Chapter 200: I Ching

The vast voice rose from the Da Xia Academy.

Writing the Heaven's Mandate Saint Scripture.

May the Da Xia scholars.

All are like dragons.

What a domineering statement! And what an arrogant statement! This voice reverberated throughout the Da Xia Dynasty, reaching every scholar's ears.

Everyone's gaze turned toward the Da Xia Dynasty.

Countless forces set their eyes on the Da Xia Academy.

Emperor Yongsheng opened his mouth, his eyes filled with astonishment; Gu Jin Nian never tells falsehoods, and if he lacked confidence, he would never utter such words.

Heaven's Mandate Saint Scripture.

What is this for? No one believes Gu Jin Nian can write a Saint Scripture, yet now Gu Jin Nian is not writing a Saint Scripture but a Heaven's Mandate Saint Scripture.

This is fundamentally impossible.

Even a saint may not be able to write the Heaven's Mandate Saint Scripture.

Several thousand li away.

The calm, composed man furrowed his brows at that moment; when Gu Jin Nian spoke of the Heaven's Mandate Saint Scripture, wishing the Da Xia scholars to be like dragons, he had already frowned.

The scripture in his hand was a half‑scroll of the Heaven's Mandate Saint Scripture.

This half‑scroll is enough to resolve this fire stone; he is absolutely confident.

When Gu Jin Nian appeared, he completely ignored it; he acknowledged that Gu Jin Nian possesses an absolute talent in cultivation and Zen.

The Ancient Buddha True Scripture and the Dao Patriarch True Scripture cannot be defamed; this is a fact.

But the Confucian‑Daoist lineage, to write a Saint Scripture, requires unspeakable experience; it is not something you can grasp merely by casual insight.

One must have thought and experience to write it, so he does not think Gu Jin Nian can produce a Saint Scripture.

Moreover, the Heaven's Mandate Saint Scripture is even more impossible.

"Can a one who knows saints and Establishing Speech possibly write the Heaven's Mandate Saint Scripture?"

"In the Confucian‑Daoist realm, each realm is a layer of heaven; how could you possibly write it?"

A voice sounded, carrying some fluctuations.

He believes Gu Jin Nian has the strength of a Great Scholar, but he would never think Gu Jin Nian could also write the Heaven's Mandate Saint Scripture.

This is something he is unwilling to accept, also something he does not want to accept and cannot accept.

Moreover, Gu Jin Nian's actions would ruin his plan.

His original plan was to use the half‑scroll of the Heaven's Mandate Saint Scripture to rescue the Da Xia Dynasty from fire and water; in this way, a great part of the Da Xia Dynasty's merit would be claimed by him.

And he would rescue the Da Xia Dynasty himself, becoming the new hero in the eyes of the Da Xia people, surpassing Gu Jin Nian.

Step by step suppression, then entering the court as an official, and further suppressing Gu Jin Nian in various ways.

But now, if Gu Jin Nian writes the Heaven's Mandate Saint Scripture, then all his plans would be void, and he would have to enter the Da Xia Dynasty by another means.

For now, he still has a chance to use this half‑scroll of the Heaven's Mandate Saint Scripture.

He can do so.

First, seize the attention.

However, he did not do so; instead, he quietly watched everything, not believing Gu Jin Nian could truly write the Heaven's Mandate Saint Scripture.

It is like a child who just finished a private school claiming to take the imperial exams and even achieve the three top honors.

No, it's even more exaggerated than that.

Thus, he did not act; he was gambling, betting that Gu Jin Nian could not write the Heaven's Mandate Saint Scripture; if he wins the bet, he can step on Gu Jin Nian's head and become the Da Xia Confucian‑Daoist's foremost pride.

Moreover, because Gu Jin Nian brought hope and then its ruin, his heroic image would be firmly imprinted in the hearts of the Da Xia people, making him the savior of the Da Xia Dynasty.

The probability of winning the gamble is high.

The probability of losing the gamble is very, very small; how could a one who knows saints and Establishing Speech possibly write such a scripture?

He does not believe, absolutely does not believe.

Not only him.

Within the Tai Xuan Immortal Sect.

Everyone also does not believe.

"Great Scholar Wang Xing, can Gu Jin Nian truly write the Heaven's Mandate Saint Scripture?"

Although they do not believe, some cannot help but ask the Great Scholar of the Great Jin Dynasty, their eyes full of curiosity.

"Impossible."

"If he cannot write a Saint Scripture, he certainly cannot write the Heaven's Mandate Saint Scripture."

"It's like asking someone with no cultivation at all to write a supreme cultivation method; do you think that's possible?"

Great Scholar Wang Xing shook his head directly; he fundamentally does not have confidence in Gu Jin Nian.

