Chapter 197: Heaven's Mandate Aids Me, the Five Directional Divine Beasts Quell the Flood

Prince Ning's residence.

Study.

Looking at the masked man before him, Prince Ning fell silent for a moment, then spoke.

"Could it be that you infiltrated Jiangzhong County? What do you know?"

Prince Ning opened his mouth, questioning the other.

"Prince."

"The student did not infiltrate Jiangzhong County."

"Based on just three points, the student can determine that the disaster in Jiangzhong County was already settled by Gu Jin Nian."

Lu Yun spoke, appearing supremely confident.

But as soon as those words were spoken, Lord Hou could not help but speak.

"Settle the difficulty of Jiangzhong County? That's impossible?"

Lord Hou directly rejected it, speaking out.

"Sir, there's no hurry."

"Now listen as Lu speaks slowly."

Lu Yun spoke, then continued.

"First, the court dispatched five hundred thousand troops to blockade Jiangzhong County. To ordinary people, this looks like suppressing the populace. The student wishes to ask the Prince, and also Lord Hou, whether suppressing unarmed, grain‑less civilians truly requires five hundred thousand troops?"

Lu Yun spoke; this was the first question.

Hearing this, Lord Hou couldn't help but smile.

"Jiangzhong County covers a vast area; to seal every exit and control public opinion, five hundred thousand is indeed not much."

He spoke, saying so.

"Alright, second, why was the Duke of Zhen Guo sent to suppress Jiangzhong County?"

Lu Yun continued to inquire; this was the second question.

"That's simple: Gu Jin Nian trusts the Duke of Zhen Guo; with anyone else, Gu Jin Nian simply wouldn't trust them."

Lord Hou answered subconsciously.

However, after that answer, Prince Ning's expression changed a bit, because he gradually sensed something, yet could not grasp it at that moment.

"Now the student's final question."

"Inside and outside Jiangzhong County, are there any changes?"

This was Lu Yun's final question.

Upon saying this, Lord Hou fell silent; his scouts could not enter, unaware of the interior, but regarding the exterior, indeed there had been no changes up to now.

After a brief silence, Lord Hou immediately spoke.

"Even if there were changes, a suppression by five hundred thousand troops could not erupt into trouble."

This was his final defense.

But after saying this, he himself did not believe it.

After all, the whole Jiangzhong County could not possibly have no movement at all, could it? If a real uproar occurred, at least some local areas would show changes.

"State your thoughts."

Prince Ning opened his mouth, looking at Lu Yun as he said.

"Prince."

"The student believes that the great drought disaster in Jiangzhong County has already been resolved by Gu Jin Nian."

"As for what method Gu Jin Nian used, the student does not know."

"First, suppressing the populace does not require five hundred thousand troops; the court is not foolish, nor is Gu Jin Nian. Knowing the Prince is here, how could they dispatch five hundred thousand troops to Jiangzhong County to suppress civilians?"

"Leaving that aside, such an action would provoke public controversy; from ancient times to the present, there has never been a case of one's own soldiers blockading civilians. Even to prevent future rebellions, five hundred thousand would still be insufficient."

"Second, to speak hypothetically, even if Gu Jin Nian's mind were heated and the situation in Jiangzhong County severe, Gu Jin Nian would certainly not have his own grandfather appear personally. Massacre of the people is a timeless condemnation; if such a deed were truly to be done, it would be to let some scapegoats come."

"Moreover, Gu Jin Nian follows the Confucian‑Daoist path, cherishing his own prospects; how could he tarnish his own reputation?"

"Third, no matter how well Jiangzhong County is controlled, there must be some movement. The only plausible scenario is that the drought was resolved, giving the people hope and peace to farm. That is the sole possibility; nothing else could account for it."

Lu Yun voiced his thoughts.

Upon saying this, Prince Ning was not startled; instead, he grew more silent.

Because Lu Yun's words were correct, yet it was only a conjecture; various signs indicate that Jiangzhong County has already fallen into chaos.

Now some claim there is no chaos; although their points are not bad, they still face some unreasonable difficulty.

"I, the prince, need a reasonable answer; what you say has no problem, but it is not enough to make me believe it."

Prince Ning spoke.

At this point, he naturally did not wish to hear that Jiangzhong County was not in chaos; yet as a Prince who has come this far, he is not a foolish man.

He would not be blindly arrogant.

"Prince."

"I wonder whether you have noticed a detail."

"Gu Jin Nian's merit‑golden rain did not fall upon Jiangzhong County."

Lu Yun spoke.

