Chapter 198: The Heavenly Fire Stone Disaster, Only the Confucian and Daoist Sacred Scripture Manifests, Condensing the Sages of Past

Da Xia Imperial Palace.

Inside the main hall.

When the officials heard that a heavenly fire stone had appeared above the capital.

They all remained silent.

The five great heavenly disasters, the last of which is this heavenly fire stone.

To be frank, the heavenly fire stone was not within anyone's consideration; first, Gu Jin Nian could control the heavenly fire stone, and second, there are also strong individuals within Da Xia's territory.

As long as it's not a particularly fearsome fire stone, stabilizing it is not difficult.

Moreover, no one knows the exact location of the heavenly fire stone; if it were to fall in some desert, there would be no need to manage it.

But it happened to appear within the capital.

Da Xia Capital, densely populated and extremely prosperous, even a slightly larger fire stone falling would bring disasters that are no small matter.

Naturally, the court officials all fell silent.

"Where is the Supervisor of the Surveillance of Heaven?"

The Yongsheng Emperor spoke.

But as his words fell, a voice already sounded from outside the hall.

"Your Majesty."

"I am outside the hall, with an important matter to report."

Xu Taiyi's voice sounded from outside, "Present."

The Yongsheng Emperor spoke, while his heart was also filled with unease.

"Reporting to Your Majesty."

"Above the capital, seven fire stones have appeared; according to the Supervisor of the Surveillance of Heaven's verification, within an hour, the seven fire stones will fall within the capital."

"If they cannot be destroyed, Da Xia Capital will be razed to the ground."

"Please issue an order immediately to evacuate the populace."

"To avoid causing a great calamity."

Xu Taiyi spoke, revealing the power of these seven fire stones.

"Will it raze the capital to the ground?"

"Can seven fire stones raze the capital to the ground?"

"This is impossible, right?"

"Is there such a heavenly disaster?"

The officials were shocked; the entire Da Xia Capital has tens of millions of inhabitants; even if they began evacuating now, within an hour they could not evacuate many.

So, in other words, there's nowhere to run.

"Summon Su Wenjing to the Hall of Nourishing the Heart."

"All officials, immediately evacuate the populace, but do not cause panic."

The Yongsheng Emperor rose and issued the decree.

However, having said that, he added another sentence.

"Quickly summon Gu Jin Nian into the palace."

Given the importance, the Yongsheng Emperor originally did not want to continue burdening Gu Jin Nian, but at this point he had no choice.

"As you command."

At once, the civil and military officials all responded in turn, and promptly began handling these matters.

Meanwhile.

After the court adjourned, Wei Xian, standing beside, whispered to the Yongsheng Emperor.

"Your Majesty."

"Mr. Wenjing has been waiting outside the Hall of Nourishing the Heart for a while."

Hearing this, the Yongsheng Emperor didn't waste words and rushed straight to the Hall of Nourishing the Heart.

After leaving the palace,

he looked up.

The capital's sky was a clear blue, showing no sign of impending disaster.

After a short while.

Outside the Hall of Nourishing the Heart.

Upon seeing Su Wenjing, the Yongsheng Emperor spoke directly.

"Mr. Wenjing."

"How are the preparations?"

Hearing the Yongsheng Emperor speak, Su Wenjing responded directly.

"Your Majesty, during this time, we have already set up the Grand Righteousness Formation in various places."

"It can block the heavenly fire stone."

Su Wenjing spoke, giving this answer.

Hearing this, the Yongsheng Emperor couldn't help but let out a long breath.

During this time, Gu Jin Nian had been resolving the difficulties of the Four Counties of Dragon West, while the court had also been secretly laying formations.

To block the heavenly fire stone, one must rely on supernatural power.

The Buddhist sect need not be considered; the Da Xia Dynasty seeks help from the immortal sect.

The immortal sect refused to let the Da Xia Dynasty participate in the affairs of the Eastern Wilderness Demon Cave; thus the Da Xia Dynasty having the immortal sect help set up formations can also be considered a mutually beneficial exchange.

Although the Da Xia Dynasty preferred to join the suppression of the Eastern Wilderness demon cave, that time was already an emergency period.

So there was no nitpicking.

Therefore, the immortal sects engraved many formations within Da Xia, but Emperor Yongsheng did not fully trust those sect members; consequently the engraved formations were the Confucian‑Daoist Grand Harmony formations.

As long as talent is infused, it can draw upon the power of heaven and earth.

Under Su Wenjing's control, together with hundreds of Great Scholars of Da Xia and a number of scholars, it can effectively block the celestial fire stones.

However, after countless calculations, none anticipated that the celestial fire stone would fall toward Da Xia Capital.

That is the troublesome part.

It cannot tolerate any slip.

Even a minor problem would bring extremely frightening trouble.

"May Heaven bless Da Xia this time."

Although Su Wenjing gave an affirmative reply, Emperor Yongsheng still felt uneasy.