But after saying that, he could not help but speak again.

"However, the Da Xia Dynasty, faced with such a heavenly disaster, with the emperor's vigor, the scholars' pride, plus the Da Xia scholars' support and the people's belief, might truly enable him to write a Saint Scripture."

"But once it reaches the Saint Scripture, it is already at the extreme; surpassing the saint is impossible, absolutely impossible."

Great Scholar Wang Xing repeatedly affirmed that it is impossible, but given the combination of factors, he felt there was still a portion of probability that Gu Jin Nian could write a Saint Scripture.

After all, at this critical moment, the people's belief cannot be ignored.

Perhaps it truly is possible, and the likelihood is not small, especially since Gu Jin Nian himself is a peerless Confucian‑Daoist genius.

Thus he does not dare to say Gu Jin Nian cannot produce a Saint Scripture, but the Heaven's Mandate Saint Scripture is definitely unproducible.

This is completely impossible.

Within the Kong Family's Main Residence.

Everyone in the Kong family, from top to bottom, heard Gu Jin Nian's boundlessly vast voice.

The whole clan clamored, especially Kong Zheng, who stood beneath the Kong Temple, awaiting Gu Jin Nian's forthcoming textual meaning.

But soon, Kong Zheng's expression changed, and he immediately spoke.

"Quick!"

"Secure the Kong Temple."

"And the holy statue."

"Tell the clan members to be careful when they go to the open, spacious place."

Kong Zheng seemed to realize something; he couldn't help but speak urgently, urging the clan members to quickly go to the open place and, in passing, reinforce the Kong Temple and the holy statue.

Someone, puzzled, asked Kong Zheng why.

Facing this confusion, Kong Zheng didn't know how to answer, and simply told the asker to wait.

Da Xia Dynasty.

Whether scholars or common folk, all could hear Gu Jin Nian's immensely magnificent voice,

and in the heavens above.

A golden meteor from beyond the heavens fell at breakneck speed, mercilessly crashing toward Da Xia Capital.

Da Xia Academy.

Gu Jin Nian stood within a formation.

His expression was exceedingly weak.

Yet his eyes shone brightly, and his demeanor was unwavering.

Because he knew that behind him were countless common folk, the Da Xia populace.

At this moment, scene after scene unfolded before him.

Longxi Commandery.

The earth shook and mountains trembled; countless people died untimely, yet humanity showed compassion amid the great disaster.

Soldiers' ten fingers were stained with blood, yet they remained unwearied, digging through ruins, trying to save a person.

Donglin Commandery.

Great fires boiled, terror flooding the sky.

Countless soldiers, one after another, used their lives to rescue the people, like moths to flame, but they bore no regrets.

Nanyue Commandery.

Glaciers melted, floods ravaged; soldiers bound themselves with iron chains, hand in hand, to save the flood‑stranded people.

The bridge collapsed.

One by one, the soldiers became bridges with their bodies.

Though they were mortal flesh, they felt no fear, exchanging their lives for new ones.

When these scenes appeared before his eyes.

Gu Jin Nian couldn't help but take a deep breath.

Then.

A great wind swept in.

Between heaven and earth, at this moment, it instantly became extremely dark.

A brilliant beam of light burst completely from Gu Jin Nian's body.

People were astonished—had he not even begun writing the scripture, could his will and spirit already provoke heavenly phenomena?

What is happening?

Could it truly be the Heaven's Mandate Saint Scripture?

If it is not the Heaven's Mandate Saint Scripture, how could will and spirit alone cause such terrifying phenomena?

Countless great powers were utterly shocked; they didn't know what to say. To be frank, most people didn't believe Gu Jin Nian could compose the Heaven's Mandate Saint Scripture.

Even the Da Xia Academy, Su Wenjing and hundreds of Great Scholars, didn't believe Gu Jin Nian could produce it.

Even the Eternal Prosperous Emperor didn't believe Gu Jin Nian could compose the Heaven's Mandate Saint Scripture.

But Gu Jin Nian seemed as if he embodied the very word 'miracle', as if he could bring hope and miracles to people.

Thus, countless people held their breath, watching Gu Jin Nian.

Finally.

At this moment, Gu Jin Nian's voice rang out.

A deafening voice.

A voice of unparalleled grandeur.

"Heaven moves strongly."

"The gentleman strives unremittingly."

This voice shook the white clouds above the nine heavens, and pierced the netherworld beneath the nine abysses.

It was only this single sentence.

Countless lights exploded completely at this moment.

The entire Da Xia Dynasty burst forth with incomparable light.

Brilliant and dazzling.

This divine light rose Holy Punishment's Light Shooting Upwards.

