Chapter 199: Compose the Heaven-Mandated Sage's Classic

Da Xia Capital.

Above the Heavenly Vault.

The fifteenth fire stone turned to nothing at this moment.

Under the collision of Da Xia's national fortune, this fire stone naturally could not be blocked.

However, Emperor Yongsheng showed no smile, and Su Wenjing also showed no smile.

Two more fire stones gathered above the Heavenly Vault.

Speaking frankly.

Even thinking with your toes, you can tell these two fire stones are definitely larger than before.

Only by mobilizing all scholars of Da Xia, adding the Three Sacred Instruments, and also Da Xia's national fortune could we barely destroy the fifteenth fire stone.

What about the sixteenth? The seventeenth? This is unimaginable.

Is this about to destroy the nation?

"Your Majesty."

"Any other way?"

At this moment, Su Wenjing used Confucian-Dao divine sense to transmit sound, asking Emperor Yongsheng if there were any other methods.

"Yes."

"But it can only be used once."

Emperor Yongsheng's voice sounded.

In the imperial palace, Emperor Yongsheng's eyes showed some helplessness; he naturally still had a hidden card he had not played.

But this hidden card can only be used once.

Once used, it cannot be activated a second time.

But there are still two fire stones ahead.

It is despairing and also suffocating.

Hearing this answer, Su Wenjing fell somewhat silent.

"Your Majesty, I still have a plan."

Su Wenjing spoke.

"What plan?"

Emperor Yongsheng asked curiously.

"The Great Jin Dynasty and the Fuyu Dynasty also have scholars; if we can have these two dynasties exert their full strength and cooperate fully, perhaps we can resolve the imminent fire stone disaster."

Su Wenjing spoke up.

This was his solution.

Using the strength of the scholars of the Eastern Wilderness to resolve this trouble.

But upon hearing this, Emperor Yongsheng remained somewhat silent.

"If we rely on the two dynasties, they will surely open their mouths wide like lions, demanding various benefits."

Emperor Yongsheng spoke; actually he had already considered this, but he knew that asking the two dynasties for help would lose more.

It would be disadvantageous to the dynasty.

It's like tearing down the east wall to patch the west; the game between great powers is not as it seems on the surface, where each takes a little—that's only because there is no opportunity.

If there is an opportunity, whoever can seize it would love to swallow your bones.

Now the Da Xia Dynasty faces the fire stone disaster; at this critical juncture, the two dynasties have already opened their mouths, waiting for the Da Xia Dynasty to deliver itself.

"Your Majesty."

"Even if the two dynasties demand more now, it is still better than countless casualties."

Su Wenjing spoke; actually he also saw the current situation, but it had come to the point where there was no other way—once a major incident occurs, it means countless casualties.

Although the two dynasties will surely open their mouths like lions, it's nothing but wealth; just give it.

"Since that is the case, I will handle it."

"Both dynasties agree; to be safe, we will consult the Immortal Sect and Buddhist Sect a bit, mainly to stabilize the situation."

By this point, Emperor Yongsheng no longer insists on anything; moreover, since both dynasties agree to aid, the Immortal Sect and Buddhist Sect can also be notified.

As a backup, to avoid being unprepared.

"Will obey the decree."

Su Wenjing directly agreed.

At this point, finding one person to help or a group to help makes little difference.

However, whether the Immortal Sect will agree is a problem.

After all, Gu Jin Nian's actions have severed the Immortal Sect's path to advancement; seeking their help would likely be difficult.

But no matter what, we can only try.

Fortunately, as of now, the sixteenth fire stone has not yet appeared.

This is a good thing.

Soon.

Time passed bit by bit.

Inside the imperial palace, the Heavenly Observation Bureau, using the state's great implements, communicated with the emperors of the Great Jin Dynasty and the Fuyu Dynasty.

The three rulers governing the Eastern Wilderness, separated by ten thousand li, were discussing some matters.

And Su Wenjing, at the first opportunity, used Confucian-Dao divine ability to communicate with a strong cultivator of the Immortal Sect.

No one knows how the fate of the Da Xia Dynasty will turn out.

In the blink of an eye, four hours passed.

The three great dynasties' four emperors actually talked for four hours.

In the Da Xia imperial palace, in the Hall of Nurturing Heart.

A mirror hung above the hall, and the Yongsheng Emperor's expression was somewhat cold.

After four hours of communication.

The Great Jin Dynasty and the Fuyu Dynasty presented extraordinarily harsh conditions, and they seemed somewhat reluctant.

The Great Jin Dynasty's demands were somewhat better, with three main points.

First, the Da Xia Dynasty must recognize the Dragon Rice banknotes, and trade between states must also be settled using Dragon Rice banknotes.

Second, Da Xia Dynasty goods entering the Great Jin Dynasty must be levied an additional twenty percent trade tax to protect the Great Jin Dynasty's domestic trade ecosystem.

Third, Great Jin Dynasty goods entering the Da Xia Dynasty need not be taxed.

These are the Great Jin Dynasty's three main demands; the other demands are insignificant, not worth mentioning.

But these three conditions are extravagant.

What does recognizing the status of the Dragon Rice banknotes mean—how could the Yongsheng Emperor not know?

From now on, the Great Jin Dynasty can print banknotes however it wants, anyway the entire Eastern Wilderness will foot the bill for the Great Jin Dynasty.

Of course, the Great Jin Dynasty certainly wouldn't do that recklessly, and nobody is a fool.

Even the Great Jin emperor has repeatedly said that the records of printing banknotes will be made public, but what of it?

Print ten million taels of banknotes to build bridges and roads, print another ten million taels to develop the economy and trade, and print another ten million taels to give to officials.

Each time printing a little more, improving the dynasty's state, in ten or twenty years nothing would be noticeable, and instead it would feel not bad.

But when thirty, fifty, or even a hundred years have passed, that is when the real contradiction arises.

As banknotes increase, the Da Xia people actually produce goods and exchange them for a pile of banknotes; if they cannot find something to consume these banknotes, the trouble will only be horribly terrifying.

By that time, one really must not act recklessly; once reckless, the Great Jin Dynasty will also follow suit, and the first to suffer misfortune will certainly be the Da Xia Dynasty.

The banknotes in the people's hands become worthless, and the resulting panic surpasses everything.

Of course, if this issue must be discussed, it can be controlled layer by layer, suppressed layer by layer.

Indeed, the Great Jin Dynasty need not court disaster; the Da Xia Dynasty will not suffer too great a loss within a hundred years, and if managed well, it will merely suffer a big loss.

At least it can still buy time.

This firestone heavenly disaster is different; when it falls, who knows how many will die because of it.

If the Great Jin Dynasty only had this one demand, frankly speaking, the Yongsheng Emperor would agree, but the Great Jin Dynasty's latter two conditions make the Yongsheng Emperor unwilling to consent.