"Your Majesty."

"I am already aware of the matter in Nanyue Commandery; this Da Xia heavenly disaster certainly has someone scheming in the shadows."

"Regarding this celestial fire stone, I am confident, yet we must still make all preparations."

Su Wenjing spoke, looking at Emperor Yongsheng.

Although he was confident, the sudden outbreak of sixteen floods in Nanyue Commandery was actually a signal—a signal that an enemy was advancing.

In normal circumstances there would be nothing to worry about, but this time too many forces were hidden.

Therefore, we must prepare for the worst.

"I understand."

Hearing this, Emperor Yongsheng nodded.

Then Su Wenjing hurried away to the deployment site, awaiting the celestial fire stone.

A quarter hour later.

The entire capital instantly descended into chaos; although they tried to suppress the news and secretly evacuate the populace, after all this is the capital.

The capital's citizens, unlike those elsewhere, spend their idle, well‑fed days discussing state affairs.

They constantly follow natural disasters and are aware of the celestial fire stone.

However, because the celestial fire stone had not yet appeared, the people paid little attention; after all, Jiangzhong Commandery, Longxi Commandery, and Donglin Commandery attracted more eyes.

Moreover, the Da Xia Dynasty is so vast that everyone harbors a luck‑based mindset, thinking the fire stone would not fall on their own heads.

But now all disaster reports seem to have brought good news, except the celestial fire stone, which remains silent.

The capital's troops poured out, their actions unclear, merely escorting some citizens away.

With over sixty million people, how could anyone overlook this place?

Thus panic spread, and even the soldiers inside the capital found it hard to suppress.

Instead, the more they tried to suppress it, the more troublesome it became.

Massive numbers of citizens fled the city; in the emergency, the court immediately ordered the four main gates to be opened, allowing the populace to escape.

The whole capital, in an instant, turned into a chaotic mess; the scene was terrifying, with streets filled with people so that carriages could not move.

Many were still trapped inside the capital; at the gate, the crowd surged, causing countless trampling incidents.

"Everyone, don't rush, walk slowly, be careful, watch your footing, don't step on others."

Regardless of how the soldiers shouted, when lives were at stake, no one considered those things, and they swarmed outward.

Soon, bad news came from the North Gate.

A massive trampling occurred, hundreds were crushed to death, including some soldiers.

This was terrifying.

Moreover, within the capital, some looting broke out; people took advantage of the chaos to cause trouble or to snatch things.

A slew of incidents occurred, and the court had no time to manage them.

The Celestial Feather Army, the Lantern Department, the Garrison Office, the gate commanders, as well as the Ministry of Punishments, could only cooperate in evacuating the populace, trying to prevent further accidents.

Thus.

Half an hour later.

In the heavens, a speck of firelight appeared.

This was the celestial fire stone.

As the firelight appeared, the citizens inside the city fell into even greater chaos.

If they didn't run now, they'd lose their lives.

This was everyone's thought.

In an instant, the capital turned into a porridge of chaos, beyond any human control.

Yet there was no alternative; in the face of life and death, such actions by the people were understandable.

The law does not punish the masses.

Even some officials fled with their families in panic; that's human nature.

However, they were few.

The majority of officials remained on the front lines, evacuating the people.

Even if.

Facing death.

And within the Da Xia Academy.

The central plaza.

Thousands of scholars gathered here; these scholars were at least forty years old, all of them scholars who had achieved Establishing Speech.

Moreover, a hundred Great Scholars, all having received Su Wenjing's request, had already rushed to the Da Xia Capital a few days earlier.

They did not know that the Heavenly Fire Stone would fall upon the Da Xia Capital; originally they planned to take the capital as the main formation, regulating the Vast Righteousness Formations of various regions, thereby blocking the Heavenly Fire Stone.

But unexpectedly, this Heavenly Fire Stone actually fell toward the Da Xia Capital.

This truly exceeds imagination.

At the center of the formation.

Su Wenjing raised his head and looked.

He opened his Confucian Dao Heavenly Eye, and in an instant he saw the seven Heavenly Fire Stones.

Each fire stone was about two hundred zhang wide.

If it were to fall, not only would the capital be destroyed, but the surrounding prefectural cities would also be destroyed; moreover, the Heavenly Fire Stone's first strike is destructive force, and its second is ash.

Just like the great fire in East Forest Prefecture, the number of deaths from the fire would certainly be less than the number of those suffering from lung disease.

Were it not for the Merit Golden Rain, one-fifth of East Forest Prefecture's populace would slowly die within five years, and even those who did not die would suffer greatly from illness.

The same principle applies to the Heavenly Fire Stone.

Fortunately, however, as the Heavenly Fire Stone falls it is constantly being consumed; upon landing, its volume will be reduced by half.

"Everyone."

"Listen to my command."

"Bestow the Vast Righteousness Qi."

At the formation's center, Su Wenjing took a deep breath, then he spoke, urging everyone to make full preparations.