With those words, Prince Ning's complexion changed in an instant, and Lord Hou's complexion also changed.

If the previous three answers could only be called a line of thought and viewpoint, then the final sentence awakened both of them.

"Indeed."

If Jiangzhong County truly suffered a drought, why did the merit‑golden rain not fall there? Even a single day would have been enough.

Don't say there is no merit; the merit golden rain over Donglin Commandery fell for a full three days and three nights, yet it never fell within Jiangzhong Commandery.

Why is that?

The reason is none other than that Jiangzhong Commandery no longer needs rain; its drought has already been quelled.

This can be called a single sentence that awakens a dreamer.

Only, Prince Ning's complexion cooled in an instant.

"Even if the disaster in Jiangzhong Commandery has stabilized, so what?"

"I, this Prince, also have ambition."

Prince Ning spoke, and this was his final confidence.

Indeed, even without a Da Xia Heavenly disaster, he intended to raise troops and rebel; the heavenly disaster was merely a better excuse for him.

It was nothing more than a good opportunity.

And not a necessity.

"Before the heavenly disaster, the Prince could take this path."

"But after the heavenly disaster, especially once Jiangzhong's disaster is settled, the Prince definitely cannot take this path."

Lu Yun said with utmost confidence.

"Why?"

"Openly I have two hundred thousand elite troops, secretly another three hundred thousand; King Qi Lin also has three hundred thousand elite, plus the various feudal princes, whose numbers total at least a million. United, is that not enough?"

Prince Ning spoke, exuding overwhelming authority.

"The Prince's ambition is grand; the student admires it."

"Yet once Jiangzhong is pacified and the Da Xia Heavenly disaster passes, the people will inevitably look to the court; the Prince raising troops would lack popular support, which is the primary obstacle."

"Five hundred thousand troops, plus one hundred thousand iron cavalry, gather in Jiangzhong Commandery, guarded by Duke Zhen Guo. May I ask the Prince, if the Prince raises an army, Duke Zhen Guo leads three hundred thousand troops and an additional one hundred thousand iron cavalry; how much chance would the Prince have?"

The other side spoke, and this time his words completely silenced Prince Ning.

He truly had overlooked this point.

"Are the five hundred thousand troops a hidden piece?"

Prince Ning frowned, a flash of horror passing through his eyes.

"Moreover, in conventional warfare, if the Prince wishes to defeat Duke Zhen Guo without popular support, even with Heaven's Mandate favoring the Prince, at least a year of preparation is required."

"During that year, Jiangzhong Commandery can continuously supply grain to Duke Zhen Guo; the court resolves the Da Xia Heavenly disaster and dispatches troops from all sides. May I ask the Prince, how long could he hold them back?"

"As for the other feudal princes, leaving aside other matters, King Qi Lin might support the Prince, but the others, unless the Prince defeats Duke Zhen Guo, will certainly not raise troops in righteousness."

"Rebellion involves too much entanglement."

"Moreover, if the Prince suffers any loss, the very feudal princes you trust most would immediately defect, leaving you isolated and helpless."

The more Lu Yun spoke, the worse Prince Ning's complexion became.

"Then we launch a fierce assault; if the fish dies and the net breaks, Duke Zhen Guo cannot stop me."

Prince Ning spoke, arrogantly.

"The fierce attack is correct."

"However, Duke Zhen Guo uses Jiangzhong, Donglin, and Nanyue Commanderies as a defensive line; the court dispatches another five hundred thousand troops to assist. In a siege, how long would the Prince need to capture it?"

"In the absence of absolute victory for the Prince, the Fuyu Dynasty and the Great Jin Dynasty would merely provide covert grain aid, and for each stone of grain, the two dynasties fear the future interest they demand will far exceed what the Prince can bear."

"This also depends on the two dynasties' willingness; they will not lend grain for free if it cannot be repaid. In any case, they need the Prince to achieve victory. To obtain any success against Duke Zhen Guo, what price must be paid?"

"The student dares to roughly calculate: with two hundred thousand elite casualties to exchange for a commandery's defensive line, does the Prince find it worthwhile or not?"

Lu Yun's calculation was too rigid.

He still held some reservations, for after all Duke Zhen Guo relies on Jiangzhong's grain transport, with Donglin and Nanyue as defensive lines, staunchly defending the city, ample grain; you retreat, I kill; you kill, I defend.

Under this attrition, countless supplies are consumed daily. The Fuyu Dynasty and the Great Jin Dynasty claim they will aid, but they are not foolish; assistance is also profitable, and without profit motives...