Selling goods to the Great Jin Dynasty, an additional twenty percent tax?

Selling to oneself here, yet demanding tax exemption—this is truly laughable.

Even a fool can see how great a burden this would impose on the Da Xia Dynasty.

He knew the Great Jin Dynasty would surely open its mouth wide like a lion, but he never imagined how vast the Great Jin Dynasty's opened mouth would be.

As for the Fuyu Dynasty.

The Fuyu Dynasty did not put forward these demands; instead it presented a heap of material demands—mines, warhorses, grain—amounting to roughly fifteen million taels of silver.

Allow the Da Xia Dynasty to settle payment within five years.

In comparison, the Fuyu Dynasty is still acceptable; at least the Fuyu Dynasty only asked for fifteen million taels of silver.

It merely added an extra condition, requesting a share of the heavenly blessings bestowed after the Da Xia heavenly disaster ends.

This can be considered a lump-sum purchase.

But the price demanded is too harsh.

Compared to the Great Jin Dynasty's lifelong uncleared option, the Fuyu Dynasty's conditions are not excessive.

But this is in comparison to the Great Jin Dynasty's demands; under normal circumstances, this condition is also extremely excessive—fifteen million taels of silver is not excessive, yet the Da Xia heavenly disaster cost how many soldiers' lives, and how many civilians suffered? In Longxi Commandery, Donglin Commandery, Nanyue Commandery, Jiangzhong Commandery—how many people in these four commanderies have endured hardship?

Now, at this critical moment, they just want a share of the broth—how could he agree?

The negotiations halted.

It was the Yongsheng Emperor who halted the negotiations; these demands he could not accept, but he did not directly refuse, instead choosing to suspend the talks to think it over.

However, the Great Jin emperor gave an immediate reply.

He did not want to wait too long, and moreover, assisting the Da Xia Dynasty was not his intention; it was not dynastic strife—the Great Jin emperor found himself a good excuse.

The Alliance.

He had already joined the Alliance; if it weren't for considering that the Alliance is not yet formally established, he would not have given the Da Xia Dynasty any chance at all.

Thus, hoping the Yongsheng Emperor will give it proper consideration, for time waits for no one.

Faced with the Great Jin emperor's words, the Yongsheng Emperor appeared especially silent, and at the same time he felt some annoyance toward the Alliance.

He had heard of this Alliance; it was conjured up by the Immortal Sect, joining the Buddhist Sect, the Great Jin Dynasty, and the Fuyu Dynasty, jointly targeting the Da Xia Dynasty within the Eastern Wilderness.

If it weren't for the Da Xia Dynasty currently suffering a heavenly disaster, as the Da Xia emperor, could he tolerate this anger?

They would have already gone to war.

The three-way talks were not friendly, but this was expected; if the three great dynasties truly had such goodwill to agree, something would be fishy.

Likewise.

Su Wenjing's dealings with the Immortal Sect were also not to his liking.

The Immortal Sect directly refused Su Wenjing's request, and the reason given was not because of Gu Jin Nian.

Rather, they believe the Da Xia heavenly disaster is Heaven's Mandate ordained; if the Immortal Sect forcibly participates, it will inevitably become entangled in karma, which is not good for the Immortal Sect.

This sounds like a flimsy excuse, but in fact the Immortal Sect's statement is correct.

Because Su Wenjing not only contacted the Eastern Wilderness Immortal Sect, but using Daoist divine powers he contacted many Immortal Sect sect leaders, and the conclusions were almost unanimous.

The Immortal Sect indeed cannot participate in this matter.

This is the last heavenly disaster of Da Xia, a work of Heaven's Mandate; if they take part, it will cause great trouble.

Of course there are also personal grudges involved, but roughly it is as such.

The Immortal Sect refuses, and the Buddhist Sect also refuses, for the same reason.

Even if Su Wenjing hints a little, considering the Buddhist Sect's settlement in the Da Xia Dynasty, the Buddhist Sect still refuses.

At this moment, Su Wenjing understands that Gu Jin Nian has frightened them.

Heaven's Mandate is about to descend; they do not want Gu Jin Nian to continue monopolizing the top spot. They know the Da Xia Dynasty is Gu Jin Nian's cornerstone, so if the Da Xia Dynasty encounters trouble, it is equivalent to delaying Gu Jin Nian.

It drains Gu Jin Nian's mind and spirit.

Karma is real, and the unwillingness to act is also real.

Moreover, the Immortal Sect conveyed a remark that made Su Wenjing's face turn sour.

"Gu Jin Nian composes the Ancient Buddha Sutra, strikes the Buddhist Sect with a slash, and also produces the Patriarch's Sutra. As a Confucian‑Daoist scholar, if he were to publish a Confucian‑Daoist Scripture now, wouldn't that resolve the heavenly disaster?"

These are the words coming from the Immortal Sect.

It could be called sarcasm, but not entirely; it is more fitting to say it carries anger.

Obviously, although the Immortal Sect and the Buddhist Sect care about their interests, they have not forgotten the times when Gu Jin Nian cut their fortunes a few days ago; it remains in their hearts.

Facing such words, Su Wenjing gave no reply.

A war of words is meaningless.

Wait for the mind and spirit to return.

Su Wenjing immediately asked Emperor Yong Sheng how the negotiations were.

After receiving Emperor Yong Sheng's answer.

Su Wenjing fell even more silent.

"If we accede to the Great Jin Dynasty's and Fuyu Dynasty's demands, the price will be even greater."

"Within a hundred years, the Da Xia Dynasty will hardly have a chance to turn its fortunes."

A half‑moment later.

Emperor Yong Sheng's voice rang out.

Su Wenjing understood the meaning of these words; Emperor Yong Sheng did not wish to compromise.

"Your Majesty, given this trend, the seventeenth fire stone, centered on Da Xia Capital, may turn the surrounding thousand‑mile region into ruins."

"The myriad calamities brought by the fire stone could affect up to thirty percent of Da Xia's territory."

"The Great Jin Dynasty's demands are harsh, but at least they will not cause such massive trouble; responding in kind later might still be feasible."

"After this disaster, there will be blessings of Heaven and Earth; that can actually be agreed to."

Su Wenjing spoke; this was his intention.

In any case, preserving safety is the true way of rulership; as long as the people live and the land remains, even though the Great Jin Dynasty's terms are extremely harsh and plainly a huge trap, at least there is enough time to wear them down slowly.

At worst, we can meet each move with a counter; after the disaster ends and the blessings arrive, we might not lose after all.

But Emperor Yong Sheng sighed.

"They have already set their sights on the post‑disaster blessings of Da Xia, demanding a share; otherwise, I would not refuse."

Emperor Yong Sheng spoke.

This is no longer a lion's grand proclamation, but a Kunpeng's grand proclamation.

