Chapter 202: Heaven and Earth Great Scholar, Hundred Schools Contending Phenomenon, Heaven-Granted Literary Palace, Great Path to Sai

Everyone fell silent.

They looked at Gu Jin Nian; this time even those who were enemies of Gu Jin Nian fell somewhat silent.

Such terrifying heavenly and earthly merit power.

If it were bestowed upon Gu Jin Nian alone, to say something unpleasant, even if Gu Jin Nian had now become a Half Saint, it would not be excessive.

Yet at this moment, Gu Jin Nian actually dispelled such terrifying merit, granting it to the soldiers of Da Xia and the suffering commoners.

Such magnanimity left everyone silent.

The Confucian Way is propriety.

Every scholar hangs morality on his lips; every scholar shouts for the common people in his mouth.

But who can actually put it into practice? How few?

Especially, facing such a bestowal, who could remain unmoved? Let the Emperor Yongsheng come? Facing such a bestowal, could he achieve selfless dedication?

The answer is obvious.

Emperor Yongsheng would dispense part of the merit, which many believe, but for Emperor Yongsheng, dispensing it to the commoners could secure his throne, or bring him benefits.

But Gu Jin Nian is not like that.

Gu Jin Nian's action is completely giving up everything of himself for the world.

Such a pattern left everyone silent.

Above the heavens.

Boundless merit spread out, opening golden heavenly canopies; these golden canopies fell upon many corners of the Da Xia Dynasty.

In Longxi Commandery, the soldiers still fighting bathed in golden light, letting their exhausted bodies and minds receive support at this moment.

Some soldiers covered in wounds also received healing at this moment; their injuries recovered.

Their physiques transformed, their essence and spirit full, with endless benefits.

In Donglin Commandery.

Countless commoners bathed in merit's golden light; the previous merit golden rain had cured their lung ailments, and now this merit golden light shining upon them increased their fortune, bringing many variables in the future.

For example, encountering a benefactor in business, or discovering something, or descendants giving birth to a promising child.

This is the benefit of fortune.

Giving rise to variables.

In Nanyue Commandery.

The golden merit light shone not only on the commoners and soldiers, but also on the icy river.

Soon, golden fish were born, bringing new vitality.

In Jiangzhong Commandery.

Under the merit's golden light, some wasteland or cracked land became fertile at this moment; besides fields, Jiangzhong Commandery was relatively barren.

After being bathed in the merit's light, it displayed a different splendor.

Waterfalls turned into rivers, oasis great lakes, green mountains and clear waters, beauty beyond measure.

The commoners bathed in merit's light can be roughly divided into two types: one type, during this great disaster, held good intentions, donated supplies, food, gold and silver objects, and could receive merit's blessing.

Another type of commoners had family members who died in this heavenly disaster, or soldiers' families.

These also received considerable merit's blessing.

This merit originally belonged solely to Gu Jin Nian, but now Gu Jin Nian has shared it with these people.

In Gu Jin Nian's view, this heavenly disaster was not something he rescued alone; perhaps he was the main figure, but reliance still lay on the commoners and soldiers of the Da Xia Dynasty.

Without them, how could this heavenly disaster be solved by his own strength? Therefore, Gu Jin Nian shared this merit with the commoners; this is the merit they earned.

"If it is not mine, even a hair's breadth I will not take."

Yet at this moment, Gu Jin Nian's benevolence, Gu Jin Nian's generosity, deeply moved countless scholars.

"Lord Gu's righteousness."

At this moment, in the Da Xia Academy, a scholar rose, looked at Gu Jin Nian, and addressed him respectfully as Lord Gu.

This address is the highest honor scholars bestow, coming from the heart.

What future sage, what present sage's son—these are beautiful titles, but the title "Lord" is indeed a commendation of virtue.

With this person speaking.

In an instant, all scholars rose involuntarily, bowing from the heart to Gu Jin Nian, loudly calling out "Lord Gu."

Facing such fortune, Gu Jin Nian remained oblivious, distributing merit to the myriad beings of Da Xia, to the soldiers of Da Xia.