Who will help? Who is willing to help?

"So you mean my plan is just a fantasy?"

Hearing this, Prince Ning also flared up.

Lu Yun was correct, but once war erupts, many matters cannot be estimated by ordinary logic; he also has confidence.

This kind of confidence often can make a person, but also often destroys a person.

"If Heaven's Mandate tilts toward the Prince, there may be a chance."

"But at least Gu Jin Nian can control the celestial fire stones; whether the Prince can control them, the student does not know."

Lu Yun did not phrase it so harshly, yet he conveyed the full implication.

If you think you can do it, then go ahead.

Overall, it looks unbeatable, and Gu Jin Nian also has a trump card; what does Prince Ning have? Popular support? In the Da Xia Dynasty.

Territory? In the Da Xia Dynasty.

Generals? Also in the Da Xia Dynasty.

Now that the Da Xia Heavenly disaster has stabilized, public sentiment leans toward the court; the Da Xia Dynasty boasts countless fierce generals, and even a single Duke Zhen Guo can wrestle with Prince Ning, with grain transport and the capital city as impregnable as a golden fortress.

Here you are all a group driven by profit; you come for profit and will leave for profit.

What dou do you have?

And what do you use to strike?

The latter fell into profound silence upon hearing this.

"Your Excellency, you have come today to inform me of these, is that so?"

Prince Ning looked at Lu Yun, his gaze piercing.

"Prince."

"The student came today to help the Prince achieve his grand ambitions."

The latter spoke, stating his purpose.

"At present we are in a deadlock; what solution do you have to break it, Your Excellency?"

Prince Ning grew somewhat curious.

"Yes."

"And there are two ways to break the deadlock."

Lu Yun spoke.

"I am eager to hear the details."

Prince Ning looked at the other party; the two solutions truly piqued his curiosity.

"First, the Da Xia heavenly disaster has not yet ended; the situation in Nanyue Commandery is uncertain, but the Heavenly Fire Stone is the real centerpiece. If that Heavenly Fire Stone were to fall successfully, everything Gu Jin Nian has done so far would be in vain."

Lu Yun spoke, directly naming the Heavenly Fire Stone matter.

"Is it truly that terrifying?"

Prince Ning found it somewhat unbelievable; the five great Da Xia heavenly disasters are earth tremors, severe drought, fires, ice, and the Heavenly Fire Stone, and of these he cared least about the Heavenly Fire Stone.

First, Gu Jin Nian possesses the ability to control the Heavenly Fire Stone; second, for such a thing, if necessary, calling a peak cultivator of the Sixth Realm to intervene is not impossible.

Naturally, he felt nothing.

"It would be extremely terrifying."

"At least an entire commandery would be razed to the ground."

"The whole Da Xia would be affected to some degree."

He said.

In an instant, Prince Ning and the Marquis's faces changed dramatically, especially Prince Ning, whose brows knit tightly.

"An entire commandery would be razed?"

"How could it be so terrifying?"

Prince Ning was also shocked; if that were the case, how many casualties would there be, and it would not be a good thing—at least for him, it would not be good.

Even if he ascended the throne at that time, this trouble would be hard to handle.

"This is Heaven's Mandate."

"If Gu Jin Nian can resolve this difficulty, Da Xia will receive the blessings of heaven and earth, with endless benefits."

"Therefore, the Prince should pray that Gu Jin Nian cannot solve it, right?"

"Those who achieve great deeds cannot be swayed by feminine compassion."

"If we do not rely on this Heavenly Fire Stone, it is not the student who is pessimistic; given the Prince's current situation, a rebellion could never succeed, at best its chances are slim."

"Moreover, once the fire stone falls, we can also receive heaven and earth's gifts; after all, as long as Da Xia endures, when the mountains and rivers stabilize, Heaven's Mandate may tilt, and then the Prince would have turned disaster into fortune."

Lu Yun spoke; because he wore a mask, no one could tell his current expression.

But from his tone, it was somewhat intense.

Prince Ning fell silent.

After a while, he continued speaking.

"And the second?"

He looked at Lu Yun and asked directly.

"The second."

"If the Da Xia Dynasty truly resolves the Heavenly Fire Stone, it will inevitably receive heaven and earth's blessings, pacify the five great disasters, and win the people's hearts, unstoppable."

"Raising an army to rebel is like a mindless mantis blocking a carriage; therefore, it must be undermined from within to seek opportunity."

Lu Yun spoke, presenting the second solution.

"Undermining from within?"

"How does one undermine from within?"

Prince Ning looked at the other, his eyes filled with curiosity.