"First look at the sixteenth fire stone; it may not be unsolvable."

Emperor Yong Sheng voiced.

He still has a trump card; blocking the next fire stone is not a big issue, but the last fire stone worries him most.

"As you command."

Su Wenjing also had nothing to say.

But both actually hoped the fire stone would arrive later; if they wait until Gu Jin Nian awakens, perhaps he will have a way to resolve it.

Logically, Gu Jin Nian could not possibly have any solution.

It is just that Gu Jin Nian has brought so many miracles that, at times like this, they cannot help but think of him.

Thus.

Time passed bit by bit.

Tai Xuan Immortal Sect.

Atop a mountain peak.

The figure of the Upper Pure Taoist stood there; beneath his feet was a formation, and at the same time, several phantom images floated within the formation.

In total nine people: seven Immortal Sect heads, a Buddhist high monk, and a Great Scholar of the Great Jin Dynasty.

"Amitabha."

"This Da Xia heavenly disaster has reached a critical point; this celestial fire stone is raging. Is it truly reasonable for us to refuse Da Xia's plea for help?"

The Buddhist high monk spoke, his tone calm, yet he felt somewhat uneasy about refusing the Da Xia Dynasty's request.

After all, the Buddhist Sect had been cut twice before and has been seeking an opportunity to gain merit.

When the Da Xia Dynasty sought their aid, it was originally a good opportunity, but because of joining the Alliance, they politely declined.

Nevertheless, they felt uneasy inside and couldn't help but ask another question.

But as soon as the words were spoken, the Upper Pure Taoist shook his head and said.

"This Da Xia heavenly disaster is not a matter of grudges that prevents us from acting; this great karmic event, if it had not been cut, we could still have intervened a bit."

"Now the Immortal Sect has been cut, and the Buddhist Sect as well; to intervene now, are we truly not afraid of karmic entanglement?"

The Upper Pure Taoist spoke lightly; his words left the Buddhist Sect silent.

It is indeed the truth, but even if the Buddhist Sect truly intervenes, it would not cause much trouble, since it is a salvation, not a wrongdoing against Heaven.

It's just that the other side has no dispute with the Shangqing Daoist about anything.

Since everyone is like one family, there's no need to quarrel over trivial matters; whether we help or not, it's fine.

However, the next words from the Shangqing Daoist caused everyone's expression to change involuntarily.

"I, the humble Daoist, use the Great Dream Zhou Tian formation to deduce the future Heaven's Mandate."

"When the Da Xia calamity ends, the Xiongnu State, the Fuyu Dynasty, and the Great Jin Dynasty will each in turn experience heavenly disasters; this is indeed a test of the Heaven's Mandate, and those who survive can receive the Heaven's Mandate's blessing."

"If one does not survive, the dynasty's fortune will be damaged; a place like the Xiongnu State could very likely face the peril of extinction."

The Shangqing Daoist spoke, revealing the future Heaven's Mandate.

When these words were spoken, the sole Great Scholar could not help but speak up.

"Is such a thing possible?"

"Comparing the Great Jin calamity with the Da Xia calamity, which is more dangerous?"

He spoke, his eyes full of astonishment.

"Naturally, the Da Xia calamity is more dangerous."

"The Da Xia calamity is unprecedented; perhaps someone is covertly targeting the Da Xia Dynasty, but it could also simply be the will of Heaven."

"The Fuyu Dynasty, the Great Jin Dynasty, and all nations of the Eastern Wilderness will face the Heaven's Mandate calamity; surviving is easy to speak of, failing is just failing. When the Eastern Wilderness ends, other regions, such as the Central Continent Dynasty, will also encounter massive disasters."

"This is the Heaven's Mandate calamity, the Heaven's Mandate weeding out the useless; at that time, the Immortal Sect, Buddhist Sect, Confucian Dao, demons, Sword Dao, and Art Dao will all encounter the Heaven's Mandate calamity."

"If we survive, when the Heaven's Mandate descends, we all can transcend, gaining many inconceivable benefits, completing a great metamorphosis."

"If we fail, it is also a good thing for us, at least it removes some unnecessary troubles."

"Everyone must be well prepared; the calamity is imminent."

The Shangqing Daoist spoke; this cryptic revelation left the crowd gasping, truly not expecting that the Da Xia calamity was merely an appetizer, and they would be next.

"So that means, our Alliance can henceforth help each other, work together, and overcome difficulties?"

Cang Xin, the Palm Sect Master, spoke, looking at the Shangqing Daoist.

"Exactly."

"The true purpose of this Alliance is to jointly resist the Heaven's Mandate."

"Together to become the greatest winners of the future Heaven's Mandate."

"Although there is only one ultimate Heaven's Mandate, before that we can eliminate the others; when that time comes, we will compete based on our abilities—how wonderful is that?"

The Shangqing Daoist nodded.

With these words, everyone further endorsed the Alliance.

Indeed, the Shangqing Daoist was correct; the contest of the Heaven's Mandate will have only one victor, but there is a journey before that victor is born.

During this journey, if everyone forms a group and keeps each other warm, they can overcome countless hardships and at least laugh till the end.

As for which house the flowers fall to, that's up to each one's ability.

"Great goodness indeed."

"Now the Great Dao Office also shows signs of resurgence; it is a terrifying force, and if we do not band together, we could easily be crushed by them. Forming a coalition now is a good thing."

"The Great Dao Office, the Central Continent Dynasty, the Da Xia Dynasty, and some hidden sects are our greatest enemies."

"If one must say, the Da Xia Dynasty ranks last, only because of Gu Jin Nian."

Someone spoke up, listing their enemies.

"In fact, if Gu Jin Nian hadn't cut our fortune, he wouldn't truly be our enemy."

"The grievance is that he shows no courtesy, offends both Immortal and Buddhist Sects, and also lets the Da Xia Dynasty flourish, causing the Great Jin Dynasty and the Fuyu Dynasty to be willing to join us in joint resistance."

"If Gu Jin Nian succeeds, that's fine; if he fails, he will become the Da Xia Dynasty's greatest enemy."

A voice sounded; it was Ping Yun Daoist, who had strong opinions about Gu Jin Nian cutting the Immortal Sect's fortune.

Naturally, he spoke with resentment.

"If one must say, Gu Jin Nian is not yet a hidden threat; he is still not a Great Scholar and is too young. Give him twenty years, and he becomes a real major hidden danger."

"Now we can only say we must watch him, but need not treat him entirely as an enemy."

"The Great Dao Office, the Central Continent Dynasty, and some forces hidden in the shadows are the ones we must deal with."

"However, the Heaven's Mandate calamity is imminent; whether we or they, all must go through it. Now that we have formed an alliance and help each other, after surviving the Heaven's Mandate calamity, all lost fortune will return."