"As you command."

At that moment, all the scholars shouted in unison, giving their response.

At that moment, a vast amount of Vast Righteousness Qi was bestowed upon the formation.

The entire Da Xia Academy also flickered with light at that moment, appearing extraordinarily strange.

A quarter hour.

Two quarter hours.

Three quarter hours.

At this time, the Heavenly Fire Stone in the heavens drew ever closer, fully exposed to the eyes of the capital's populace.

Yet, within the capital, a great many people still had not fled.

Gazing at this terrifying sight of the Heavenly Fire Stone, countless faces turned pale with fear; their eyes filled with despair, most having given up any hope of survival, they knelt on the ground and pleaded.

Many more clutched their heads and wept bitterly.

And just then.

A voice rang out across the Da Xia Capital.

"I am Su Wenjing."

"Today, with Confucian Dao's Vast Righteousness Qi, I will save the people of Da Xia."

As this voice sounded.

In an instant, a terrifying white light shot straight up to the clouds, a hundred zhang wide, directly blasting toward the Heavenly Fire Stone.

Boom! Boom! Boom! Even though it was tens of thousands of zhang high, the sound produced by the collision of the Heavenly Fire Stone and the Vast Righteousness Qi also reached the interior of the Da Xia Capital.

Countless people watched this scene.

Also, countless forces were paying attention to this scene.

The Heavenly Fire Stone fell.

But under the white pillar-like Vast Righteousness Qi, it gradually wore away.

Ten thousand zhang.

Five thousand zhang.

Three thousand zhang.

One thousand zhang.

Finally, within one thousand zhang, the seven Heavenly Fire Stones all turned to dust, vanishing without a trace.

Silence.

The entire Da Xia Capital was utterly silent.

The capital's populace stared blankly at the heavens.

After a full quarter hour.

After confirming that nothing had happened, the joyous cries of the survivors also burst forth at that moment.

"We are saved."

"No need to die, no need to die."

"This time we don't have to die, thank you Mr. Wenjing, thank you Mr. Wenjing."

"Hahaha, we don't have to die, we won't die."

The cries of celebration rose.

Da Xia officials and soldiers alike let out a long breath, their faces filled with joy.

However, the fire stone is over, but there are still matters at hand to attend to.

Some lawbreakers within the capital were to be dealt with immediately by the Ministry of Punishment, while the soldiers also had to immediately continue evacuating the populace, in addition to handling the trampling incident that had just occurred.

Within the capital, ninety-nine percent of the people were overjoyed; even the scholars of the academy could not help but show delight.

But Su Wenjing could not bring himself to smile.

He kept his celestial eye open, exploring a higher heavenly firmament.

Finally, he saw seven fire stones again, flying toward the Da Xia Dynasty; if nothing went wrong, their trajectory would be like the previous seven.

However, these seven are at least twice as large as the previous seven.

Extraterrestrial fire stones—if they grow even a little, the disaster they bring doubles; let alone being twice as large? To shatter the previous seven fire stones, they basically used seventy percent of the formation's power, but now to shatter these seven, even using a hundred percent would be difficult.

However, the only good news is that these seven fire stones will not fall for at least seven or eight hours.

Even with the formation's power, if the final result cannot stop the fire stones from falling, it would at most sacrifice only a small portion of people, plus the Da Xia Capital being destroyed.

At least these sixty million people could survive.

"Inform His Majesty immediately, speed up, evacuate the people, let them leave quickly, and settle them in the prefectural cities five hundred li outside."

Su Wenjing spoke, ordering someone to notify Emperor Yongsheng.

At the same time he rose and came before the assembled Great Scholars.

"Everyone."

"The trouble hasn't been fully resolved; with our strength, we simply cannot solve the upcoming fire stones."

"We need to call upon the strength of all the Great Scholars of Da Xia."

"Otherwise, the Da Xia Capital will still not be able to hold."

By this point, Su Wenjing no longer hid anything, directly telling everyone the facts.

Upon hearing Su Wenjing speak, the Great Scholars actually had some suspicions, after all his expression had been grave; if there were good news, it wouldn't be like this.

"All right, Brother Wenjing, rest assured; I will immediately use my Confucian divine ability to send the message."

"Can we gather all the Great Scholars of Da Xia and withstand it?"

"Should we notify the Kong family?"

The Great Scholars spoke, they feared neither life nor death; at this moment they only thought of using every means to resolve this matter.

"Notify the Kong family immediately."

"Borrow the holy artifact."

"With the holy artifact, our chances of success would be greater."

Su Wenjing nodded.

Thus, the scholars began frantically writing and sending letters; one Great Scholar possessed a Confucian divine ability that could directly transmit messages—this was his innate divine ability, and it happened to be of great use now.

Thus, one after another, Confucian letters were sent out.

From all places came responses; these scholars did not choose to retreat at this time.

The Kong family also responded immediately; all the Great Scholars were within the formation.