"The Prince need only remain quiet, mind his own affairs, avoid rebellion, promote a few junior brothers of the students to serve as officials of the Da Xia Dynasty, take root in the court, and at the crucial moment, coordinate internally and externally; since it is easy, the rebellion will succeed."

Lu Yun outlined his plan.

Upon hearing this, Prince Ning couldn't help but laugh.

"Is that all?"

"I thought you had some brilliant scheme; within the court there are already my people, and their positions are higher than you can imagine."

"So what? Doesn't that still have no effect?"

Prince Ning laughed.

He truly laughed; he had genuinely been looking forward to the other side offering a good plan, only to find it was just that?

"Is this even a good plan?" Listening to Prince Ning's mockery, the latter showed no embarrassment, but instead spoke calmly.

"The person you refer to, Prince, must be the current Prime Minister Li Shan, right?"

"He has already been removed."

"Naturally, he is of no use to the Prince."

He spoke, his words calm, but that calm actually signified disdain.

Seeing the other's meaning, Prince Ning couldn't help to restrain his smile.

"If even the Prime Minister seems useless in your words, then by what right would the people you promote be useful?"

Prince Ning asked.

"Answer, Prince."

The student's several junior disciples, first, belong to the Great Dao Office, and the Prince behind them should know the terror of the Great Dao Office.

Second, there is a junior disciple who is close to a Half Saint; after the Jixia Academy, he is very likely to become the contemporary Half Saint.

Third, they are taught by the Great Scholar, come from noble families, also possess astonishing talent, are people of Da Xia, have a clean background, and are protected by a Confucian‑Daoist lineage; some high officials in the court will also recommend them.

The Prince only needs to support them at critical moments, and then can firmly establish a foothold in the court.

Moreover, if they enter the court, they can suppress Gu Jin Nian, handle more affairs, and stir up Da Xia's turmoil.

Lu Yun said confidently.

In his words, he praised his several junior disciples to the utmost.

"Yongsheng Emperor places unparalleled trust in Gu Jin Nian, and Gu Jin Nian is the saint of later Confucian‑Daoist generations; what do you have to contend with Gu Jin Nian?"

Prince Ning frowned; he did not fully approve of the other's plan, but several key points made him very interested.

Great Dao Office, Half Saint, Confucian‑Daoist lineage, Da Xia origin—these are all fine, but they cannot persuade him.

Listening to Prince Ning's words.

Lu Yun spoke again.

"Prince, in the court, Li Shan's greatest mistake is using the unchanging to meet the myriad changes."

"Moreover, since Gu Jin Nian wrote his first poem in Xiaoxi Village, the Great Dao Office has been studying him, including every subsequent deed; we all will study him and treat him as a hypothetical enemy."

"In the end they concluded that Gu Jin Nian can accomplish so much as if no one can stop him because Gu Jin Nian freezes to borrow momentum, always standing above reason; thus, to defeat Gu Jin Nian, one only needs to get a step ahead, occupy reason, and can launch a perfect attack."

"In other words, the student's several junior disciples have already researched Gu Jin Nian thoroughly."

"They are fully confident they can suppress Gu Jin Nian in the court."

The latter spoke, brimming with confidence.

"Suppress Gu Jin Nian?"

"What use is that?"

Prince Ning was somewhat puzzled; even suppressing Gu Jin Nian, what meaning does it have for him? "Prince."

"If the Da Xia calamity cannot be overcome, the Prince may raise troops and rebel; without anyone's help, he can still achieve great deeds."

"But if the Da Xia calamity passes and the Da Xia Dynasty thrives, what is the Prince's plan?"

The latter spoke, stating his words absolutely.

If the Da Xia calamity hasn't passed, Prince Ning, you may rebel if you wish; that is your own matter, and I also believe you can succeed.

But if it has passed, what then? Da Xia thrives, heaven and earth bless it, the Da Xia Dynasty soars like a flying dragon, like a fish leaping the dragon gate; do you, Prince Ning, still wish to rebel?

How to rebel? No popular support, supplies are not more than others', soldiers are not more than others'; your enemy is the Yongsheng Emperor, an immediate emperor, not a naive, ignorant ruler.

"What benefit do I have?"

Prince Ning was silent for a moment before answering; he knew the other was right in part, but he was unwilling to give up like this.

"Prince, Heaven's Mandate will descend within at most two years; at that time, heaven and earth will change greatly. If the Prince assists the Great Dao Office, after Heaven's Mandate arrives, the Great Dao Office will give its full strength to help the Prince achieve hegemony."