"When the Heaven's Mandate truly descends, Gu Jin Nian will no longer be able to cut our fortune; then all grudges can be settled at once."

The Shangqing Daoist calmly spoke; even though Gu Jin Nian had cut so much of their fortune, the Shangqing Daoist still did not regard Gu Jin Nian as a major enemy.

This is not arrogance, but simply the fact.

Gu Jin Nian's personal strength reaches up to the sixth realm before death; although he leans on the Da Xia Dynasty, the Da Xia Dynasty is only one of the three great dynasties of the Eastern Wilderness, and compared to the Central Continent Dynasty, what does the Da Xia Dynasty amount to? Moreover, Gu Jin Nian follows the Confucian Dao.

It is neither Immortal Dao nor Martial Dao; under such circumstances, in the Confucian Dao realm, Gu Jin Nian is only at the 'Knowing Saint Establishing Speech' stage, the fourth realm of the Confucian Dao.

He doesn't even qualify as a Great Scholar; even if Gu Jin Nian became a Great Scholar today, what would that change? Are Great Scholars scarce in this world? At the latest, in two years the Heaven's Mandate will manifest; in those two years, could Gu Jin Nian possibly achieve a double leap and reach the Confucian Dao Half Saint?

All these reasons explain why Gu Jin Nian cannot yet become their major enemy.

And at that moment.

A voice suddenly rang out.

"Heavenly fire stone has appeared."

As the voice sounded, the Shangqing Daoist couldn't help but glance toward the heavens.

But over Da Xia Capital.

"Heavenly fire stone appears."

Six hours later than before.

It appears again, also amidst the vast starry sky; this fire stone's location matches that of the previous one.

The trajectory is identical.

It's just that the previous fire stone was about five hundred zhang wide.

But the sixteenth fire stone was a full eight hundred zhang in width.

Optimistically speaking, there's no multiplication.

On the larger side, this extra three hundred zhang makes its power ten times that of the previous fire stone.

"A fire stone five hundred zhang wide falling down can destroy a radius of a thousand li around Da Xia Capital."

"When this eight hundred zhang fire stone falls, everything within two thousand li will likely be annihilated at once, and the ensuing series of disasters could cause Da Xia Dynasty to lose thirty percent of its territory."

A voice sounded; it was the head instructor of the Immortal Gate, and he instantly knew the fire stone's power.

"A fire stone eight hundred zhang wide, within ten thousand zhang, will lose half its volume, but that's only half; it can't be blocked, and indeed it can't be blocked."

"Truly, we don't know what means Da Xia Dynasty still has to stop such a fire stone."

Everyone says a line, I say a line, and we're all very curious how Da Xia Dynasty could block this fire stone.

"Perhaps Da Xia Dynasty has a way to deal with this fire stone."

"The last one, however, will be very difficult."

"Normally, the last one is a thousand zhang wide; I don't even think that's plausible."

"Da Xia Dynasty likely lacks the ability to handle the final fire stone, so we must also prepare ourselves to avoid being affected."

Someone spoke up, believing Da Xia Dynasty could handle the sixteenth fire stone, but certainly could not resolve the seventeenth fire stone.

"Not necessarily."

At this moment, the Great Scholar of the Great Jin Dynasty spoke, shaking his head.

"Su Wenjing has arranged so many vast righteous formations; if all scholars across the world recite the saintly scriptures, augmenting the vast righteous Qi, it might not be unsolvable."

"Or, if Gu Jin Nian were to compose the Confucian-Daoist Saint Scripture, it could also resolve this heavenly disaster."

The Great Scholar made a judgment.

When those words were spoken, the expressions of the others changed slightly; though they are phantoms, their faces still remain.

"Confucian-Daoist Saint Scripture? Can Gu Jin Nian write it?"

"He has already authored the Ancient Buddha True Scripture and the Dao Patriarch True Scripture; perhaps he truly could write the Confucian-Daoist Saint Scripture."

The others were curious; after all, they aren't Confucian-Daoist scholars, and they don't fully grasp the Confucian-Daoist Saint Scripture, unable to discern whether it's difficult or not.

"It can be written."

"But it cannot be written now."

"Given Gu Jin Nian's talent, writing the Confucian-Daoist Saint Scripture may be a matter of time; although he is not a scholar of our Great Jin Dynasty, I still admire his talent—truly extraordinary. The future saints of Confucian-Daoism would not be mistaken."

"After all, he is a person approved by Confucius."

"But he cannot write it now; with his experience and thoughts, he cannot produce the Confucian-Daoist Saint Scripture. He still needs to hone himself a bit, and after a few more Jiang Ning County disasters, perhaps he'll gain some insight to write it."

"The current him definitely cannot write it."

The latter spoke; these words were not a criticism of Gu Jin Nian—in fact, they already highly praised him.

Confucian-Daoist Saint Scripture.

Only saints can author such a scripture; throughout history, how many could write it?

Acknowledging that Gu Jin Nian will eventually be able to write it is already the greatest recognition.

Hearing this, the others slightly relaxed; after all, Gu Jin Nian is now considered their enemy, and they naturally don't want him to improve further.

Thus.

The crowd remained silent, simply watching everything quietly.

And at this moment.

Within the Da Xia Dynasty.

Looking at the sixteenth fire stone, Su Wenjing said nothing redundant; this fire stone will take seven or eight hours to fall.

But the fire stone's volume is three hundred zhang larger than before, so it cannot be handled the same way.

"Recite the saintly scriptures."

"With our scholars' vast righteous Qi."

"To save Da Xia's common folk."

Su Wenjing's voice rang out; his voice, through the formation, was transmitted to every corner of the Da Xia Dynasty.

All scholars heard this voice.

In an instant, the chanting of scriptures rose again, and a continuous flow of vast righteous Qi surged into Da Xia Capital.

But in reality, this was already useless.

Relying solely on Da Xia Dynasty's scholars makes it difficult to stop this fire stone.

However, within the formation, Su Wenjing's eyes were filled with determination.

He was ready.

Willing to give everything for Da Xia's common folk.

Boom! A dazzling, eye‑catching pillar of light shot up into the sky.

Preemptive strike.

The Da Xia Nation's True Dragon, poised to transform, rose skyward with this vast righteous Qi.

All the way upward.

Amid the boundless Star River.

The Da Xia Nation's True Dragon, encircling the vast righteous Qi, charged toward the fire stone.

The fire stone, with inexhaustible mighty force, faced such brilliance without any hindrance, falling straight down; aside from some wear, the rest suffered no impact.

Sizzle sizzle sizzle sizzle.

Small fragments of firestone scattered, yet this firestone fell ever faster.

No one knows why.

The firestone originally took seven or eight shichen to reach the ground.

Now its speed seems accelerated, falling in three or four shichen.

The faster it falls, the more terrifying its power.

One shichen.

Two shichen.

Three shichen.