This light covered past and present.

This voice made the scalp tingle.

Gu Jin Nian almost used up all his strength; he almost shouted hoarsely; he wanted to utter his will and spirit, to speak this scripture.

This is the foremost scripture under heaven.

The Book of Changes.

One of the three great wondrous books of Huaxia, it contains boundless wisdom and also boundless principles.

At this moment, the Da Xia Dynasty, countless people stared in astonishment at all this.

When these words rang out.

The first to be shocked was Su Wenjing; he is a Half Sage of the Confucian Dao, just from Gu Jin Nian's first sentence he could feel that such a scripture was terrifyingly vast, this is a Heaven's Mandate Sage's scripture.

This must be a Heaven's Mandate Sage's scripture!

Hundreds of Great Scholars rose to their feet, they took a deep breath, their bodies went numb.

Throughout the Da Xia Dynasty, all scholars erupted with an unprecedented light, the righteous qi, soaring forth from within their bodies.

If one were to say, before each person had only a single ray of light, but now the light on them is like a small stream; the righteous qi gathered by scholars of a prefecture is like a vast ocean.

The righteous qi of a prefecture covers the heavens and earth.

The entire Da Xia Dynasty was submerged in righteous qi.

All surged into the Da Xia Academy.

It sank into the formation, and also sank into Gu Jin Nian's body.

Under such circumstances, it again fed back into the bodies of every Da Xia scholar.

"The hidden dragon should not be used; the yang is below. Seeing the dragon in the field, virtue is spread widely. All day long, diligent and repeated, following the way. Or leaping in the abyss, advancing without blame. The flying dragon in the heavens, the great person creates."

"The arrogant dragon has regret; fullness cannot last long. Using the nine, the heavenly virtue cannot be foremost."

"Great is the heavenly origin; all things arise from it; it thus governs heaven."

"Clouds move, rain is distributed; things flow and take form. The bright brilliance begins and ends; six positions achieve completion in time; riding six dragons to govern heaven."

"The Way of Qian transforms; each corrects destiny and nature; preserving great harmony, thus advantageous and correct. First to bring forth the myriad things; all states are at peace."

Gu Jin Nian continued reciting the Book of Changes.

Each character turned into a true dragon.

Each sentence made that true dragon more substantial.

"Heaven's Mandate Sage's scripture, truly it is a Heaven's Mandate Sage's scripture!"

"He really wrote a Heaven's Mandate Sage's scripture, this is impossible!"

"The later-generation sage, the later-generation sage, indeed the reputation is not undeserved."

"From ancient times to present, only five people have written a Heaven's Mandate Sage's scripture; such scripture, even sages cannot compose it, let alone one who merely knows how to establish speech as a sage."

"He is not yet a Great Scholar, yet he can already compose a Heaven's Mandate Sage's scripture; if one day he becomes a Great Scholar, becomes a Half Sage, becomes a Sage, what will happen then?"

"The Ancient Buddha's True Scripture, the Dao Ancestor's True Scripture, and now also a Heaven's Mandate Sage's scripture—what kind of person is Gu Jin Nian? Could he be the Heaven's Mandated one? Is he destined as the Heaven's Mandated person?"

Voices sounded one after another; this voice was hysterical, this voice was terrified beyond compare, this voice shook the whole body.

Gu Jin Nian, he has created too many, too many miracles.

At critical moments, he always brings hope.

He resolves all troubles.

It seems he is omnipotent.

But, the phenomena are only just beginning.

Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! When the first section was finished being recited by Gu Jin Nian, the Da Xia Dynasty, bathed in righteous qi.

The next moment, rows of sage statues also completely revived at this moment.

These sage statues possess part of the sages' will; when the world has an astonishing article, they will have a response.

But this time, these sage statues also burst forth with boundless light.

Da Xia Academy.

The violent wind swept everything around; not to mention the entire Da Xia Academy, even the entire Da Xia Capital was swept by the violent wind, this is a hurricane formed from righteous qi.

Within the Da Xia Imperial Palace.

Emperor Yongsheng watched all this; his dragon robe fluttered loudly in the wind, his hair was blown into disarray, like a swimming dragon drifting behind his head.

"Self-improvement without cease."

"I have said these words before."

Inside the palace, unlike others' shock, Emperor Yongsheng's shock was that he had spoken these words.

He had indeed spoken the words 'self-improvement without cease'.

Before, he might have just been copying a bit, but this sentence he truly did not copy; he really spoke these words.

Heaven-shaking phenomena swept the Da Xia Dynasty.

The Tai Xuan Immortal Sect, nine people were utterly dumbfounded; the Shang Qing Daoist was silent to the extreme, but the one with the richest expression was that person, Wang Xing the Great Scholar.