As scholars rose one after another, these great scholars also had to rise; without any coercion, nor any hint of dissatisfaction, even those great scholars who were older than Gu Jin Nian by three or four cycles rose, bowing to Gu Jin Nian.

Such virtue, how many have there been throughout ancient and modern times? Beside him, Su Wenjing also could not help but bow to Gu Jin Nian.

This bow of his was not to Gu Jin Nian, but to Gu Jin Nian's virtue; that is what a true scholar is.

"Lord Gu above, today dispersing heavenly and earthly merit, accomplishing one of the Three Immortalities of a sage, already has Establishing Virtue."

"Rescuing the Da Xia Dynasty from water and fire, this is Establishing Merit."

"After Lord Gu establishes speech, we can become sages of the human race."

"Now, I hereby swear: before Lord Gu becomes a sage, I will never become a sage."

At this moment, Su Wenjing slowly opened his mouth; he was deeply impressed by Gu Jin Nian's virtue, thus he is a scholar of the present age.

As for his own situation, aided by the heavenly and earthly sage heart, he indeed could possibly become a sage in this period, but facing Gu Jin Nian, his own becoming a sage seems somewhat laughable.

Therefore, he made a great oath: if Gu Jin Nian does not become a sage, he will not become a sage either.

The Three Immortalities of a sage.

Establishing speech, establishing virtue, establishing merit.

Calculating, Gu Jin Nian, though barely eighteen, has already accomplished Establishing Virtue and Establishing Merit.

What is this, a feat that a scholar could never achieve in a lifetime? Yet Gu Jin Nian has done it.

Listening to Su Wenjing's voice, Gu Jin Nian shook his head, looking at Su Wenjing and said.

"Sir, you need not be like that."

"The student only follows his heart."

Gu Jin Nian spoke; he did not think that what he did was establishing virtue, merely obeying his own heart.

Hearing this, Su Wenjing smiled faintly and said.

"Am I not also following my heart?"

Su Wenjing spoke; his heart was elated, speaking frankly, attaining the Holy Heart of Heaven and Earth is a good thing, becoming a saint is also a good thing, yet he is not yet ready.

It takes time to hone oneself; only when one's own virtue, learning, and ideals reach the level of a sage can one become a saint, otherwise it is all empty talk. Gu Jin Nian's actions today have made him realize many things.

Supreme Profound Immortal Sect.

The Great Scholar of the Great Jin Dynasty, after watching this scene, could not help but speak slowly.

"First comes establishing merit, then establishing virtue. If he succeeds in Establishing Speech, the path to sainthood is right before his eyes. This Heaven's Mandate—does it truly intend to produce a Heaven's Mandate Saint? The fifth Heaven's Mandate Saint?"

He spoke; even though he is Gu Jin Nian's enemy, as a scholar he cannot malign Gu Jin Nian, nor can he criticize him.

"After Establishing Speech, can he become a saint?"

Pingyun Daoist opened his mouth, somewhat curious, looking at Wang Xing Great Scholar, he asked thus.

"Cannot."

At this moment, Shangqing Daoist was the first to speak; although he is not a Confucian or Daoist scholar, he also knows some of their information.

"The saint's three imperishabilities—establishing merit and establishing virtue—can indeed be achieved, but Establishing Speech is the greatest obstacle."

"Your Establishing Speech must gain the recognition of scholars across the world; if it does not, the establishment has no effect."

"However, there are benefits as well; having already established merit and virtue, his prestige is extremely high, and Gu Jin Nian, in the hearts of scholars, has essentially become a new god."

"Even without Establishing Speech, he will eventually become a saint."

Shangqing Daoist spoke, saying so.

He is not among the Confucian or Daoist circles, but at this point Gu Jin Nian has already completed establishing virtue; no matter how much one targets Gu Jin Nian, he cannot utter any criticism.

Yet these remarks still taste somewhat sour.

"It's not just extremely high prestige, but unprecedentedly high."