Finally, at fifty thousand zhang altitude in the Da Xia Dynasty, the firestone, originally eight hundred zhang wide, was reduced to five hundred zhang.

If nothing goes wrong, after it lands it will still be over four hundred zhang.

That four‑hundred‑zhang‑wide firestone, falling on Da Xia Capital, will inevitably erase everything within fifteen hundred li, possibly even within two thousand li.

The dust it generates, the secondary tremors it triggers, and a series of other disasters will render thirty percent of the Da Xia Dynasty's territory into a wasteland.

This is terrifying.

Especially the chosen location—not a favorable one; Da Xia Capital itself lies in a mid‑upper region, so the impact is huge.

When it falls, the regional princes cannot help but rebel.

"I am Su Wenjing."

"Today, with Half Saint cultivation, I exchange my Confucian Dao for a magnificent righteous aura."

At that moment, Su Wenjing's voice rang out.

Radiant light surged around him, and hundreds of Great Scholars in the academy were each utterly astonished.

At this critical juncture.

Su Wenjing actually abandoned the Half Saint realm, transforming into an inconceivable magnificent righteous aura to resist the firestone.

But before they could admire him, the firestone had already breached thirty thousand zhang.

A sky‑piercing light burst outward from Su Wenjing's body.

Indeed, this power directly caused the firestone's volume to continuously shrink.

Four hundred zhang.

Three hundred seventy zhang.

Three hundred fifty zhang.

Three hundred zhang.

Two hundred thirty zhang.

In the end, the firestone's width was two hundred thirty zhang, but the most terrifying part was not that; when all the fragments vanished, a golden core appeared before everyone's eyes.

The core of this celestial firestone is a piece of fallen celestial gold, not fragments.

In other words, it is even more terrifying and impossible to destroy.

No matter how strong Su Wenjing's magnificent righteous aura is,

facing this celestial gold has no effect at all.

Now there is both good and bad.

The good news: it will not erase two thousand li.

The bad news: everything within one thousand li will be erased.

And at this moment,

countless eyes stared fixedly at it; even Su Wenjing, who sacrificed his cultivation, could not resist the firestone.

They were curious what other means the Da Xia Dynasty possessed.

And at that instant,

the Da Xia Imperial Palace.

inside the Grand Ancestral Temple.

Gazing at the terrifying firestone, Emperor Yongsheng let out a long sigh.

But in the next moment,

his gaze changed.

With a raised hand, a long sword appeared in his grasp within the Grand Ancestral Temple—it was the Taizu Longknife.

In the following instant, a majestic voice rang out fully.

"I, with a hundred‑year lifespan, devote the destiny of Da Xia."

"Shatter the celestial firestone, to seek a path of life for Da Xia's people."

"Heaven and Earth bear witness."

The grand, domineering voice sounded.

As the voice echoed, countless figures were stirred.

"Sacrificing lifespan, to empower the nation's destiny?"

"Has it come to this point?"

"Truly ruthless, as befits the immediate emperor."

"A hundred‑year lifespan, does that not mean only a few years left?"

"So ruthless?"

"Emperor Yongsheng truly lives up to Da Xia's founding ancestor."

"Indeed, succeeding in rebellion requires more than luck."

"Why must it be like this? At worst we abandon resistance, lose thirty percent of the territory—so what? At least after a hundred years we can restore a breath of life." "A hundred-year lifespan, just discarded like that? He is an emperor, can he really give it up?"

In an instant, countless voices rose; within Da Xia, gazes were cast, and the court officials were astonished.

In Longxi Commandery, the Crown Prince knelt on the ground, both shocked and unable to hold back tears.

In Donglin Commandery, King Qin also knelt on the ground; his mood was especially complex—he did not wish to see this scene, yet it reminded him of many things.

In Nanyue Commandery, King Jin furrowed his brows; he never imagined, even in death, that his own father the emperor would choose to act this way.

This was not a good thing for him.

Emperor Yong Sheng sacrificed his hundred-year lifespan; he was already nearly sixty. Though he diligently studied martial ways and his life essence should have been around two hundred, years of campaigning and the many wounds he suffered in his youth have eroded that essence.

Under normal circumstances, he would still have a little over a hundred years left.

Now sacrificing a hundred years, optimistically he might have ten or twenty years left, but pessimistically he could be reduced to only three to five years of life.

Eastern Wilderness border.

Emperor Jiande gazed at everything in the water mirror and fell completely silent.

"Had we known today, why act that way at the beginning?"

Finally, Emperor Jiande spoke lightly, without sarcasm or mockery, but with an indescribable emotion.

Yet, a voice also rose.

"His choice is correct."

"If this fire stone cannot be stopped, Da Xia will inevitably fall into civil war; then the common people will suffer, vassal kings will rise, foreign nations will invade, and the disaster of the twelve border cities will repeat."

"If that truly happens, all responsibility will fall on him, the emperor; Yong Sheng himself is a usurper."

"He would be willing to die in battle, but he does not wish to die from being scorned by the people."

"Reaching this point also lives up to his status and to the people of Da Xia."

Someone spoke, declaring that Emperor Yong Sheng's choice was exceedingly correct.

He was right.

Indeed it is so.

Emperor Yong Sheng's greatest taboo is gaining the throne illegitimately; what he cares most about is also the people of Da Xia. If this fire stone cannot be resisted, all the sins will be the fault of this Da Xia emperor, Li Yan alone.

He dared not face the overwhelming barrage of accusations.

He also did not wish to face that overwhelming barrage of accusations.

Therefore, he chose this method to prove himself and to view life and death lightly.

In an instant.

A terrifying radiance entered Emperor Yong Sheng's body.

The Great Ancestor Long Blade erupted with dazzling divine light.

The next moment.

Emperor Yong Sheng struck at the fire stone with a slash.

Boom.

A True Dragon Blade's aura slashed out.

Toward the heavens.

Finally colliding with this fire stone.

Thud.

A deafening sound rang out.

A massive mushroom cloud covered the sky.

The sixteenth fire stone also at this moment turned completely into powder.

Some cultivators of the immortal path felt regret; after all, this was celestial fallen gold, and if used to forge a magical instrument, it would be a prime material.

Unfortunately, it had all turned to powder, rendering it useless.

Inside the Da Xia Imperial Palace.

After witnessing this scene, Emperor Yong Sheng let out a long sigh; his complexion was pale, his weakness extreme.

A hundred years of life essence had been drained, as if gravely ill.

This was his final trump card, also his final outcome.

At present, only the last fire stone remained.

At this point, he no longer coveted safety; even if the capital were destroyed, it would not matter.

At least he would not bear an eternal infamy.

At least, when facing his own father, he could still lift his head and speak with his father.

At least he had not let down the people.

Only.

Right at this moment.

When everyone temporarily breathed a sigh of relief.

A voice sounded.