Kong Zheng himself went personally to the Kong Temple, requesting the holy artifact to save the Da Xia Capital.

Time trickled by.

Perhaps because the fire stones were shattered, the Da Xia Capital grew much quieter, and the soldiers found evacuating the people far simpler than before.

At this very moment.

Xiongnu State.

The Xiongnu king gazed toward the direction of Da Xia; from his angle he naturally could not see the scenery of the Da Xia Dynasty, but before him lay a blood lake whose surface reflected the scenery of the Da Xia Dynasty.

"Your Majesty."

"This time the Da Xia heavenly fire stone disaster will surely disturb the Da Xia Dynasty; then we can seize the opportunity to launch troops and retake all twelve border cities."

The middle‑aged scholar beside him spoke, with a self‑through‑way face.

Upon hearing this, the smile on the Xiongnu king's face could no longer be concealed.

"All of this is still thanks to you, sir."

"If it weren't for your strategy, how could we possibly bring such trouble to the Da Xia Dynasty?"

The Xiongnu king laughed.

However, the middle‑aged scholar immediately shook his head.

"Your Majesty, it's not really related to me; it's the Great Jin Dynasty, the Fuyu Dynasty, and some other like‑minded individuals joining forces."

"The flood in Jiangning Commandery, the resentful spirits of the people, and the boys and girls of Bailu Prefecture—offering them as sacrifices, then using the blood of the Da Xia true dragon to sacrifice to the heavens, obtaining Heaven's Mandate response, they crafted such a heavenly disaster."

"Otherwise, wanting to produce such a terrifying heavenly disaster would be nearly impossible."

The latter spoke, taking no credit for this matter.

This is no small matter.

To say it violates heavenly principle is all good words.

This involves too much.

Jiangning Commandery, Bailu Prefecture, and so on—these matters are all the work of the Xiongnu State; more accurately, the Xiongnu State is merely a pawn, with all the forces working together, using the Xiongnu State to carry it out.

Completing the ancient sacrifice is just waiting for this day.

To give the Da Xia Dynasty the most terrifying heavenly disaster.

Listening to the middle‑aged scholar speak, the Xiongnu king wore a smile that didn't reach his eyes, then continued gazing at the scenery of Da Xia as he said:

"However, the disasters in the four commanderies seem to have been quelled by Gu Jin Nian; if this fire‑stone disaster cannot deal a heavy blow to the Da Xia Dynasty, then that would be bad."

The Xiongnu king spoke, his words still carrying some worry.

But as soon as he said that, the middle‑aged scholar immediately shook his head.

"Your Majesty."

"You are overthinking."

"The situation in these four commanderies appears to have been subdued by Gu Jin Nian, but it is merely a temporary suppression."

"Moreover, among the five great heavenly disasters, the last one is the most terrifying—seventeen fire stones."

The first seven fire stones aren't anything.

These next seven fire stones are truly terrifying.

The middle‑aged Confucian scholar swore solemnly.

"Su Wenjing set up a formation, enlisting all scholars of Da Xia to jointly empower; I think even these next seven fire stones cannot stop Su Wenjing."

The Xiongnu King spoke, not because he hoped the Da Xia Dynasty would overcome the crisis, but because he had suffered many setbacks this year, so he refused to speculate optimistically, lest greater hope bring greater disappointment.

"With the Kong family's sacred artifact, plus Gu Jin Nian's two sacred artifacts, and all scholars of Da Xia, we can indeed block these seven fire stones."

"But the final three fire stones are the real climax."

"Each one could strike a heavy blow to the Da Xia Dynasty; of course, the Da Xia Dynasty enjoys national destiny's blessing, and the Yongsheng Emperor is no ordinary ruler— the fifteenth fire stone can be blocked, and the sixteenth, with all effort, might still have a sliver of hope."

"But the seventeenth fire stone is destined to drive them to despair; its fall could turn a quarter of Da Xia into flatland, becoming a living hell, and perhaps the Da Xia Emperor would meet his end there."

"If this truly happens, the Da Xia Dynasty will collapse at once; at that moment, the king raises troops and enters, and the twelve border cities return."

"It could even recapture the two northwestern frontiers."

"Prince Ning, Prince Qilin will inevitably rebel now; we will seize the opportunity, split the world with the Da Xia Dynasty, establish a Xiongnu Dynasty, and then the Eastern Wilderness will have a four‑way balance."

"The Great Jin Dynasty and the Fuyu Dynasty have nothing to say."

The other side spoke, their words exuding boundless confidence and arrogance.

Listening to this future description, the Xiongnu King's smile grew ever stronger.

Xiongnu.

It is merely a nation, unless it has Xiongnu warhorses, the Xiongnu people's innate skill at riding and shooting, plus strong bodies, and assistance from the Fuyu Dynasty and the Great Jin Dynasty.

It is nothing more than a vassal state.

It bears no comparison whatsoever with the Da Xia Dynasty.