"This is the Ruyi Golden Core, a gift from the Great Dao Office to the Prince; after swallowing it, one can extend life by thirty years."

Lu Yun's tone was gentle as he took out a pill case; inside lay a golden core.

Facing such a pill, Prince Ning showed little reaction.

"I am now very curious, why are you targeting Gu Jin Nian?"

"Why must you enter the Da Xia court?"

Prince Ning was very curious; logically, the Great Dao Office and Gu Jin Nian have no grudges, right?

Why cause trouble for Gu Jin Nian? "My junior disciple wants to use Gu Jin Nian as a trial metal, to forge his own reasoning, find the saintly path, and also contest Gu Jin Nian's Heaven's Mandate."

"Prince, the future Heaven's Mandate is contested not only for the Mandate seal but also for personal destiny."

Lu Yun said.

"If the Da Xia calamity ends here, I promise you."

Prince Ning spoke, expressing his thoughts.

"Thank you, Prince."

"Prince, please rest assured; believing in the Great Dao Office is the Prince's most correct choice."

"The student takes his leave."

The latter thanked and then left the study.

After Lu Yun left.

Hou Jun's voice rose unintentionally.

"Prince."

"How do you feel?"

Hou Jun asked, questioning Prince Ning.

Listening to Hou Jun's question, Prince Ning was somewhat silent.

After a moment, he answered.

"If under a heavenly disaster the court cannot resist, it is not too late for me to raise troops again."

"If the court blocks this heavenly disaster, his point is correct; it cannot create momentum."

"Observing the changes calmly is not without being a good choice."

Prince Ning spoke, this was his thought.

"Prince, you are wise."

Hou Jun also nodded, acknowledging these words.

Thus.

An hour later.

Amid a range of mountains.

Lu Yun's figure appeared atop a solitary mountain.

"Tell the magistrate that King Ning has approved the plan."

Lu Yun spoke, his tone calm.

At that moment, a voice also responded.

"As you command."

"Senior brother's Art of Traversing truly is profound beyond measure; in just a few words, it earned King Ning's trust in you."

The voice rang out, full of praise.

But Lu Yun showed no pride; instead, he remained calmly composed.

"It's nothing; I haven't even employed the Great Agitation Divine Skill. The Art of Traversing is the world's foremost technique," Lu Yun said, without any self‑satisfaction, as if he didn't consider himself particularly strong.

The latter said nothing and vanished from the spot.

After a moment, a self‑talking voice slowly rose.

"Vast earth, dragons and serpents rise together, Heaven's Mandate era, who governs the rise and fall?"

Meanwhile.

Within Southern Yue Commandery.

A misfortune also occurred at this moment.

Gu Jin Nian used the Primordial Sunflower Water Banner to control the water flow.

Everything had been under control, but suddenly floods broke out across Southern Yue Commandery as ice and snow melted, forming terrifying deluges.

The event happened so abruptly that Gu Jin Nian only learned of the flood half an hour after it erupted.

Someone had come to deliver a message.

"Lord Hou."

"His Highness Prince Wei reports that sudden changes have occurred throughout Southern Yue Commandery; glaciers melted, forming floods with considerable casualties."

"Please, Lord Hou, render aid swiftly."

A resonant voice rang out.

Above the heavenly firmament.

Gu Jin Nian had just recovered part of his magical power, and upon hearing this, his expression inevitably changed.

Swish.

In an instant, Gu Jin Nian flew down from the firmament.

"How could such a thing happen out of the blue?"

"Has the map been brought?"

Gu Jin Nian frowned slightly and said.

"Lord Hou, the map is here."

The latter handed the map to Gu Jin Nian; all sixteen flood sites were marked within.

He also began to explain.

"It's unclear; about half an hour ago, the ice and snow in those places melted instantly, leaving no reaction time, and several floods have already merged."

"The impact is huge; Prince Wei has already dispatched 150,000 soldiers to aid the regions."

The soldiers spoke, appearing extremely anxious.

Upon learning this, Gu Jin Nian couldn't help but take a deep breath.

Sixteen locations erupted suddenly; someone must be scheming behind the scenes.

"At this point, must they still continue to cause trouble?"

Gu Jin Nian furrowed his brows.

Nevertheless, he did not delay; clutching the map, he headed straight for the flood zones.

Above the firmament.

The flood surged like a tiger.

From top to bottom it was observed: the flood was terrifyingly fierce, drowning the land outright, leaving no chance of survival.