"Thanks to the Da Xia Great Disaster this time, Gu Jin Nian has already penetrated the hearts of the common people; to put it bluntly, in the eyes of the people, even the Da Xia emperor is inferior to Gu Jin Nian—this is the endorsement of popular opinion."

"And for these scholars, 'Heaven moves strongly; the gentleman strives unceasingly' and 'Earth is receptive; the gentleman bears all with profound virtue'—just these two lines open a path for Da Xia scholars where everyone can become like dragons."

"Scholars will hold Gu Jin Nian in boundless respect and reverence."

"If, under these circumstances, Gu Jin Nian were to establish his own scholarship now, countless people would surely follow him. As long as Gu Jin Nian's scholarship is not hastily produced, and as long as it aligns with the Dao, within a year his scholarship will gain the recognition of all Da Xia scholars."

"Thus, one spreads to ten, ten to a hundred, completing the final imperishability among the three, reaching the saintly realm; after Heaven's Mandate descends, the possibility of him becoming an eighth‑realm being is enormous, far too great."

Wang Xing Great Scholar spoke; as a scholar, he could instantly discern what Gu Jin Nian means now, and what Gu Jin Nian will represent in the future.

Listening to these words, the crowd was somewhat stunned, yet some still refused to believe, or rather could not acknowledge Gu Jin Nian's excellence.

"Regarding Establishing Speech, Gu Jin Nian is still young; he may not succeed in Establishing Speech, and even if he does, he may not produce truly excellent scholarship."

This was spoken by Pingyun Daoist; his words were somewhat forced, but largely to lull himself, unwilling to admit Gu Jin Nian's excellence.

But as soon as he said that, Wang Xing Great Scholar couldn't help but look at the latter, his gaze landing on Pingyun Daoist.

"May I ask, before the Buddhist sect, could you have imagined Gu Jin Nian composing a true Buddha ancient scripture? Before the Eastern Wilderness Demon Cave, could you have imagined Gu Jin Nian composing a true Dao Ancestor scripture?"

"Before the Da Xia Great Disaster, before the seventeenth firestone fell, who among you could have thought that Gu Jin Nian would truly author the Heaven's Mandate Saint scriptures?"

"Who could have thought?"

"Yet Gu Jin Nian did it?"

"Then on what basis would Gu Jin Nian fail to utter immortal words? To not create supreme scholarship?"

Wang Xing Great Scholar's words were each like pearls, leaving the other speechless.

Indeed, Gu Jin Nian has already reached this level; on what grounds do you think Gu Jin Nian cannot create supreme scholarship? Though it sounds harsh, Wang Xing is boosting others' morale while diminishing his own prestige, but the fact remains.

"Then what shall we do?"

"Should we just let Gu Jin Nian do this? Shall we simply wait and watch? Wait for Gu Jin Nian to step into the eighth realm?"

Pingyun Daoist felt somewhat uneasy; although he did not want to admit it, the other's words had no flaw.

With those words spoken, Wang Xing Great Scholar fell silent, causing the crowd to also become silent.

Indeed, according to this logic, there is truly nothing to contest; everyone can simply wait, watching Gu Jin Nian become an eighth‑realm strongman and obtain Heaven's Mandate.

However, at this moment Shangqing Daoist's voice suddenly rang out.

"Wang Xing Great Scholar is correct, but we must remember a few points."

"First, the more outstanding Gu Jin Nian is, the more hatred he draws; what the world can see are us, but there is also an unseen group of people waiting for Heaven's Mandate."

"Second, we are forming an alliance; as long as we keep recruiting allies, our ranks will grow, and more strong ones will appear. Of course, it does not mean that assembling so many people must harm Gu Jin Nian; simply marginalizing Gu Jin Nian is also a kind of oppression, and Gu Jin Nian has little to say, unable to cause us trouble."

"Third, Heaven's Mandate has not yet truly arrived; I, old man, believe Gu Jin Nian will inevitably forge supreme scholarship—that is inevitable. Yet he is still young; forging scholarship requires deep study of the myriad classics and meticulous compilation. It is not something that becomes clear by merely producing two scriptures; scholarship is not merely a theory."