As the Xiongnu king, does he not wish to take another step forward and establish a Xiongnu Dynasty? Blessed by Heaven's Mandate.

Whatever the future holds, at least there is a chance to contend, avoiding perpetual anxiety.

"If this truly occurs, Sir, you could become the first Grand Tutor of the Xiongnu Dynasty."

The Xiongnu King smiled and promised some vague, intangible things.

"Minister, thank you, Your Majesty."

The latter rejoiced greatly and bowed to the Xiongnu King.

However, the Xiongnu King gradually restrained his smile and continued, "These days, the Immortal Sect sent envoys to me, seeking to draw the Xiongnu Nation into the Alliance; the Great Jin Dynasty and the Fuyu Dynasty have already agreed, and many small states within the Eastern Wilderness have also consented."

"Immortal Sect cultivators have also gone to the Buddhist Sect; barring any surprise, the Buddhist Sect will agree as well."

"Sir, do you think this Alliance, should I agree to join or decline?"

The Xiongnu King spoke, bringing up the matter.

The Alliance is a recent creation, founded jointly by the seven great Immortal Sects of the Eastern Wilderness, under the banner of Eastern Wilderness peace and shared prosperity.

Within the Eastern Wilderness, the Xiongnu Nation, being only one of the three great dynasties' forces, naturally received an invitation.

He is simply dissatisfied with certain clauses, so he has not yet consented.

Upon hearing this, the middle‑aged Confucian scholar instantly understood the Xiongnu King's meaning.

He fell silent briefly, thought for a moment, then spoke.

"Your Majesty."

"The Alliance is the Immortal Sect's effort to resist the Da Xia Dynasty, or rather, to resist the force founded by Gu Jin Nian."

"The Great Jin Dynasty agreed because the Immortal Sect granted it a seat as Alliance leader, as did the Fuyu Dynasty; the Buddhist Sect should also agree, gaining a seat, plus the Immortal Sect's seat, allowing the four great powers to rotate as Alliance leaders."

"They would naturally not refuse; moreover, the Immortal Sect consented to the Great Jin Dynasty's Longmi Treasure Note implementation, leaving the Fuyu Dynasty no choice, since it still relies on the Great Jin Dynasty. Gaining a seat as Alliance leader is already a great fortune."

"But my Xiongnu Nation should not agree; we must at least wait until the Da Xia calamity passes."

"If events unfold as I suspect, the Xiongnu Nation could evolve into a dynasty and must then claim a seat as Alliance leader; otherwise the Alliance would merely be a disguised vassal coalition, reducing the Xiongnu Nation to a mere vassal, which is not desirable."

"If the Da Xia calamity truly passes with the Da Xia Dynasty's support, then Your Majesty may join later; after joining, we can demand various benefits—though without a leader seat, we can still obtain many advantages."

"Moreover, the Da Xia Dynasty would not dare to target my Xiongnu Nation."

"That is not a bad thing."

"Your Majesty, what do you think?"

The middle‑aged Confucian scholar, truly from the Kong family, had an exceptionally thorough plan, further pleasing the Xiongnu King.

"Your words are absolutely correct."

"I think the same way."

"Then we shall proceed according to your suggestion."

The Xiongnu King smiled and said that his temporary refusal stemmed from the Immortal Sect not granting him an Alliance chair.

Without an Alliance chair, he remains a vassal state, a subordinate nation.

For the ambitious Xiongnu King, he naturally would not consent.

If the Da Xia Dynasty had not faced such events, he would have endured; now, seeing hope that the Xiongnu Nation could become a Xiongnu Dynasty, he cannot remain a subordinate or a lapdog.

Nan Yue Commandery.

Inside a military camp tent.

A courier, in a hundred‑thousand urgency, reported the capital's situation to the Wei King.

"Your Highness the Wei King."

"His Majesty has issued an order: the Heaven's Mandate Marquis must hurry to Beijing."

"The Heavenly Fire Stone has locked onto the capital; if the Marquis does not go, a disaster is bound to occur."

The courier spoke, appearing extremely anxious.

Upon hearing this, the Wei King's face grew exceedingly solemn, for inside the tent Gu Jin Nian was still in a near‑death state; after examination, the issue was minor—he was alive but had over‑exerted his magical power and needed proper rest.

And they still couldn't awaken Gu Jin Nian.

At this moment, the imperial physician rose from Gu Jin Nian's bed and approached the Wei King.

"Your Highness, Wei King."

"Lord has overdrawn his magical power, nearly withered; if it weren't for Lord's robust physique, a common person would lose fifty years of lifespan even if they didn't die."

"At present, Lord is in deep recuperation, his primordial spirit is injured; forcing an awakening would leave irrecoverable wounds."

The imperial physician spoke; this was the result of his careful examination.

Upon hearing this, the Wei King couldn't help but furrow his brows.

"How long will it take for Jin Nian to awaken?"

"Your Highness, at least seven days of convalescence are required; waking even a day early would be troublesome."