Moreover, this flood, formed from melted ice and snow, was bone‑chilling; ordinary folk who fell into it would lose consciousness in less than ten breaths, with no ability to resist.

Even warriors could not endure such piercing cold.

"Stabilize."

Gu Jin Nian wielded the Sunflower Water Banner to directly control the flood, but his magical power was nearly drained.

This particular flood was excessively terrifying.

After stabilizing the flood, he used the Sunflower Water Banner to split it into two streams, directing them toward nearby trees and fields.

It took almost a quarter of an hour before Gu Jin Nian could control the first disaster.

That single flood was at least a kilometer wide, raging turbulently, utterly terrifying.

After resolving the first disaster.

Gu Jin Nian, without pausing, rushed straight to the second disaster zone.

During this time, Gu Jin Nian used a Spirit Crystal to replenish his lost magical power—a luxury, but he could not afford to worry about it while stabilizing the disaster.

A full three hours.

Of the sixteen floods, Gu Jin Nian had stabilized five.

Eleven floods remained, converging into four extremely terrifying disaster zones.

Fortunately, the populace had long anticipated this and had taken some preventive measures, giving Gu Jin Nian time to deal with it.

Otherwise, if the flood flows straight downstream, its speed is so fast as to cause despair.

150,000 soldiers are already resisting the flood a hundred li away.

Gu Jin Nian can only first go to the source to resolve it.

He exerted all his effort, sparing no cost of spirit crystals, and with the help of the Kui Water Banner, he cleared the waterways as quickly as possible to alter the flood's branches.

The most terrifying aspect of the flood is its cumulative effect: the more it sweeps up, the larger the area, and the greater the impact force.

Trying to resolve all four flood outbreaks at once is impossible; Gu Jin Nian's idea is also straightforward: divert the water flows from both sides entirely into the central range.

Let the four flood streams converge together, then resolve them all at once.

Doing this is indeed somewhat dangerous, but only by doing so can casualties be reduced.

Thus, after an hour.

The flood streams on both sides gradually converged, forming a terrifying sight that rushed downstream.

Afterwards, Gu Jin Nian drove the Immortal King's Jade Palanquin straight toward the downstream river.

Fortunately, there is the Kui Water Banner.

Without the Kui Water Banner, the disaster in Nanyue Commandery would indeed be difficult to control.

Amidst natural and man-made calamities.

Fires and floods are what Gu Jin Nian least wants to face.

It can be solved with extraordinary power and wisdom.

All the way downstream.

The flood streams merged into one; although the disaster was lessened, many people still suffered.

Gu Jin Nian also saw that a bridge had broken, with batches of soldiers stepping into the icy river, forcibly propping up the shattered bridge to allow the people to flee quickly.

Beneath the icy river, the soldiers shivered from head to toe, their faces turning bluish-black, and in the deeper waters, groups of four or five took turns relieving each other.

What tremendous perseverance.

What immense faith would drive them to do this.

Someone forever closed their eyes in the cold river.

Others disregarded their injuries, propping up a path to survival for the people.

The fleeing people, watching this scene, could not help but weep, their pain immeasurable.

Further downstream.

Some branches of the flood swept away some people directly, submerging them without even letting them lift their heads.

Gu Jin Nian wanted to go rescue them, but it was already too late.

On the shore, soldiers tied with ropes went one after another to rescue the people in the flood.

Disaster everywhere.

Everywhere there are Da Xia soldiers.

Gu Jin Nian did not hesitate; he was not unwilling to save, but hurried to the dam site, for if the dam were destroyed, the situation would truly become troublesome.

Two hours later.

Gu Jin Nian arrived at the dam site, where Wei King was also stationed; upon seeing Gu Jin Nian, Wei King immediately spoke.

"Jin Nian."

"What do you say?"

Wei King stepped forward to inquire; after the sixteen flood outbreaks occurred, he immediately led the main force to the lower dam, the flood's source being upstream, not far from here, about a hundred li away.

The people in the upstream region had all been relocated; this was the prior preparation.

But who would have thought this would happen; fortunately, Nanyue Commandery had built flood defense works at the dam, otherwise there would be nothing that could be done.

"Sixteen flood outbreaks, I have diverted and resolved most of them; the remaining four streams I have merged into one."

"If nothing unexpected happens, in an hour it will sweep over."

"Your Highness Wei King, immediately arrange the troops at key points, layered defenses; we need not block the flood entirely, only to impede part of its force, and I will resolve the flood here."

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

"I have already arranged the soldiers to do this."

"You can rest assured on this point, but such a violent flood may not be something you can withstand."