"Therefore we have plenty of time; when Heaven's Mandate arrives, we will soar skyward. Why worry? Who can say for certain what the future holds?"

Shangqing Daoist spoke; now that it has reached this stage, he must explain clearly to everyone, otherwise morale will decline, which is not a good thing.

Sure enough, as Shangqing Daoist spoke, the crowd nodded, acknowledging the statement, even Wang Xing Great Scholar could not help but nod.

Scholarship.

Indeed it is not a scripture, but a complete doctrine; many people desire a beginning yet cannot perfect it, and scholarship must be perfected, at least into a grand whole. Otherwise a mere beginning has no effect—whether good or bad, its suitability for this era remains a huge issue.

"But it must be said, Gu Jin Nian can bear the title 'Gu Gong'."

Although acknowledged, Wang Xing, as a scholar, still added this remark.

"He can bear the two characters 'Gu Gong'."

When this was said, the others fell slightly silent, unwilling to admit it, yet unable to deny it.

And at this moment.

Da Xia Academy.

After all the merits dispersed.

A sudden wind rose at Gu Jin Nian's feet.

Strong gusts blew in bursts, and the next instant Gu Jin Nian rose slowly—not by his own doing, but by Heaven and Earth's support.

"It is the second blessing."

"The first blessing was boundless merit, and we do not know what this second blessing will be."

"It is beyond words: Gu Jin Nian single‑handedly quelled the five great calamities of Da Xia, and now he disperses boundless merit to Da Xia's people; such deeds may move the heavens, and the reward bestowed will likely be even greater."

Many voices rose, their eyes curious, awaiting what would happen next.

And at that very moment.

A golden bridge appeared, twelve tiers high, serving as the Heaven‑ascending ladder.

Such an omen displayed to the world, drawing countless discussions.

Gu Jin Nian stepped onto the ladder and ascended twelve steps.

Finally, a blazing light manifested above Gu Jin Nian's head—a jade crown.

The crown automatically gathered Gu Jin Nian's hair, and then a terrifying, righteous aura surged from his body; his inner war chariot gradually materialized, rumbling, a vision of ten thousand troops that left everyone awe‑struck.

The most striking thing was a Wen Mansion appearing behind him; under the boost of the righteous aura, the Wen Mansion had already become a Wen Palace.

Only a few Great Scholars widened their eyes; they were not astonished by the mansion's transformation, but pointed at the jade crown on Gu Jin Nian's head, uttering incredulous sounds.

"Heaven and Earth coronation."

"This is Heaven and Earth coronation."

"Is this a crown bestowed by the heavens?"

"This is an ascension to the Great Scholar realm."

"It's really true, it's truly real—does the Heaven and Earth Great Scholar realm actually exist?"

Some voices rose—elder scholars, well‑versed in many matters; when the jade crown appeared, they instantly guessed its nature, pointing at Gu Jin Nian's head and saying.

"Heaven and Earth Great Scholar? What does that mean?"

"May I ask, sir, what is meant by Heaven and Earth Great Scholar?"

Many puzzled voices rose; the younger scholars, full of curiosity, listed the seven Confucian Dao realms: Condensing Qi, Nurturing Qi, Establishing Speech, Confucian Master, Great Scholar, Half Saint, Saint.

As for the eighth realm, it was beyond everyone's consideration; no one had ever heard of the Heaven and Earth Great Scholar realm.

So they were naturally curious.

"The Heaven and Earth Great Scholar is a legendary realm; after a Confucian cultivator establishes virtue, he becomes a Confucian Master—only those with virtue can be a master. Yet if one reaches this realm with supreme virtue, such as completing the three immortal virtues of a Saint, one may break through the Great Scholar realm and receive Heaven and Earth coronation, or be granted a heavenly crown."

"At that point, one can ascend to Great Scholar, but this Great Scholar realm is not ordinary—it is the Heaven and Earth Great Scholar, protected by Heaven and Earth, bolstered by Confucian Dao fortune, and terrifyingly, its will can communicate with Heaven and Earth."