The latter spoke, giving a time.

"Seven days?"

Hearing this answer, the Wei King's expression grew even more solemn; the capital was now facing its final calamity, and Gu Jin Nian had once again fallen into a deathlike unconsciousness.

This truly adds difficulty upon difficulty.

He hesitated for a moment.

Immediately, the Wei King made a decision.

"Men, prepare a carriage; I will personally escort Jin Nian."

The Wei King spoke.

Regardless, he would take Gu Jin Nian to Da Xia Capital; should the critical moment truly arrive, he would forcibly awaken Gu Jin Nian.

There was no other way; although this was somewhat unfair to Gu Jin Nian, at this point he had no alternative.

Thus.

The carriage was prepared.

With almost no hesitation, they sped straight toward Da Xia Capital.

And at this very moment.

Da Xia Capital.

Within seven and a half hours.

All the capital's commoners had been completely evacuated, rushing toward the surrounding prefectural cities.

Moreover, due to the capital's upheaval, all the prefectural city residents within three hundred li of the capital fled, for no one knew whether the fire stones would actually fall.

They also didn't know if the fire stones would strike them.

To guard against the worst case.

The commoners could only choose to leave their homes; if nothing happened, they would return, and if something did, they would have no loss.

And Da Xia Capital.

Seven new fire stones reappeared.

This time.

The newly appeared fire stones were far larger than the previous ones.

And their speed was much faster as well.

An indescribable sense of oppression surged.

The fire stones, being larger, had multiplied power; they were twice the size of the earlier ones, and some travelers, upon witnessing this, were once again thrown into panic.

Fortunately, the outside was an official mountain road, making trampling incidents virtually impossible.

"Everyone."

"Follow me to resist the fire stones."

Su Wenjing's roar echoed throughout the capital.

In the next instant, Da Xia Academy erupted with terrifying light, piercing the clouds, and the Half Saint's power manifested at that moment.

Simultaneously, within Da Xia, the prefectural cities also burst with brilliant light, surging toward Da Xia Capital.

After being empowered, this vast righteous qi became even more formidable.

And at the same time.

Within the Kong Family's Main Residence.

A mirror suspended above the heavens also emitted an unparalleled holy aura, flying straight toward the sky above Da Xia Capital.

This was the righteous qi of all the Great Scholars of the Da Xia Dynasty and the scholars of the four realms, empowered.

Such terrifying power, in the tens of thousands of feet of sky, began colliding with the fire stones.

Boom! Boom! Boom! The terrifying roar could be heard from the ground; the commoners were stunned, having never seen such a sight before.

The seven fire stones, under such terrifying righteous qi, did not shatter immediately; they merely descended much more slowly.

Seven thousand zhang.

Five thousand zhang.

Three thousand zhang.

One thousand zhang.

Five hundred zhang.

Finally, at around five hundred zhang, the seven fire stones completely shattered; at this point, their volume was less than one-tenth.

Yet that one-tenth ultimately turned into several thousand fire stones, scattering away.

Most of the fire stones, after landing, were only fist-sized, striking the ground and causing small explosions.

A small portion of fire stones remained sizable, falling within Da Xia Capital and destroying some buildings, but fortunately the majority fell toward the surrounding mountains.

Bang bang bang.

It rang out like the fireworks of the Spring Origin Festival.

Fortunately, there were no casualties, and the second wave of Fire Stones was completely blocked.

Now only the last three Fire Stones remain.

Da Xia Imperial Palace.

Inside the Grand Ancestral Temple.

Emperor Yongsheng watched all this silently; the seven Fire Stones were dealt with again, and the emperor showed no hint of relief, knowing the matter was not yet fully resolved.

Meanwhile, within the Da Xia Academy.

Su Wenjing immediately opened his heavenly eyes, trying to see where the remaining three Fire Stones were.

However, at a glance there was no trace to be found.

Su Wenjing did not lower his guard, but kept watching.

The other Great Scholars took the opportunity to rest, having exhausted the righteous Qi within their bodies.

They must rest for a while, otherwise they truly cannot endure.

About one hour later.

Su Wenjing was still searching for the location of the Heavenly Fire Stone, when a voice made him frown.

"Brother Wenjing, look toward the southwest."

It was a friend; he also opened his heavenly eyes, locking onto the southwest.

The next moment, Su Wenjing looked toward the southwest.

Just a glance.

Su Wenjing fell completely silent.

Above the heavens in the southwest, a massive Fire Stone appeared.

This Fire Stone was at least five hundred zhang wide.

If it fell, Da Xia Capital and the surrounding seventeen prefectures would instantly turn to ash.

At five hundred zhang wide, it would lose much in the air, and its impact on the ground would be roughly two hundred zhang.

As mentioned before, any Heavenly Fire Stone, if its weight or volume is increased even slightly, its power multiplies several times.

This Fire Stone equals twice the power of the previous seven Fire Stones—not the combined volume of seven, but a single stone.

