Daoist Ping Yun, whose expression was both shocked and ashamed.

He had just been criticizing Gu Jin Nian's scripture.

Now, looking back, he felt utterly embarrassed.

The Shangqing Daoist drew a deep breath.

He stood rooted, completely numb.

Within the Great Profound Immortal Sect, the scene here was also projected outward.

All members of the sect were utterly stunned.

Especially the Supreme Elder, whose mouth hung open, unable to utter a word.

In an instant, regret surged in his heart.

He regretted not having given Gu Jin Nian rain‑summoning talismans.

This is a total loss!!!

"The mortal path is fleeting, the immortal path is vast. The ghost path delights, yet mortals walk its gate. Immortal path values life, ghost path values end. Immortal path is ever auspicious, ghost path ever ominous. Lofty pure spirits are bright, mournful songs echo the great void. May the immortal path be fulfilled, and the mortal path never impoverished."

Soon, Gu Jin Nian's voice continued to sound.

He recited this Scripture for Delivering People.

The radiance on his body grew ever more terrifying, ever more dazzling.

Between heaven and earth.

His light illuminated the heavens, shaking antiquity and dazzling the present.

And the Primordial Lord's void‑shadow behind him gradually solidified; between heaven and earth, countless demons at that moment sensed a fear emanating from deep within.

Scripture for Delivering People.

It is a Taoist theological work; during a certain era, this passage was even designated by orthodox Taoism as the opening scripture.

Head of the scriptural collection.

One of the Lingbao Scriptures.

Observing fasting and reciting the scripture yields great merit: it averts heavenly calamities, protects the throne's emperor, dispels poisons to deliver the myriad people, safeguards both men and women, and grants longevity.

As long as one recites this scripture, one becomes a noble immortal, countless beings are guided, the eight gates are opened, soaring to the heavens. Sin and merit, prohibitions and taboos, destined karmic ties.

Gu Jin Nian did not believe it.

The chief of all scriptures, the Duhren Scripture, cannot resolve a Demon Cave in the Eastern Wilderness? Buzz buzz buzz buzz.

The ethereal image of the Primordial Lord of Heaven is boundlessly vast, boundlessly magnificent, boundlessly extraordinary.

Under this divine light, the demon qi of the Eastern Wilderness Demon Cave is instantly suppressed, with no chance of any resistance.

"It's the Dao Ancestor True Scripture, the Dao Ancestor True Scripture for salvation. This is impossible—how can such a text exist?"

"Who, who is reciting the Dao Ancestor True Scripture? To prepare something like this—I hate it, I hate it!"

"Daoist companion, after millennia we have repented; cease reciting. We know the ancient scriptures and some secrets of Heaven and Earth. We admit our mistake; spare us. We are willing to explain the ancients to you—this would be a boon for you."

"Heaven's Mandate manifests in the world, involving many matters. In this era a Great Secret will descend. Daoist companion, if you spare us, we will grant you countless benefits; when the Great Secret arrives, you can reap the greatest advantage. Spare us, and whatever you desire we can give you."

"Daoist companion, we can serve you. We are Demon Gods, invincible, and can sign a contract to serve you. As long as we are allowed to live, we will do anything for you. Do you wish to become the emperor who unites all under heaven? Do you wish to be number one in the world? We can help you achieve either."

The wailing cries of the Demon Gods rang out.

At this point, they too panicked—impossible not to panic.

The Dao Ancestor True Scripture has all appeared.

How could they not be panicked?

They want to survive at any cost, promising endless benefits.

But to Gu Jin Nian, such benefits are all false.

Do demons still have any credibility?

"Immortal Sect disciples, heed the command: gather all strength to suppress the demons."

At that moment, the voice of a Shangqing Daoist sounded.

He regained his senses from the Duhren Scripture.

Putting aside his inner shock, he instantly understood that he must swiftly suppress the demons; only then could he obtain merit and various benefits.

Otherwise, it would be a loss.

Such terrifying merit and benefits, all taken by Gu Jin Nian alone, they could not accept.

"Hmph."

Hearing the other's voice, Gu Jin Nian let out a cold humph.