"Gu Jin Nian's words reach the ears of Heaven."

"An ordinary Great Scholar can gather righteous aura to rebuke other scholars and suppress them."

"And if Gu Jin Nian later deems your character or virtue lacking, a mere rebuke could trigger Heaven and Earth's response, diminishing your fortune and perhaps cutting off your path of Confucian Dao advancement."

"Do you understand?"

An elder spoke, describing the terror of the Heaven and Earth Great Scholar.

At those words, countless scholars were instantly stunned; though the Heaven and Earth Great Scholar sounded formidable, once they truly understood, each was left gaping in amazement.

"A single rebuke can cut one's fortune and sever the path of Confucian Dao advancement? 'Is it truly that terrifying? One word that slashes fortune and breaks a cultivator's realm.'"

Someone fell silent, genuinely shocked; a single sentence that cuts fortune is even scarier than a holy artifact—does it need such exaggeration?

"Oh, I misspoke,"

The elder said, and his reply eased many, yet his next words left even more dumbfounded.

"It does not sever only the Confucian Dao realm, but all realms; whether you are a warrior, a cultivator, or a Buddhist, as long as you possess fortune, a single word from him, if Heaven and Earth respond, will doom you, and you will never ascend in this lifetime."

The elder's words silenced many completely.

"It would have been better not to say it at all."

"The Heaven and Earth Great Scholar, recognized by Heaven and Earth, whose every action draws celestial attention; with each word and deed, they wield the great power of Heaven and Earth. In this realm, not a single one among a million scholars emerges, and not even one in a thousand years."

"It exists only in ancient texts; who would have thought it true—now, in an instant, I do not know whether to say Heaven blesses my Confucian Dao or what else to say."

Some aged Great Scholars were utterly shocked, for the Heaven and Earth Great Scholar was thought to exist only in ancient books, likely a falsehood, yet it has now become real—how could they not be stunned?

"Then who would dare argue with Gu Jin Nian thereafter?"

"Indeed, possessing such great power, Gu Jin Nian would be invincible under heaven."

Some voices rose, full of doubt and curiosity, feeling this ability was too terrifying, indeed somewhat improper.

"Hmph, only those with malicious intent would fear it. Though Gu Jin Nian has become a Heaven and Earth Great Scholar, if one's heart is clean, one may still debate with him—right is right, wrong is wrong, Heaven will also respond, and if your conscience is clear, even Gu Jin Nian's criticism will not affect you; only those with ill intent will be impacted."

Another voice immediately rose, suppressing that sentiment; though it was merely a simple sigh, it sounded oddly strange.

Although Gu Jin Nian is a Heaven and Earth Great Scholar, that does not make him the ultimate principle or the heavens themselves; as long as his words are correct and his conscience clear, right remains right, wrong remains wrong—nothing is decided solely by Gu Jin Nian.

Moreover, his becoming a Heaven and Earth Great Scholar does not mean everything he says is correct.

All matters are judged by Heaven and Earth; this ability targets only those with malicious hearts.

As expected, once these words were spoken, the chaotic voices quieted considerably, daring not to speak rashly.

And at that moment.

On the Heaven‑ascending ladder.

Gu Jin Nian completed a leap‑style promotion, jumping from the Knowledge of the Sage and Establishing Speech to the Heaven and Earth Great Scholar realm.

Stepping into the Great Scholar realm, the Wen Mansion transformed into a Wen Palace, vast beyond measure, with ten thousand troops encircling the palace; countless literary stars hovered above, illuminating all of Heaven and Earth.

Heaven and Earth Great Scholar.

It gave Gu Jin Nian a different feeling; at this moment, he experienced an unprecedented insight—not an increase in power, but a deeper understanding of the world between Heaven and Earth, gaining many things.

Everything appeared crystal clear to him, a transcendent aura surrounded his body, enabling him to complete a great metamorphosis.

Especially the vast righteous Qi within his body; previously it was like a great river, but now it is like an ocean.