Yet its power is definitely ten times more terrifying than a single previous stone.

The earlier seven employed the Confucian Sacred Instrument, as well as the righteous Qi of all Great Scholars of the Da Xia Dynasty and the Four Border Scholars.

If this one falls, we truly have no way to finish it.

And time is not generous.

Ten hours.

At most ten hours.

This Fire Stone is about to strike the ground.

"Brother Wenjing."

"What shall we do?"

A Great Scholar spoke, looking at Su Wenjing, and asked.

Even a Great Scholar had never seen such a stance.

"Wait for Gu Jin Nian; he has two sacred instruments."

"Combined with the Kong Family Sacred Instrument, three Confucian Sacred Instruments, and our righteous Qi."

"It is not that there is no way."

"Moreover, the Da Xia National Fortune has not yet been used; it may not fail."

Su Wenjing spoke.

The Da Xia National Fortune is the final trump card, originally intended to be saved for the end, but now the situation is tricky.

However, unless absolutely necessary, he still does not wish to employ the Da Xia National Fortune, hoping to use it for the final Fire Stone.

"Everyone, quickly cultivate."

"In ten hours, we will meet the Fire Stone."

Su Wenjing spoke.

His expression was unwavering; he did not choose to give up, still bearing the burden to the end.

However.

The next moment.

Su Wenjing stepped forward, circulating righteous Qi and employing Half Saint power; his ethereal image shone over every prefectural city within Da Xia.

"I am Su Wenjing."

"Today I wish, with my Half Saint cultivation, to exchange for Da Xia's Confucian Dao, so that it may flourish."

"The Heavenly Fire Stone will strike the capital; if we overcome this calamity, we may obtain Heaven's Mandate. All Da Xia scholars shall recite the saints' scriptures, condense rain, gather seas, and jointly resist the disaster."

Su Wenjing spoke, this time wagering his own future.

He called for all Da Xia scholars to collectively channel righteous Qi.

Although these scholars number in the hundreds or thousands, they cannot compare to a single Four Border Scholar; however, when there are tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands, millions, tens of millions of scholars, it becomes a different story.

The boundless will, between heaven and earth, is the sharpest sword.

At this moment.

Within Da Xia, all scholars understood that today the Da Xia Dynasty faced its greatest crisis.

When Su Wenjing's voice sounded.

Countless figures also appeared at that moment.

"Students, listen to the command."

At this time, scholars stood up, and at once rushed to places where the vast righteous formation existed, sat cross‑legged, and recited the saints' scriptures.

When the nation is in peril, they know they must not retreat.

At this moment, only by fighting back can they part the clouds and see the light.

Indeed.

As all the scholars of the Da Xia Dynasty recited the scriptures, strands of vast righteous qi fell like rain, then formed a torrent, converging into a sea that surged into Da Xia Capital.

Beyond the capital.

Some scholars who fled with the common folk also sat cross‑legged at that moment, reciting the sacred scriptures.

Some scholars even turned around and hurried toward Da Xia Capital.

The massive influx of righteous qi bathed Da Xia Capital in holy light.

Within the academy.

Everyone was united in resolve, yet a voice rose.

"If at this moment someone could compose a peerless Confucian‑Dao scripture that revives our Confucian‑Dao ancestors, that would be wonderful."

A Great Scholar spoke, considering a possibility.

"Peerless Confucian‑Dao scripture?"

"That's too difficult, unless a saint is reincarnated."

"Indeed, a peerless Confucian‑Dao scripture—you're overthinking it."

The Great Scholars responded, acknowledging the method, yet such a way was almost impossible to achieve.

"Not necessarily. Where is Gu Jin Nian? He might be able to compose such a scripture."

A voice sounded, mentioning Gu Jin Nian.

In an instant, many Great Scholars showed surprise, for they knew they could not produce a peerless Confucian‑Dao scripture.

But their inability does not mean Gu Jin Nian cannot.

There truly is that possibility.

"Impossible."

"Gu Jin Nian's knowledge of scriptural scholarship is only superficial; perhaps this crisis gives him insight, but he cannot write Confucian‑Dao scriptures."

"Confucian‑Dao scriptures differ from Buddhist or Daoist teachings on natural perception; they are a sublimation of thought. Gu Jin Nian is still so young—how could he compose them?"

At that moment, Su Wenjing's voice, like a bucket of cold water, doused their hopes.

Moreover, Su Wenjing's words were very reasonable.

Buddhist sutras and Daoist texts are perspectives on the natural world, a kind of understanding, a exposition of the law.

The peerless Confucian‑Dao scripture is a conceptual exposition that requires countless experiences and an instantaneous enlightenment; all are indispensable.

If Gu Jin Nian were in his thirties or fifties, there would be a one‑in‑ten‑thousand chance.

Now, it is indeed a fool's dream.

"Where is Gu Jin Nian?"