"This time it's over."

It was a Great Scholar.

He stared at the southern heavens, his gaze both dazed and numb.

As that voice rang out.

Countless gazes inevitably turned toward the south.

The seventeenth fire stone.

No chance for any pause; it appears above the southern sky dome.

But what instantly shocked everyone was.

This seventeenth fire stone.

Its width is at least two thousand zhang, not the imagined one thousand zhang.

It is a full two thousand zhang.

What does that mean? Just the width is six li, taking an oval shape.

And it is meteoric gold.

From head to toe, it is all meteoric gold.

Two thousand zhang appear.

Two thousand zhang fall to the ground.

Numb.

Quiet.

Silence like death.

At the Da Xia Academy, even Su Wenjing doesn't know what to say.

Da Xia Imperial Palace.

Emperor Yongsheng's gaze is filled with sorrow.

If this meteoric gold were to fall.

Mountains and rivers within six thousand li would be instantly destroyed, and the ensuing calamities would inevitably lead the Da Xia Dynasty toward ruin.

The earth would quake, volcanoes erupt, floods occur, and massive dust would rise; even the surviving citizens of the Da Xia Dynasty would contract severe lung disease, fast in half a year, slow in three years, and death would be certain.

This is a nation's downfall.

Inside Prince Ning's residence.

Staring at the fire stone, Prince Ning's complexion turns exceedingly grim.

"Quick!"

"All soldiers, head to the border!"

"Leave immediately."

Prince Ning's grimace reaches its extreme; he hopes the Da Xia Dynasty will be struck by the fire stone, yet he does not wish such a huge trouble.

Is this meant to annihilate the Da Xia Dynasty?

If the Da Xia Dynasty is destroyed, what does that mean for him? All major powers are shocked into silence.

Everyone is numb.

No one anticipated that the final fire stone would be so terrifying.

Within the Xiongnu Nation.

The Xiongnu King is first shocked, then laughs with great delight.

"Issue orders immediately."

"All soldiers, prepare for battle."

The Xiongnu King's laughter cannot be concealed as he directly issues a royal decree, urging the Xiongnu Nation's soldiers to ready for war; as long as this fire stone falls, even half of it would doom the Da Xia Dynasty.

He only needs to wait quietly for three months, and then he can recklessly march into the Da Xia Dynasty.

Then, grievances will be repaid.

Revenge will be taken.

The Fuyu Dynasty and the Great Jin Dynasty, at the first moment, implement all measures; envoys of the two great dynasties set out immediately, already prepared for internal turmoil or outright collapse of the Da Xia Dynasty.

At the same time they are puzzled, what on earth is happening; Heaven's Mandate misfortune is a trial, yet in this situation, who can stop it?

The Great Jin Dynasty likely cannot endure such a terrifying fire stone; surely someone is scheming, but who it is remains unknown.

Eastern Wilderness border.

Emperor Jiande watches this scene, his complexion darkening in an instant.

"Great Dao Office!"

"You all have harmed me!"

Emperor Jiande's roar erupts; he hates his fourth uncle, hates Emperor Yongsheng, constantly yearning to return to Da Xia.

This Da Xia heavenly disaster is linked to him, but upon seeing the fire stone, he completely changes.

Such a terrifying fire stone is an unstoppable force.

The Da Xia Dynasty will inevitably pay an unspeakable price, and he, a former emperor, becomes utterly meaningless.

What can returning achieve?

Half of Da Xia's territory turns to ruins; the other half is no better.

It is a massive mess.

Within ten or twenty years, the Da Xia Dynasty will become a barren wasteland.

No one who arrives can help.

Had he known it would be like this, he certainly would not cooperate with the Great Dao Office.

At this moment, he realizes he has fallen into a huge trap.

An earth‑shattering trap.

Tai Xuan Immortal Sect.

Even the Shangqing Daoist is stunned at this moment.

"Even if we produce the Confucian‑Daoist Scriptures, it still won't work."

The Great Scholar of the Great Jin Dynasty spoke, gazing at the fire stone, and said:

"Amitabha."

"After this calamity passes, the Buddhist sect will enter Da Xia to liberate countless lost souls."

The senior monk of the Buddhist sect pressed his palms together, exuding boundless compassion.

"One enemy of the Alliance has been eliminated."

Daoist Pingyun spoke; though the words were harsh, the fact remained.

And at this very moment.

Within the Da Xia Dynasty, endless terror, the cries of the populace, desperate shouts, and panic spread in an instant.

Simultaneously, countless forces rushed at top speed toward the Eastern Wilderness frontier.

Those with ability did not wish to die here.

Everything appeared exceedingly dramatic.

The Da Xia Dynasty, one of the three great dynasties of the Eastern Wilderness, did not fall to internal strife nor external invasion, but to a celestial fire stone.

It is indeed dramatic.

But this is Heaven's Mandate; if the heavens decree your death, you must die.

No one arrived.

Within the capital.

A death‑like silence.

The officials were silent.

In this situation, most people's minds were numb; they did not know what to say, nor what they ought to say.

They could only stand there, quietly awaiting death.

As for the scholars, each one ceased reciting the sages' scriptures.

They wanted to flee.

But feeling the terrifying fire stone, they could not escape.

What awaited them

was only disappointment.

Despair enveloped the entire Da Xia Dynasty.

Many did not anticipate such an ending.

Stunned.

Astonished.

Incredible.

Even those with malicious intent had not expected this.

Even the Xiongnu king and his followers could not have imagined that the seventeenth fire stone would be so terrifying.

Yet, at this utterly desperate moment,

several voices suddenly rang out.

"Da Xia Luoyun County, Li Ruoyu, presents a heirloom treasure, the sages' disaster‑averting scriptures, wishing to save the people of Da Xia and serve Your Majesty."

"Da Xia Changqiu County, Lu Chengyan, brings the sages' rescue scriptures, wishing to save the people of Da Xia and serve Your Majesty."

Two voices suddenly rang out, drawing countless gazes.

Above the firmament, in the north and south, two figures appeared: one person riding a white crane, dignified and handsome, holding a scroll of sages' scripture.

Another sat atop a blue phoenix, bearing a book of sages' scripture, appearing before the crowd.

"The disaster‑averting rescue scriptures?"

"Are they the Seven‑realm sages' scriptures, or the Eight‑realm sages' scriptures?"

"Do such sages' scriptures exist?"

"If we employ the sages' scriptures together with the Sacred Instruments, there may truly be a chance to repel this calamity."

"Li Ruoyu? Lu Chengyan?"

"Hiss, so young, yet already reached the Great Scholar realm?"

At the Da Xia Academy, the Great Scholars gazed at the two; they were first shocked, for the two copies of sages' scriptures were no trivial items, and combined with these two Sacred Instruments, plus the Kong Family's Main Residence surely possessed sages' scriptures as well.