It flows endlessly.

Gu Jin Nian felt that, with his current vast righteous Qi, he could partially revive a holy artifact, and in the utmost case, wield the power of a sage.

This is a huge difference; before he could only exert the power of a Pre‑Half‑Saint, now he can wield a sage's power.

It is not a ten‑ or hundredfold increase, but at least a thousandfold boost—unparalleled.

However, at this very moment.

Another Heavenly Ladder appeared, materializing at Gu Jin Nian's feet; he ascended it, marking the third blessing.

People held their breath, watching Gu Jin Nian, curious about what the third blessing was and eager for it.

The higher one goes, the better it means.

As Gu Jin Nian stepped onto the twelfth rung, in an instant, hundreds of golden figures materialized behind him, accompanied by waves of chanting.

Among these figures, some held scrolls, some wielded brushes, some were painting, some were playing chess; each embodied sacred intent. Though merely a vision, together they possessed terrifying power.

Even if a single figure carries only a strand of sacred intent, a hundred combined create overwhelming terror.

"It is the Hundred Schools of the Masters!"

"This is a vision of the Hundred Schools of the Masters, the strongest Confucian Daoist vision, the Hundred Schools' Clamor."

A terrified voice rang out, pointing at the vision behind Gu Jin Nian, and said:

"Hundred Schools of the Masters?"

"Are these the marks of the venerable ancestors?"

"They are manifestations of will."

This time, many were startled; at first they didn't know what it was, but when someone spoke up, everyone instantly understood.

The vision of the Hundred Schools' Clamor.

This is indeed the foremost Confucian Daoist vision.

"Legend says that in ancient times, Confucian Daoism flourished terrifyingly, with the Hundred Schools' Clamor; each was a venerable ancestor, a sage, and even if not a sage, a Pre‑Half‑Saint."

"Each of these marks represents a sage ancestor, condensed from their will; now they form a vision for the Hundred Schools' Clamor. If Gu Jin Nian employs this vision, he can instantly receive the Hundred Schools' empowerment and wield a sage's might."

Finally, someone explained clearly, informing the crowd of the vision's abilities.

In an instant, it caused an earth‑shattering shock.

"The Hundred Schools' empowerment, wielding a sage's power? Doesn't that mean Gu Jin Nian can, at times, manifest a sage's strength? Indirectly reaching the Seventh Realm?"

"Such a vision exists? I've never heard of it before."

"Heaven and Earth's blessing truly lives up to its name; this blessing indeed suits Gu Jin Nian."

"It seems my perspective was narrow; I thought Heaven and Earth would grant a single holy artifact and that would be it. I didn't expect a blessing vision, combined with the Heaven and Earth Great Scholar realm and this Hundred Schools' Clamor vision. From now on, who dares to challenge Gu Jin Nian in the Confucian Daoist line?"

"He must be the person of Heaven's Mandate."

Voices rose one after another; this time, many truly became envious—at least the Da Xia Dynasty fared well.

The Fuyu Dynasty, the Great Jin Dynasty, the Central Continent Dynasty, and some other noble families—or even descendants of sages—were genuinely envious, truly jealous.

Honestly, this Heaven and Earth Great Scholar blessing is already quite generous and justifies Gu Jin Nian's deeds.

The once‑in‑a‑millennium Heaven and Earth Great Scholar was elevated by Gu Jin Nian, and now he has produced a Hundred Schools' Clamor vision? This is the foremost Confucian Daoist vision.

They can accept the gifts bestowed upon Gu Jin Nian, but the gifts are so splendid that many cannot bear them internally.

It's not merely envy, but a sense of helplessness; at least many scholars now feel powerless.

Ask yourself, who doesn't wish to become the brightest star in Heaven and Earth? Who doesn't want to be the next Gu Jin Nian?

Heaven's Mandate is imminent; among scholars, who doesn't aspire to become a Heaven's Mandate Sage?

But the more benefits Gu Jin Nian receives, the greater the pressure on them. Now they feel only helpless; they once chased Gu Jin Nian's silhouette, but now they can't even see it.