He truly had a rich expression.

It was shock, also astonishment; mouth agape, eyes vacant, the whole person had become foolishly stupid.

He had just firmly said that Gu Jin Nian could not write a Heaven's Mandate Sage's scripture; hearing it now, it is extremely grating.

It is even extremely grating.

It is grating to the extreme!

Each word Gu Jin Nian spoke was like a slap striking his face.

How could he not feel uncomfortable?

But in the process of feeling uncomfortable, there was shock, profound shock, unparalleled shock.

Under heaven, why is there such a monster?

He doesn't understand, nor does he wish to understand.

This truly is a case of one person versus another; it makes one furious.

In Da Xia Capital, a thousand li away, among the hills.

Chang Yun Tian silently watches it all, his gaze filled with complexity, indescribable complexity.

Heaven's Mandate Saint Scripture.

Gu Jin Nian truly authored the Heaven's Mandate Saint Scripture.

He lost the gamble; all his plans must be redone, but that is not what pains him. Setting aside his astonishment and shock, what truly troubles him is why Gu Jin Nian could write the Heaven's Mandate Saint Scripture.

I, being the true heavenly prodigy of Confucianism and Dao, could recognize characters at one year old, compose poetry at two, and read saintly scriptures at three.

Since childhood in the Great Dao Residence, I was guided by the Half Saint; the year I turned ten, the Half Saint no longer had the right to teach me Confucianism and Dao. Up to today, at exactly twenty, in these ten years I have traveled the world, read ten thousand volumes, and walked ten thousand li.

I became a Great Scholar early on.

I am destined to be the foremost in Confucianism and Dao; if I were to compose scriptures, I dare not claim saintly scriptures, but Half Saint texts I can pick up at will.

However, Gu Jin Nian, a person who has never walked ten thousand li nor read ten thousand volumes, just a year ago still a dandy of the Da Xia Dynasty, how could he reach this point? He does not believe it, nor is he willing to.

Yet confronting this unparalleled phenomenon, an unprecedented sense of oppression overwhelms him, making him unbearably distressed.

"I refuse to accept it."

"What do the meanings of the classics and articles amount to?"

"I, Chang Yun Tian, will one day prove to the world that I am the foremost in Confucianism and Dao."

"This Heaven's Mandate dispute is tailor-made for me Chang Yun Tian; I am the master of this Heaven's Mandate."

Chang Yun Tian let out a low roar; facing this terrifying oppression, his Dao heart did not collapse, but instead his fighting spirit ignited, firming his conviction.

It can be said this is a good thing; under extreme crushing, he chose not to give up but to solidify his Dao heart.

However, Chang Yun Tian felt no joy at all; he firmly etched this matter into his heart, and gazing at the terrifying phenomenon, he vowed to remember this day and never forget.

In the distance, five thousand li away.

Sensing the terrifying phenomenon, Lu Yun's eyes were filled with horror.

"Junior brother Chang Yun Tian has truly met a formidable opponent this time."

He first sighed, then continued speaking.

"Fortunately, what I vie for has nothing to do with him; I don't think it will entangle him either."

"Such a person likely has Heaven's Mandate bestowed, and as the time of Heaven's Mandate's revelation draws near, the talents they display become increasingly terrifying."

"Junior brother Chang Yun Tian truly met a formidable opponent, but that's also good; it prevents him from always feeling he is the number one under heaven. Having someone suppress him is a good thing, and if they can suppress him completely, it is not a bad thing for me."

"If Gu Jin Nian cannot keep junior brother Chang Yun Tian in check, for me it still means one fewer competitor."

"However, the Great Dao Residence likely will elevate Gu Jin Nian on the Heaven's Mandate ranking; being able to author the Heaven's Mandate Saint Scripture alone easily puts him among the top three."

"Fortunately, I am not his enemy for now, nor do I need to meet him."

Lu Yun muttered to himself, feeling grateful, and also made a judgment: whether it's Gu Jin Nian or his junior brother Chang Yun Tian, neither is the opponent he wishes to face.

The two's clash, whoever fails, is a good thing for him.

Thinking this, Lu Yun quickened his pace; he intends to set a trap.

A Buddhist sect's calamity.

Six realms of reincarnation, ten Yama halls.

And this peerless terrifying aura has already spread throughout the entire Eastern Wilderness.

The Fuyu Dynasty and the Great Jin Dynasty cast unusually sincere gazes; the Great Jin Emperor rose, looking at the Da Xia Dynasty with a hint of bitterness on his face.

Gu Jin Nian's composition of such a piece means this Da Xia Dynasty's current calamity can likely be resolved with ease.