"Jin Nian, if you lack certainty, then let go; solving Lingxi and Donglin commanderies will suffice; this calamity in Nanyue Commandery is also fate."

Wei King spoke.

He knows how terrifying this flood is; Gu Jin Nian may not be able to hold it back.

That's enough.

Life is more important.

"I know."

"Let the remaining soldiers immediately scatter and go to the lower river to prepare for the dam's destruction."

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

He did not agree with Wei King's words, but he could understand their meaning.

However, if Nanyue Commandery were to erupt in flood, flowing downstream, the impact would not be limited to one commandery; the people of the two rivers would also encounter great trouble.

By then, the crisis in Jiangning Commandery would reoccur in the Da Xia Dynasty, and it would certainly not be just one place but many.

Normally speaking, even if the ice and snow in Nanyue Commandery melt, it would require a gradual process to slowly appear.

At sixteen locations, the ice and snow melted suddenly, clearly targeting the Da Xia Dynasty.

Intending to increase the difficulty.

Gu Jin Nian stood on the dam, awaiting the flood's onslaught.

And the other soldiers have already begun to act.

This great disaster cannot be solved by Gu Jin Nian alone.

Disaster relief.

Flood resistance.

As he descended, Gu Jin Nian saw far too much.

Amid the flood.

Da Xia soldiers forget everything; they stand in the icy river, using their lives to build a bridge of hope.

Before the torrent.

Moreover, hundreds of soldiers, willing to die, rescued the endangered civilians.

The flood is merciless.

It engulfs them.

The rescued civilians don't even know the name of their benefactor.

Thinking of this.

An indescribable emotion surfaces in his heart.

Altogether two months.

It seems the great calamity was resolved at divine speed, but how many lives were sacrificed behind it.

In Longxi Commandery, the ground shook as if the world were ending, how many were buried beneath stone piles? In Donglin Commandery, fierce mountain fires, relentless and terrifying, the scorching flames burned the body—what agony? In Nanyue Commandery, terrifying floods, bone‑chilling river water, helpless cries, unwilling roars.

These scenes flash through his mind.

Originally, before this, Gu Jin Nian felt grateful, but now that feeling has vanished.

Da Xia calamity.

He didn't win.

He merely saved most lives, yet some still perished.

Thinking of this, Gu Jin Nian couldn't help but look up at the heavens.

The Da Xia calamity is certainly not caused by Heaven's Mandate.

He doesn't know who is responsible, but he must not discover it; if he learns who triggered the Da Xia calamity, Gu Jin Nian will crush them to dust.

And at that moment, a terrifying sound rang out.

Boom—boom—boom! Boom—boom—boom! The mountain flood surged like a tsunami, sweeping every tree, utterly terrifying.

"Sacrifice."

Gu Jin Nian raised his hand, and at that moment the Primordial Five Elements Banner was fully sacrificed by him.

The spirit crystal was also completely consumed at that moment, poured into the Primordial Five Elements Banner by Gu Jin Nian.

The silhouette of the Black Tortoise appeared beneath the dam; a roar shook the mountain flood, raising hundred‑foot waves.

The Xu Earth Banner lifted several nearby hills, turning them into earthen walls that layered to block the flood.

The Primordial Five Elements Banner played a huge role.

But the flood's force was too terrifying, smashing wall after wall, even under regulation.

In the end, the flood surged onto the dam.

Bang.

The dam trembled; many sections had already cracked.

Gu Jin Nian used the Xu Earth Banner to control the rocks, stabilizing the dam.

Bang.

Another terrifying impact.

Fortunately, with the Primordial Five Elements Banner, Gu Jin Nian steadied it once more.

This is a celestial artifact.

It possesses extraordinary power.

But the truly terrifying flood appeared.

From top to bottom.

Carrying incomparable terror, it rushed toward Gu Jin Nian.

This flood, terrifying as it is, is at least ten times stronger than the first wave.

"Jin Nian, run fast."

Prince Wei's voice rang out; he knew that with Gu Jin Nian's strength, this terrifying flood could no longer be stopped.

This cannot be solved by human effort.

However, atop the dam.

Gu Jin Nian's face remained expressionless.

All the floods he gathered together naturally formed this terrifying sight.

But he doesn't care.

"Heaven's Mandate aid me."

Critical moment.

Six Heaven's Mandate seals within Gu Jin Nian burst forth from his body.

These six seals all merged into the Primordial Five Elements Banner.

In an instant.

Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, Black Tortoise, Qilin.

The phantom silhouettes of the Five Directional Divine Beasts appeared.