The two are entirely of different tiers, and this helplessness stems from Heaven and Earth's blessing.

Giving too much inevitably breeds discontent, yet there's nothing they can do; after all, it's a Heaven and Earth grant they cannot block.

Boom! Before people could react, another Heavenly Ladder appeared.

This signifies the arrival of the fourth blessing.

"Any more?"

"Three blessings have already been given; why is there a fourth?"

"Honestly, it's a bit excessive. Could Gu Jin Nian truly be the child of Heaven's Mandate? Is Heaven sending him treasures so he can monopolize the top in the future Heaven's Mandate contest?"

People grew numb; three blessings in succession— the first blessing Gu Jin Nian distributed to the Da Xia populace, who admired him; the second they took for granted; the third felt off.

Now the fourth blessing appears, genuinely making them uncomfortable.

"Monopolize the top? That's more than just monopolizing; it's leading the trend for centuries. How can we chase Gu Jin Nian?"

"The gap between the first and second could be a hundred thousand and eight thousand li."

Some voices rose; they had completely given up, with no fighting spirit left. Those speaking were outstanding talents from various regions—perhaps not as strong as Gu Jin Nian, but their words were timeless verses.

Nevertheless, they were still scholarly elites, hoping that when Heaven's Mandate arrives, they would at least have a chance to contend.

Now they have entirely lost that notion.

They only hope to ascend a level or two alongside Gu Jin Nian in the future; beyond that, nothing else matters.

Within the Da Xia realm.

Chang Yunfei watched it all, his gaze filled with complexity.

The complexity was strange, a mix of resentment, helplessness, unwillingness, and depression.

Because he feels that all of this should have been his.

If he had not lent a hand at the crucial moment, all these rewards would have been his; he possesses half a scroll of Heaven's Mandate sage scriptures and could also resolve the Da Xia heavenly disaster, saving the Da Xia populace from fire and water.

Build immortal prestige, be able to settle within the Da Xia Dynasty, become a new generation Confucian‑Daoist leader; yet because he gave Gu Jin Nian a hand, all the benefits are now gone, all snatched away by Gu Jin Nian.

This makes it impossible for him not to feel hurt, and impossible not to be conflicted.

One could say, the more benefits Gu Jin Nian gains, the more conflicted his heart becomes, the more hurt, the more helpless, and the more he hates Gu Jin Nian.

But there's nothing to be done; missed is missed.

"When I enter the court, everything that belongs to me, I will take back."

Chang Yun Tian mutters to himself; he has nothing more to say. At present he must activate another plan; his ultimate goal remains to enter the Da Xia Dynasty and, within it, assume an official post.

Then he can deploy his talent and scheme; other matters must be endured for now.

What he doesn't realize is that Gu Jin Nian's many blessings aren't due to solving the meteor‑gold disaster, but because all of Da Xia's heavenly calamities, plus Gu Jin Nian's willingness to disperse merit, contributed.

If it were him, he could only obtain boundless merit, and at this moment, would he choose to disperse it? The answer is obvious.

The fourth blessing falls down.

Transforming into a ladder to the heavens, Gu Jin Nian continues upward; soon he reaches the ladder's end, his gaze calm.

Boom! A shocking beam of light, like a torrent, streams from between heaven and earth, bathing Gu Jin Nian.

In the next instant, the Wen Palace, just transformed from the Wen Mansion, is illuminated.

The Wen Palace shines with merit light, and then, within Da Xia Capital, an identical palace appears in the city's central district.

It is a blank area originally intended for sacrificial use, but the court had long lacked funds, so construction never began.

Now, the Wen Palace settles here, covering fifteen hundred mu, forming a palace on the spot.

Inside the palace, bells toll and sutras are chanted; the whole structure is grand and majestic, yet retains the scholar's elegance.

From top to bottom, the Wen Palace exudes lofty righteous qi, appearing exceedingly extraordinary.

As the Wen Palace descends, Da Xia's national fortune surges by several hundred zhang at this moment, linking with it to create a resonant scene.