If the Da Xia Dynasty resolves it easily, then the future fate of the Great Jin Dynasty will truly be heavily suppressed.

"Dragon Rice Treasure Note must be implemented."

"This is the Great Jin Dynasty's future national destiny dispute."

The Great Jin Emperor whispered inwardly.

Within the Great Jin Dynasty.

A Confucian scholar, watching all this, is Su Wenjing's elder brother, also a Half Saint, and the dean of the Great Jin Academy. He gazes at the Da Xia Dynasty, his eyes full of astonishment.

"Wenjing!"

"You have taught a fine student."

He muttered to himself.

In the exquisite Celestial Palace, the Yaochi Fairy's beautiful eyes watched the Da Xia Dynasty; her previously serene gaze now showed delight, rejoicing for Gu Jin Nian.

In the Qingqiu Mountains, the Clearwater Fairy also watches the Da Xia Dynasty, and upon this scene, her exquisite face is full of smiles.

"The man I favor truly is different; he can even author the Heaven's Mandate Saint Scripture."

She muttered, her admiration deepening in her gaze.

But the truly frightening one is still the Kong Family's Main Residence.

The entire Kong Family's Main Residence trembles, earth shaking and mountains moving; the Kong Temple erupts with intense light, the saint statue reflecting Confucius's figure, yet this is not Confucius's descent but his will.

The emergence of the Heaven's Mandate Saint Scripture causes Confucius's will to descend once more.

"Heaven moves strongly."

"The gentleman strives for self-improvement without cease."

A magnificent voice resonated through heaven and earth, transmitting across the world in an instant.

At that moment, figures of ancient sages appeared one after another.

All the sages shone upon the firmament, breaking the darkness of dawn, surrounding with lofty righteous qi.

Above Da Xia Capital.

The myriad philosophers and schools of thought appear, each venerable sage awakened by the Heaven's Mandate Saint's scripture, they hold scrolls, brushes, guqin, or wield chess pieces, battling against Heaven and Earth.

The emergence of the Hundred Schools converges into a terrifying, unparalleled true dragon silhouette.

The boundless, endless righteous Qi also coalesces into true dragons, spiraling above the firmament.

All scholars received a massive boost; their righteous Qi became more than ten times stronger than before. And at that moment.

Su Wenjing awoke from the shock; he sensed what this Heaven's Mandate Saint's scripture represented.

Then, using all his strength, he uttered a sound.

"Da Xia scholars, hear the command."

"Gu Jin Nian, as our Da Xia scribe, composes a peerless scripture to augment the Qi fortune of our Confucian Dao; all Da Xia scholars who recite the Saint's scripture may gain Qi fortune blessings, continuing the immortal brilliance of the Confucian Dao."

Su Wenjing roared; he knew what Gu Jin Nian's Heaven's Mandate Saint's scripture signified—it was not a doctrine‑explaining Heaven's Mandate Saint's scripture, but one that could boost scholars' Qi fortune.

Hearing this, tens of thousands of scholars were stunned.

They had thought Gu Jin Nian's scripture was merely to block the falling golden descent, but did not expect it could also increase the Qi fortune of the Confucian Dao and their own Qi fortune.

If it benefits themselves, everyone became fervently excited.

"Heaven moves strongly."

"The gentleman strives unceasingly for self‑improvement."

At this moment, Su Wenjing spoke; he infused his own essence, qi, and spirit above. Though he no longer possessed the Half Saint cultivation, his spirit was not weaker than a Half Saint.

Holy Punishment's Voice rang out.

The sound seemed divine; as Su Wenjing recited, his mortal body radiated light, righteous Qi surged into him, completing a transformation.

In the academy, all Great Scholars began reciting together; these scholars did not hesitate.

Within the Da Xia Dynasty, all scholars at that moment, in unison, recited this scripture.

"Great is Qian Yuan, the source of all things, governing Heaven. Clouds move, rain falls, myriad things assume form."

A grand, resounding voice.

Deafening.

The scholars' power shakes antiquity and dazzles the present.

Finally, at this moment, a Golden Dragon emerged in transformation; the boundless righteous Qi also transformed into a Golden Dragon.

Roar.

The dragon's chant pierced past and present, through the Thirty‑Three Heavens and the Nine‑Dark Realm, startling Heaven and Earth, moving ghosts and gods to weep.

And the divine light on Gu Jin Nian grew ever more dazzling and terrifying.

He continuously recited the scripture.

Until the end.

After completing the Qian Hexagram recitation, Gu Jin Nian stood upon the firmament; his figure was reflected across every corner of the Divine Continent.

Like a Heaven's Mandate Saint.

Heaven and Earth roared for him.

Sun and Moon trembled for him.