"Even without a peerless scripture, we must at least produce a sacred instrument; lacking that, only the destiny of Da Xia can resolve it."

A Great Scholar asked where Gu Jin Nian was.

Su Wenjing shook his head; he did not know Gu Jin Nian's exact location, but it should be soon.

That's all.

In the blink of an eye, four hours passed.

Finally, King Wei arrived, rushed straight to the palace, and sent someone to the Da Xia Academy to inform Su Wenjing of Gu Jin Nian's condition.

Both sides learned of Gu Jin Nian's situation almost simultaneously.

Emperor Yong Sheng remained silent for a long time.

He finally spoke.

"Take Gu Jin Nian to a safe place; his safety must be ensured."

"The Firestone disaster, I have a solution."

Emperor Yong Sheng explained that forcibly awakening Gu Jin Nian would damage his foundation, so he chose not to risk it.

Meanwhile, in the Da Xia Academy.

After learning of Gu Jin Nian's condition.

Su Wenjing set out and arrived at the Jade Sedan.

Upon seeing the sleeping Gu Jin Nian, Su Wenjing gathered Half Saint power and infused it into Gu Jin Nian's body, first to heal his wounds, second to awaken his subconscious with Confucian‑Dao divine prowess.

He intended to employ a Confucian‑Dao Sacred Instrument.

He did not wish to force Gu Jin Nian awake.

Gu Jin Nian bears too much; some matters should be resolved by their generation.

Soon, two sacred instruments flew out from Gu Jin Nian's body.

This gave Su Wenjing some relief; extracting two sacred instruments meant Gu Jin Nian's subconscious fully trusted himself.

Otherwise, any doubt would prevent the instruments from being drawn out.

Of course, others cannot mimic his Half Saint aura; it cannot be forged. If a Half Saint were present and tried to copy his aura, Gu Jin Nian would instinctively reject it.

Obtained two sacred instruments.

Su Wenjing also immediately rushed to the Da Xia Academy and ordered someone to inform King Wei to swiftly evacuate Gu Jin Nian.

Sent to a safe zone.

When Su Wenjing returned to the academy, some Great Scholars were very curious; although Su Wenjing had brought the Sacred Instrument, Gu Jin Nian's whereabouts were not seen.

They asked out of curiosity, and Su Wenjing directly informed everyone of Gu Jin Nian's situation.

Upon learning that Gu Jin Nian was the disaster of Dingnan Yue County, having overdrawn his magical power and exhausted his spirit, each one couldn't help but praise.

Precisely because of that, they gathered even more resolve.

The juniors were the same.

How could they disgrace themselves? Four hours later.

Su Wenjing, with terrifying righteous qi, performed a ritual for these two Confucian Sacred Instruments.

Above the firmament.

A swath of red light.

The true great terror.

At this moment, it was about to descend.

From front to back, eight and a half hours, which means an extra hour was counted.

Thirty thousand zhang above the ground.

A massive ball of flame appeared, casting the white clouds crimson.

And at that instant, Su Wenjing unleashed all his power; the two Sacred Instruments hovered above his head, coordinated with a formation, a three‑hundred‑zhang‑wide righteous qi like a true dragon surged into the clouds.

Boom— Boom— Boom—.

Boom— Boom— Boom—.

A massive explosion roared, like successive thunderbolts, causing countless civilians to shiver.

The sky changed dramatically at that moment.

This terrifying righteous qi collided with the fire stone, without waiting for it to dissipate on its own.

Facing such a fire stone, one must strike first; otherwise, once it falls, everything becomes moot.

Bang— Bang— Bang—.

Bang— Bang— Bang—.

Pieces of debris were worn away, yet the fire stone's falling speed was unaffected.

Thirty thousand zhang.

Twenty thousand zhang.

Ten thousand zhang.

This is far beyond ordinary force to block; in the academy, everyone was on edge, and the few remaining in Da Xia Capital couldn't help but swallow a breath.

As for the civilians who had just traveled less than fifty li, they were utterly silent, forced to watch everything with wide eyes.

If this fire stone fell, they wouldn't be able to escape.

Five thousand zhang.

The fire stone's size was still about two hundred seventy zhang.

It could no longer be blocked.

The Three Sacred Instruments could not withstand the terrifying power of the fire stone.

There was no time to fully restore the Three Sacred Instruments, and in this age no one could revive them unless they were a saint.

Only a saint of the Seventh Realm could fully revive a sacred instrument; otherwise, it is impossible.

"Heaven bless Da Xia."

At this very moment.

Emperor Yongsheng's voice rang out.

Above the imperial palace.

The nation's destiny coalesced into a true dragon, soaring straight into the clouds, colliding with the fire stone.

Clang— Clang— Clang—.

A massive explosion rose from the firmament, spawning a huge mushroom cloud; the terrifying roar was deafening.

All the debris was swallowed by the true dragon of the nation's destiny.

Everyone watched silently.

Finally.

The fifteenth fire stone completely vanished.

(End of chapter)