In an instant, he continued reciting the scripture.

The speed of the recitation was rapid.

The power of these verses surged entirely into the Primordial Lord of Heaven's Dharma Image.

Boom! At last, the Primordial Lord of Heaven's Dharma Image acted.

A single palm struck down.

Within a thousand li, the demon qi was instantly shattered; most was directly transformed, and streams of pure white silhouettes emerged, surging toward the firmament, forming golden bridges of salvation, sending them to reincarnation.

But a portion of the demon qi was utterly annihilated; these were the ten unforgivable demons, left with nothing.

The seemingly terrifying Demon Cave.

Under the Duhren Scripture, it is merely insufficient to behold.

In the end, the holy light directly suppressed it; the demon qi that once hung like a waterfall was pressed flat onto the ground.

"Ten Directions True, Flying Heavenly Divine King, Eternal World‑Saver, Boundless Great Deity. Riding flying clouds, cinnabar carriage, green litter, feathered canopy, jade wheel, driving a vermilion phoenix, five‑colored mysterious dragon, establishing the nine‑colored festival."

"Primordial Peaceful Settlement, spreading five chapters, scarlet script jade characters, eight mighty dragon scripts, safeguarding calamity, ensuring the heavens endure, Brahma qi pervades, myriad Brahmas expand, the primordial principle flows, thirty‑two heavens."

Gu Jin Nian's chanting grew louder.

The radiance also grew stronger.

In the end, the Dharma Image covered the sky and earth, terrifying beyond compare, more magnificent and fearsome than the original True Buddha's ethereal image.

The Divine Continent gradually sensed it.

Boom! Boom! Boom! Holy light surged skyward, engulfing heaven and earth; myriad phenomena manifested, divine beasts fluttered, immortal palaces rose, true deities of the five directions, thirty‑three thunder division celestial generals, hundred thousand celestial soldiers, all heavens alike.

White Primordial Honored Deity, Taiyi Director of Fate, God within truth, Eternal Great Lord, Young Master Wu Ying.

Across the sky, countless deities, one majestic silhouette after another, appeared—splendid and also overwhelmingly awe‑inspiring.

Everyone stared dumbfounded at the scene.

Especially the Shangqing Daoists.

To be frank, they had intended to snatch the merit, but under Gu Jin Nian's recitation, they could not obtain any.

Hundreds of millions of rays gathered within the Eastern Wilderness Demon Cave.

All that demon qi was pressed into a deep valley, with no leakage at all.

The Twelve Demon Gods wailed incessantly.

Moreover, to be frank, every major faction sensed a feeling.

A different kind of feeling.

They thought the Eastern Wilderness Demon Cave truly did not merit this scripture for salvation.

Not to mention the ancient Demon Gods.

Even the primordial world‑creating Demon Gods, frankly, are unworthy of the Duhren Scripture's salvation.

The scene was too magnificent.

Across the entire Eastern Wilderness sky, countless true deities shone: gods of stars, of wind and thunder, of sun and moon, of mountains and rivers.

Infinite boundless deities gathered here.

"Ah!! I refuse!"

"Why, after we finally emerged, are we sealed again?"

"If I had known it would be like this, why would I have unsealed it?"

"I refuse to accept!!!!"

The voice of the Twelve Demon Gods sounded; they truly refused to accept.

Boom! Finally.

The entire demon cave was directly pierced through.

The demon sea was destroyed.

The demon cave that existed since ancient times, at this moment, was directly destroyed by Gu Jin Nian.

The entire Eastern Wilderness realm, at this moment, instantly cleared up.

"Boundless, the wicked gain thought. The Dao sea gives rise to waves. The Dharma and righteousness are like a trickling stream. Nurtured, they become fine sprouts. Used to rescue the starving and poor."

"Teaching flourishes, protecting the central dynasty. The Emperor's longevity spans billions of years. Peace extinguishes weapons. Bowing head, we gaze upon the Jade Palace. Spiritual splendor scatters golden filaments."

And at this moment.

Gu Jin Nian's Scripture of Saving Beings also finished its recitation at this moment.

At this moment.

Everyone fell silent.

(End of chapter)