All things in the universe became radiant because of Gu Jin Nian.

"Supreme is Kun Yuan, the source of all life, following Heaven. Kun is profound, bearing all things; its virtue boundless. Containing and expanding light."

Gu Jin Nian continued reciting; this is the opening of the Kun Hexagram.

It contains profound reasoning.

When the exposition concluded, Gu Jin Nian's momentum fully erupted in that instant.

"The earth's condition is Kun."

"The gentleman carries all things with profound virtue."

As these words rang out.

In the Da Xia Dynasty, the light on each scholar flared intensely again.

Their righteous Qi formed a dragon shape.

"All people are like dragons."

A peerless strongman widened his eyes; the dragon form signified the ultimate.

Dragon‑shaped true qi, dragon‑shaped magical power, dragon‑shaped Buddha light, dragon‑shaped righteous Qi.

Dragon.

It has two meanings: one refers to a true dragon, a mighty beast.

The second meaning is perfection, the ultimate, the strongest existence.

At this moment, in the Da Xia Dynasty, any scholar with a benevolent heart attained elevation; as gentlemen, a dragon‑shaped righteous Qi was born within them.

This dragon‑shaped righteous Qi is something they might not have been able to condense over decades or even a lifetime.

It is not that this dragon‑shaped righteous Qi makes them ten times stronger; rather, this righteous Qi represents their essence, qi, and spirit, aiding their future cultivation of the Confucian Dao.

Previously unattainable realms can be easily broken through via this dragon‑shaped righteous true qi, provided one upholds the gentleman's way and heart.

Without it, it is useless.

Simply put, this dragon‑shaped righteous Qi strengthens the strong and weakens the weak, offering those with true gentlemanly qualities a path of advancement.

"Let all scholars of the Da Xia Dynasty be like dragons; this line of the Confucian Dao will stabilize within the Da Xia Dynasty."

Someone spoke, eyes astonished, also realizing what this was for.

Gu Jin Nian made all scholars of the Da Xia Dynasty like dragons, strengthening the Confucian Dao line; however, that line is wholly concentrated in the Da Xia Dynasty, which still harbors some selfish intent.

"Not only that, though it is not evident now, ten years later, twenty years later, the Confucian Dao of Da Xia will surpass all, especially when Heaven bestows its blessings, these scholars will also gain partial benefits."

"The rise of Da Xia is a destined event."

Someone gave affirmation, calculating the future.

"Did you all forget, some time ago, Gu Jin Nian's words about cutting the scholars' and Daoists' fortune?"

"I didn't expect that he truly accomplished it today."

However, someone suddenly woke up and mentioned a sentence Gu Jin Nian had said before.

When those words were spoken, they further caused countless scholar and Daoist forces to be astonished.

Especially some people who had previously criticized Gu Jin Nian; they saw this scene and fell completely silent.

Indeed, some time ago, Gu Jin Nian, after cutting the scholars' and Daoists' fortune, said he would provide restitution.

But no one believed it, and no one was willing to believe how a single person could raise the entire scholars' and Daoists' fortune. Now, Gu Jin Nian has shown these people.

"Truly, the younger generation is fearsome."

"In contrast, the older generation of scholars is indeed too arrogant."

"The stars of old illuminated the path for later generations; today's torch also shines dazzlingly."

"We should step back; this world ought to be left to these young people."

Some voices rose—true great figures of the scholars and Daoists. At this moment, some felt an indescribable admiration; they admired Gu Jin Nian for serving the country and the people, and also admired his extraordinary talent.

Gu Jin Nian's actions today made many older scholars completely abandon the contest for Heaven's Mandate.

Before such a dazzling torch, our already dim stars become utterly dark.

"A gentleman's path first loses the Dao, then follows the constant. Gaining friends in the southwest walks with his kind; losing friends in the northeast ultimately brings celebration."

Gu Jin Nian continued reciting the I Ching.

One dragon after another converged.

On each scholar's body, a dragon‑shaped vast righteous qi coalesced: the Xiongnu State, the Fuyu Dynasty, the Great Jin Dynasty, all scholars of Eastern Wilderness, and even many Great Scholars of the Central Continent Dynasty.

At this moment, they all showed envy.

The scholars of the Da Xia Dynasty, having obtained the dragon‑shaped vast righteous qi, need not say about others; at least breaking through a realm in the future will be no problem.

The Establishing Speech realm broke through to the Great Scholar realm.

The Great Scholar realm is highly likely to break through into Half Saint.

The lower the realm, the greater the chance of breakthrough.

How can this not be enviable?

"Is it only Da Xia scholars who can have the dragon‑shaped vast righteous qi? I also recite this scripture, why is it useless?"