The Thousand-zhang Azure Dragon plunged into the flash flood, overturning rivers and seas.

White Tiger roared in fury, unleashing boundless light that forcibly held the flood at bay.

Vermilion Bird descended from above, spewing scorching flames that vaporized the massive water mist.

Black Tortoise rode the waves forward, stabilizing the flood's outburst.

Qilin walked around the flood, and in an instant the surrounding dams were enormously reinforced; the dams, once thirty zhang high, now rose a full hundred zhang, expanding more than tenfold.

Unparalleled in sturdiness.

All of this is divine power.

Under the blessing of Heaven's Mandate.

As the flood continued to surge, the terrifying torrent finally calmed completely.

But that was not the end.

The Five Divine Beasts drank the waters, forcibly draining half of them, then released sweet dew toward the parched lands.

A crisis of monumental scale.

Under Heaven's Mandate, Gu Jin Nian resolved it once more.

"Huh."

At that moment, Gu Jin Nian exhaled a long breath, slowly descended, and stood upon the dam.

His mind and spirit were exhausted.

The Primordial Five Elements Banner had drained all his magical Qi, leaving his body utterly depleted in both spirit and strength.

Fortunately, the disaster in Nan Yue Commandery had been settled by him.

It was settled thanks to Heaven's Mandate.

"Jin Nian!"

"You truly are impressive."

Wei King arrived immediately, his eyes filled with awe.

"There remain subsidiary floods that cannot be resolved."

"Take good care of the remaining matters."

"Da Xia heavenly disaster."

"It's over."

Gu Jin Nian opened his mouth, and after speaking those words, collapsed unconscious.

Wei King promptly supported him, his complexion turning uneasy; after checking the situation and finding no serious injury, he finally breathed a sigh of relief and ordered Gu Jin Nian to be swiftly taken away.

Thus.

Within Nan Yue Commandery.

Military intelligence couriers hastened to deliver the reports to Da Xia Capital.

Longxi Commandery.

Donglin Commandery.

Nan Yue Commandery.

Jiangzhong Commandery.

The disaster reports from the four commanderies, along with successive good news, were sent to Da Xia Capital.

The next day.

Before dawn.

Inside the Grand Hall of the Imperial Palace, civil and military officials had already gathered.

The sixteen flood disasters that broke out in Nan Yue Commandery last night had already been reported to the capital.

That night, not a single official could sleep, all waiting in the hall for the latest news.

The flood in Nan Yue Commandery had a huge impact, chiefly affecting the people of the Two Rivers.

In comparison, Longxi Commandery and Donglin Commandery could not match Nan Yue Commandery's significance.

If forced to choose, the officials would rather see the great fire in Donglin Commandery persist than have a major incident in Nan Yue Commandery.

Now.

At the third quarter of the Yin hour.

A voice of joy rang out from outside the hall.

"Good news."

"Good news."

"Heaven's Mandate, the flood in Nan Yue Commandery has been settled."

As that voice echoed,

the Grand Hall erupted in a sudden clamor.

"Has it been settled again?"

"Heaven's Mandate, truly the lucky star of Da Xia."

"Good! Good! Good! With this commandery settled, Da Xia has no worries left."

"Da Xia's heavenly disaster is finally over."

"Heaven's Mandate, truly the foremost meritorious person of Da Xia."

Within the court, a clamor rose as officials one by one voiced their excitement, praising Gu Jin Nian.

"Jin Nian, how are you now?"

On the dragon throne.

The Yong Sheng Great Emperor let out a long sigh, and at the same time he looked toward the messenger soldier, inquiring about Gu Jin Nian's condition.

"Your Majesty, the Marquis is exhausted in mind and spirit and has fainted, but Prince Wei is attending to the Marquis."

The other party spoke, informing the Yong Sheng Great Emperor of the specific situation.

However, upon hearing this, as soon as it was said, the Yong Sheng Great Emperor couldn't help but feel intense heartache.

"Has Jin Nian fainted?"

"Attendant! Immediately summon all the imperial physicians from the Imperial Medical Institute, rush to Nan Yue Commandery to attend to Jin Nian, and prepare all kinds of medicinal herbs."

The Yong Sheng Great Emperor spoke, having heard that Gu Jin Nian was exhausted in mind and spirit and had fainted.

Naturally, he felt intense heartache.

However.

Just then.

A figure came rushing forward swiftly.

"Report."

"Your Majesty."

Above the capital, seven fireballs appeared.

As this voice rang out.

In an instant, the imperial court fell silent.

(End of chapter)