Three Sacred Instruments, paired with three sages' scriptures, aligned with Da Xia's national destiny, and further with the scholars' lofty righteousness, might indeed offer a sliver of hope.

At this moment.

The two arrived at the Da Xia Academy, both dignified and handsome, appearing just over twenty years old, each more striking than the other in both temperament and appearance.

Especially since, despite their youth, they had already attained the Great Scholar realm, how could they not be awe‑inspiring.

Of course, the primary factor was the sages' scriptures in their hands.

Sages' scriptures come in many varieties; if they are merely some doctrinal meanings or insights, their significance is limited, at least for the present.

But if they are disaster‑averting rescue scriptures, their significance changes.

"Student, I pay respects to Mr. Su Wenjing."

The two appeared before Su Wenjing, bowed to him directly, then handed the sages' scriptures to Su Wenjing without a word of idle talk.

Their sincere hearts stirred the Great Scholars, evoking both excitement and respect.

"Very well."

"I, on behalf of the people of Da Xia, thank you both."

Su Wenjing was also surprised; he knew nothing of the two's origins, yet at this juncture, having delivered the sages' scriptures, regardless of any ulterior motive, Su Wenjing felt obliged to show them some respect.

Moreover, the two had no need to harbor any scheme; they could have simply hidden themselves.

These saintly scriptures are priceless; to bring them out in a time of crisis is already an excellent act, and ordinary people could not possess such magnanimous spirit.

"Sir, you are too modest. For the people of Da Xia, you would rather abandon the Half Saint realm; I, your student, feel ashamed to be inferior."

"Your words are weighty; I am a Da Xia scholar, and as a scholar I ought also to accomplish some real deeds for Da Xia."

The two of them behaved with utmost respect, making the assembly of Great Scholars feel exceedingly pleased.

Meanwhile, inside the Da Xia Imperial Palace.

Emperor Yong Sheng, upon witnessing the scene, could not help but feel stirred; at the moment of peril, there are still those who step forward to aid Da Xia.

This moved him deeply.

"After the Da Xia Heavenly Disaster is settled, there will be great rewards."

Emperor Yong Sheng spoke, making a direct promise; although at this critical juncture such a promise seemed odd, Li Ruoyu and Lu Chengyan were so generous.

If he said nothing at all, wouldn't that make the emperor appear stingy?

"Everyone."

"The moment of Da Xia's life‑or‑death survival has arrived."

"All of us Da Xia scholars, reciting the saint's scriptures, if we can survive this great calamity, every scholar will receive empowerment."

Su Wenjing spoke.

Although he has abandoned his Half Saint cultivation, standing within the formation he can still transmit his voice.

And as he spoke in this way,

at this moment,

within Da Xia, all scholars rallied their spirits, awakening from despair.

responding to Su Wenjing.

Lines of chanting rose, dense and countless, a righteous qi as vast as rivers, once again converging into a sea.

merging into Da Xia Academy.

Two Sacred Instruments also, at this moment, rose again; within the Kong Family's Main Residence, the sacred instruments responded as well.

Then, Su Wenjing unfurled the saint's scriptures; two scrolls formed two true dragons that shot skyward, and within the Kong Family's Main Residence, another scroll of the saint's scriptures also flew up to the heavens.

Da Xia's national fortune also followed.

The Three Sacred Instruments guarded the path, protecting these four true dragons.

This battle decides everything.

In the starry sky.

The four true dragons collided directly with this fire stone.

In an instant, sparks flew, and a terrifying sound rang through the starry sky, but the sound did not reach the ground.

Countless great powers watched attentively.

They awaited the outcome.

Not a single eye willing to look away.

And three thousand li outside Da Xia Capital.

Two figures stood atop a solitary mountain.

One, wearing a mask, was Lu Yun, who had visited Prince Ning's manor days earlier; he stood with his hands behind his back, not watching the disaster.

Beside him stood a man bathed in righteous qi, clad in a white robe, warm as jade, with a qilin jade crown, hair bound, sword‑like brows and starry eyes, an aura of transcendence.

He gazed silently toward Da Xia Capital, a scroll of scripture clasped in his hand.

"Junior brother."

"At this critical moment, presenting this half‑scroll of the Heaven's Mandate saint's scriptures can resolve Da Xia's crisis, saving the Da Xia Dynasty from fire and water; then your reputation will directly surpass Gu Jin Nian."

"After the Da Xia Heavenly Disaster ends, countless rewards await, but I fear you will claim a third of them."

"Moreover, your position in the Da Xia Dynasty will not be weaker than Gu Jin Nian's; step by step you will crush him, and his Heaven's Mandate will be gradually eroded by you. Do you understand?"

Lu Yun spoke, his tone utterly calm.

Upon hearing this, the latter showed no delight, remaining equally calm.

"A mere Gu Jin Nian is not my enemy; I came here not to target Gu Jin Nian, but to devour Da Xia's national fortune—that is my purpose."

"Nevertheless, I must thank the Hall Master; without him, such a terrifying Heavenly Disaster could not have been created."

"Everyone calculated countless possibilities, yet none foresaw that they were all within the Hall Master's scheming, within my Great Dao Hall's plot; Senior Brother Zhai Xingzi truly lives up to being the first strategist of Great Dao Hall, having laid out such a terrifying board."

He spoke, indirectly revealing the whole truth.

Great Dao Hall is the real mastermind.

The Hall Master engineered this situation, while Zhai Xingzi set the grand scheme.

"Senior Brother Zhai Xingzi is, after all, twenty years older than us; possessing such ability is reasonable."

"When you have finished devouring the Da Xia Dynasty's national fortune, I will come find you; I still have other matters to attend to."

"After the Da Xia Heavenly Disaster ends, the calamities of the Immortal Sect, the Buddhist Sect, and the Central Continent are each my target."

"Primarily the Buddhist Sect calamity; the Six Paths Underworld is about to appear. The Hall Master prepared for me half a scroll of the Ancient Buddha True Scripture; by converting the endless resentful souls of the Six Paths Underworld, I can step into the Seventh Realm."

"You must suppress Gu Jin Nian to death; if he obtains the Ancient Buddha True Scripture, it could ruin my grand plan."

"If he snatches the merit of the Buddhist Sect calamity, it will cause trouble for me."

Lu Yun spoke, saying thus.

"Why are you afraid of this Gu Jin Nian?"

"Senior brother, you are not like this in Great Dao Hall."

The other side spoke, somewhat puzzled.

But Lu Yun shook his head and said.

Beyond the mountains are more mountains, beyond people are more people; Gu Jin Nian is still in a coma, and if he woke up, he might very well write a Sage's Dao Scripture, stealing your credit.

Alright, I won't say more; seize the moment, act quickly, don't delay, lest something really happen.

Having said that, Lu Yun vanished from the spot.