"Yes, I also started reciting, why don't I have the dragon‑shaped vast righteous qi? Could it be that the Confucian arts are still being hoarded?"

Some voices rose, containing doubt, yet everyone understood that they carried some complaint.

The voices came from the Fuyu Dynasty and the Great Jin Dynasty; after seeing Da Xia scholars gain such benefits, they naturally also recited the scripture, but did not form the dragon‑shaped vast righteous qi, so they began to raise questions.

There was a hint of covert accusation, blaming Gu Jin Nian for hoarding.

"Shut up."

At this moment, a Half Saint's voice rang out.

It made all those people shut up.

"This is the Heaven's Mandate Saint Scripture; how could you desecrate it?"

"The lack of dragon‑shaped vast righteous qi is because you have not helped the Da Xia Dynasty."

"When calamities strike, you stand by with folded arms; is this not ungentlemanlike?"

"If you are not a gentleman, how can you be like a dragon?"

"This scripture must be studied carefully, recited daily, its meaning expounded, only then will there be a chance to form the dragon‑shaped vast righteous qi in the future."

"The scholar and Daoist scriptures do not make everyone a true dragon; they open a path so that everyone can be like a dragon."

"If you dare speak nonsense again, I will personally go to the Great Jin Dynasty and abolish its scholar lineage."

This is a reclusive Half Saint; before Gu Jin Nian wrote the Heaven's Mandate Saint Scripture, he remained hidden, avoiding worldly disputes and immersing himself in study.

But when Gu Jin Nian's scripture was published, he was completely shocked and also deeply admired Gu Jin Nian.

Naturally, hearing someone speak that way, he could not help but speak out to admonish.

Only.

Just then.

The dragon roared repeatedly.

A Golden Dragon a hundred thousand zhang long spiraled above Da Xia Capital; this Golden Dragon, covering the sky and earth, could be seen by every commoner of the Da Xia Dynasty.

The commoners knelt on the ground and bowed to the Golden Dragon.

This terrifying Golden Dragon, as Gu Jin Nian's spirit, essence, and vigor reached its peak, surged upward toward the heavens.

Boom.

Piercing the void.

Mountains, rivers, and earth all trembled, not with violent shaking but with resonance.

This Golden Dragon was millions of times stronger than before.

The Golden Dragon shot skyward.

Colliding with a meteoric gold from beyond the heavens.

The falling gold trembled incessantly, but the Golden Dragon immediately seized it, blazing intense light, and everyone gazed at the heavens.

Awaiting the outcome.

However, at that moment, a vast voice rang out.

"Student Chief Yun Tian, a Da Xia Qingzhou person, with a half‑scroll of the Heaven's Mandate Saint Scripture, saves the Da Xia populace."

As that voice sounded.

In an instant, it drew a great deal of astonishment.

Is it the Heaven's Mandate Saint Scripture again?

Is this really so exaggerated? Above the capital, a figure appeared, surrounded by radiance, bearing a dignified and lofty bearing, handsome and graceful, with an otherworldly aura, holding a scroll of the Heaven's Mandate Saint Scripture. Though it was a fragment, its significance was great and its value extraordinary.

In the academy, Su Wenjing was somewhat astonished, but soon sensed that something was amiss.

Including the earlier Li Ruoyu and Lu Chengyan, who had never even heard of it, yet both were in the Great Scholar realm; now Chang Yun Tian had arrived, making matters even more extraordinary.

And he also carried half a scroll of the Heaven's Mandate Saint Scripture?

If it weren't for Gu Jin Nian, Su Wenjing wouldn't have thought so much; yet as Gu Jin Nian relieved all pressure, he couldn't help being curious, and couldn't help being puzzled.

"Saint, save my Da Xia Dynasty."

Chang Yun Tian spoke, tossing the scroll of the Heaven's Mandate Saint Scripture, his face generous.

However, in an instant, Su Wenjing acted and directly seized the scroll.

"The young friend has good intentions."

"At present, the Marquis has already set the Da Xia heavenly disaster; this Heaven's Mandate Saint Scripture cannot yet play a major role, but the young friend's intention earns my deep respect."

"Place this scroll in the Da Xia Academy; when the Da Xia Dynasty faces another crisis, retrieve it to avert disaster. Does the young friend consent?"

Su Wenjing spoke.

This saintly scroll has no effect at all; to be frank, Gu Jin Nian possesses the complete version, which makes everyone like dragons.

What benefit does this fellow's scripture have?

Taking it out is merely adding embroidery to brocade, and the main point is that this scroll, once taken out, will inevitably divert the forthcoming blessings of Heaven and Earth.

Seriously, the Da Xia Dynasty has endured five great heavenly disasters, especially this final one.

How terrifying? Saying it could lead to the nation's ruin is entirely reasonable.

The greater the sacrifice, the more one receives.

As a Half Saint, Su Wenjing was already anticipating what blessings Heaven and Earth would grant later.

He could not imagine.

But suddenly, a mysterious person arrived, capable of producing the Heaven's Mandate Saint Scripture. Whatever his purpose, the scripture was no longer needed, and no one could be allowed to share the benefits belonging to Gu Jin Nian.

Gu Jin Nian has given too much.

Now wanting to take a share is a delusional fantasy.

Above the academy, seeing the scroll snatched by Su Wenjing, Chang Yun Tian showed no outward displeasure, but bowed toward Su Wenjing.

"Since it is the teacher's wish, the student naturally has no objection."

"As long as it can save the Da Xia common folk, that is sufficient for the student."

The latter spoke calmly, truly giving the impression of a righteous hero.

Chang Yun Tian turned and left.

He lingered not a moment, as if he had only come to deliver the Heaven's Mandate Saint Scripture.

In reality, he felt very suppressed.

Extremely suppressed.

He knew exactly how valuable this Heaven's Mandate Saint Scripture was; originally he could have used it to secure countless benefits for himself.

But now?

He gained no benefit at all, having given it away to the Da Xia Dynasty for free.

Moreover, for the subsequent plan, he could only swallow his resentment, bow his head, and agree.

Suppressed.

Suppressed.

It was an unspeakable suppression.

In the academy, Li Ruoyu and Lu Chengyan appeared fine outwardly, yet their hearts ached; Chang Yun Tian was their senior brother, and they had come merely to lay groundwork for their senior brother.

They had tampered with those two saintly scrolls, whose effect would be minor, giving the Da Xia populace hope only to have it shattered.

When their senior brother arrived to save the world's people, that was their plan.

But they did not expect.

All these plans were ruined by Gu Jin Nian.

Boom! Boom! Boom! The sound of thunder rang out.

With that sound, Su Wenjing and the others couldn't help but look toward the heavens.

Above the heavens, they saw.

A five‑clawed Golden Dragon formed from righteous aura had at this moment completely seized control of the falling gold.

Yes.

It has been controlled.

The falling gold was clamped by the Golden Dragon, then flew downward.

With the dragon's head revealed, this extraterrestrial falling gold was terrifyingly massive, over a thousand zhang in width and more than seven hundred zhang in height, looking extremely frightening.

Like a great mountain.

"Break!"

Above the academy, Gu Jin Nian spoke slowly.

At that moment, the Golden Dragon roared, its layers of divine power striking the falling gold.

Then the falling gold exploded, turning into fragments of stone.

Even the smallest piece was a meter high, the largest over ten meters high.

The falling gold was shattered.

Gu Jin Nian controlled the Golden Dragon, piling these meteoric gold pieces on a wasteland southwest of the Da Xia Capital.

Immediately, a meteoric gold mountain appeared.

People were somewhat puzzled, not knowing why they didn't just shatter them directly in the air.

But soon, all the great dynasties fell silent at once.

"Are they collecting meteoric gold to forge weapons?"

The Great Gold Emperor immediately understood why Gu Jin Nian was doing this.

This meteoric gold is indestructible, terrifying beyond compare; even the sages' scriptures couldn't blast it apart.

How terrifying would it be to forge weapons from this meteoric gold? He could see that the soldiers of the Da Xia Dynasty, wielding such indestructible divine weapons in the future, would be utterly terrifying.

A tremendous danger hides a tremendous opportunity.

Just this single piece of meteoric gold could temper tens of millions of armors, swords, and warhorse barding; thereafter, the Da Xia Dynasty's iron cavalry might. need to surpass everything.

Of course, this is only a possibility, after all this meteoric gold cannot be refined so easily; ordinary flames cannot melt it, requiring the immortals to intervene.

Otherwise, it would be of little use and could not be mass-produced.

But this material, the more the better; even if it cannot be mass-produced, slowly crafting it is still a good thing.

However, just then.

Above the academy, Gu Jin Nian's voice rang out again.

"Swift!"

A shout rang out.

The next moment, the Golden Dragon flew once more toward the heavenly firmament, and people turned their gazes.

One could see that the Golden Dragon, condensed from vast righteousness qi, was actually frantically colliding with some meteoric stones.

It even traversed space, arriving around other dead stars, forcibly destroying some meteoric stones.

It would bite the meteoric gold from within, hold it in its mouth, and then send it back to the Da Xia Dynasty once more.

At this moment.

Everyone was dumbfounded.

Good fellow.

"You damn well came to deliver goods, huh?" (End of chapter)