The latter, however, appeared utterly calm.

Nothing will happen.

What can a Sage's Dao Scripture even do?

It cannot be solved.

Senior brother, just because you fear your enemy doesn't mean I do.

He spoke lightly, while Lu Yun seemed to have already disappeared, giving no reply.

Above the heavens.

Four True Dragons ceaselessly collided with this heavenly meteoric gold, the power released being extremely terrifying.

In the starry sky, tremendous booms erupted one after another; if a Martial King expert were present, merely hearing this sound would make their flesh tremble incessantly.

Divine Continent.

Countless eyes gazed upon this place; some hoped to destroy the meteoric gold fire stone, while others did not.

Time passed bit by bit.

A full half an hour.

Boom—

Finally, the two-thousand-zhang meteoric gold fire stone shattered one-tenth, but the four True Dragons were also directly shattered under the meteoric gold's overbearing impact.

It's over!

At this moment.

Everyone felt that it was over.

Within the Da Xia Capital, despair once again shrouded everything.

Within the academy, countless scholars clenched their fists; even these Great Scholars could not help but shout out.

Hope was given, then mercilessly worn away—this feeling is unbearable.

Throughout Da Xia, all scholars sensed this; after all, their inner Vast Righteousness, empowered within the formation, naturally allowed them to perceive the situation.

Despair again.

Numbness again.

This time, it was even harder to bear—the feeling of hope being crushed right before one's eyes truly made people feel utterly miserable.

The Vast Righteousness vanished.

All scholars in Da Xia have already resigned themselves to fate.

Powerless to turn the tide.

Within the imperial palace.

Emperor Yongsheng drew a deep breath as the fire stone fell; there were still six hours left, and he instinctively sent a mental transmission.

Hurry!

Take Jin Nian to a safe place.

Emperor Yongsheng spoke.

By now, he had no thoughts or hopes left.

Preserve Gu Jin Nian's life.

That is enough.

As for the rest, we'll talk about it later.

Cough cough.

After the mental transmission, Emperor Yongsheng involuntarily coughed up a mouthful of blood, his eyes full of sorrow.

He refused to accept it.

He was unwilling.

But what of it? Where could any miracle still happen?

Merely.

Just when everyone was in despair.

A weak voice echoed throughout the Da Xia Capital.

Continue chanting the scriptures.

I have a way.

The voice was extremely weak, yet it traveled through the Vast Righteousness to the Da Xia Capital.

This was Gu Jin Nian's voice.

Hearing this voice,

countless gazes involuntarily turned toward it.

A thousand li away.

On a dragon boat, Gu Jin Nian slowly rose to his feet.

He was very weak, his complexion pale, yet standing at the prow, his eyes were utterly calm—yet behind this calm.

it gave people an indescribable sense of safety.

Countless gazes also turned to this place.

They were curious.

He was also very confused, not understanding how, at this point, Gu Jin Nian could still have any solution. "Jin Nian, there is no way."

"Unless you have the Eight Realm Saint Scripture, there is simply no way to solve it."

"You should leave quickly; as long as the green mountains remain, we need not worry about firewood."

Su Wenjing's voice rang out.

He had already arranged for the Great Scholars in the academy and other scholars to quickly leave Da Xia Capital by dragon boat, so they could survive.

"Sir."

"Continue reciting the scripture."

"The student has a way."

In the next instant, Gu Jin Nian leapt straight from the dragon boat, and the Immortal King Jade Carriage appeared instantly, carrying him toward Da Xia Capital.

On the solitary mountain three thousand li away.

Junior brother Lu Yun saw the scene; he had been about to speak, but seeing Gu Jin Nian like that, he did not act for a moment.

He wanted to see what method Gu Jin Nian had to resolve such a heavenly disaster.

It had come to this point.

Without the Heaven's Mandate Saint Scripture, it cannot be solved at all.

He did not believe Gu Jin Nian possessed such a scripture; if he did, he would have used it long ago, with no need to wait until now.

"Jin Nian!"

"Leave quickly."

"I, the emperor, command you to leave quickly."

At this moment, inside the Da Xia Imperial Palace, Yong Sheng Great Emperor, upon seeing Gu Jin Nian's figure, could not help but speak, issuing an imperial decree for Gu Jin Nian to leave quickly.

By now there was no way left, powerless to reverse fate; he knew Gu Jin Nian was certainly trying to test it.

But time was insufficient—six hours; if the test took too long, there would be no chance to escape.

Although Gu Jin Nian was a Fifth Realm strongman, facing such fire stones, even a Sixth Realm strongman might not evade this calamity.

However.

Half an hour later, Gu Jin Nian had already arrived at Da Xia Academy.

He had already awakened.

When Su Wenjing abandoned the Half Saint realm, he had already awakened, though he was still in an unconscious state at that time.

After his uncle traded a hundred-year lifespan as a price, he became fully conscious and learned what crisis the Da Xia Dynasty was currently facing.

And within this short time, Gu Jin Nian also thought of a solution.

Since vast righteous Qi can block fire stones.

He had a way to increase the vast righteous Qi.

To be precise, he could boost the vast righteous Qi of Da Xia scholars.

"Jin Nian, why are you doing this?"

In the formation at Da Xia Academy, Su Wenjing watched Gu Jin Nian approach, feeling somewhat helpless.

"Sir."

"Trust me."

Gu Jin Nian's complexion was weak; he wore a white robe and then slowly stepped into the formation.

All the Great Scholars, the three thousand Establishing Speech scholars, as well as the recently arrived Li Ruoyu and Lu Chengyan, all turned to Gu Jin Nian.

They did not understand what method Gu Jin Nian still had to resolve this matter.

Could it really be possible to write a Saint Scripture?

But even if it were written, what would it achieve? Saint Scriptures for averting disaster and rescuing the distressed are useless; writing another one would be of no use. If it had been written earlier, perhaps it might have helped, but now the holy artifacts have dimmed, the three scriptures are useless, and moreover the Da Xia national fortune cannot be sustained.

They truly did not know what method Gu Jin Nian possessed.

Inside the formation.

Su Wenjing still wanted to say something.

But Gu Jin Nian had already positioned himself within the formation.

Then his voice slowly rose.

"I am Gu Jin Nian."

"All of us Da Xia scholars."

"Immediately recite the Saint Scripture."

"Today, I compose the Heaven's Mandate Saint Scripture meaning."

"May our Da Xia scholars."

"All become like dragons."

The voice sounded, not that grand.

But as the formation amplified it, in an instant the voice became immensely majestic, like a boundless sound.

It resonated throughout the entire Eastern Wilderness.

And in that very instant.

The academy's Great Scholars were instantly astonished.

Su Wenjing's eyes widened even more.

Yong Sheng Great Emperor also opened his mouth in astonishment, unable to utter a single word.

(End of Chapter)