"Holy Man's Wen Palace, this is the Holy Man's Wen Palace."

"Even the Heaven‑and‑Earth Wen Palace has appeared; the heavens are truly favoring Gu Jin Nian."

"A Wen Palace that even saints never possessed; Gu Jin Nian has reached the Heaven‑and‑Earth Great Scholar realm, yet has such a thing?"

"This object is not weaker than any holy artifact."

"No, for Gu Jin Nian this object surpasses two holy artifacts; its significance is immense, especially for Gu Jin Nian's future founding of a school—it is far more valuable than any two holy artifacts."

This time, the older generation of scholars can no longer sit still.

In their lives they have weathered many storms, yet they have never faced anything like today.

First came boundless merit, then the Heaven‑and‑Earth Great Scholar, then the Hundred Schools' clamorous phenomenon, the foremost Confucian‑Daoist phenomenon; now another Heaven‑and‑Earth Wen Palace is bestowed—how could they not be shocked?

"Holy Man's Wen Palace? What does this palace do? It's even better than two holy artifacts?"

"A palace, even a Heaven‑and‑Earth gift—could it make a person saintly?"

"Founding a school surpasses two holy artifacts—can it be that exaggerated?"

Some voices rose, full of bewilderment; it wasn't that they asked too many questions, but Gu Jin Nian's gains were simply too lofty for them to comprehend.

For each item, without consulting ancient texts one would not know its meaning, and even then the texts might not reveal it.

Listening to the younger generation's inquiries, the older scholars spoke with a complex emotion.

"This Heaven‑and‑Earth Wen Palace holds immense significance; for Gu Jin Nian, being inside it would enlighten his mind and make studying far easier than outside."

"And if Gu Jin Nian founds a school and establishes immortal teachings, any of his disciples entering this place would instantly grasp his doctrine, thereby understanding it faster and better."

"But the truly terrifying part isn't this; it's the condensation of fortune. After establishing a school, the more disciples there are and the wider the sect spreads, this Wen Palace can gather fortune, granting Gu Jin Nian's promotion of New Learning additional fortune blessings."

"For example, you may know the saint's Establishing Speech now, and perhaps never become a Confucian master in this life, but if you become Gu Jin Nian's disciple and spread his ideas, you'll receive fortune's blessing, suddenly breaking through to the Confucian master realm."

"Moreover, after such a breakthrough, you'll gain saintly power that pours enlightenment upon you; it doesn't directly force a breakthrough, but smoothly enables you to truly absorb the thought and understand the Dao—a truly powerful advantage, isn't it?"

The older Confucian scholars, when answering the Wen Palace's might, caused many to gasp sharply.

"In other words, possessing such a thing lets one's learning and thoughts perpetuate endlessly?"

Someone spoke, saying so.

"Right."

"The Kong Family's Main Residence is just like that; essentially it is a Wen Palace, but later Confucius split it into two: one Kong Family's Main Residence, the other Kong Temple."

"In the future, Gu Jin Nian's disciples' descendants can also receive blessings; even centuries later, scholars joining this Wen Palace can enjoy fortune. This lineage persists endlessly, never extinguished. To put it bluntly, even if Da Xia perishes, the Wen Palace will not vanish."

They nodded.

Causing more people to fall completely silent.

With that said, they fully understood the benefits of this Heaven‑and‑Earth Wen Palace.

In a sense, it truly surpasses two holy artifacts.

But.

Just when everyone thought it was over.

Suddenly.

Boom.

Another golden beam falls down.

Transforming into a fourth ladder to the heavens.

At this moment, people are speechless.

Even Gu Jin Nian's closest companions are at a loss for words.

"Isn't this too much?"

"It's not over yet? It won't stop, right? Even a beloved son wouldn't be treated like this, right?"

The people are numb.

In the academy, Su Wenjing was somewhat silent; he patted his own heart and, to be frank, his former Heaven-and-Earth Saint Heart had attracted countless people's attention, but now, comparing, it feels just like this.

As for the imperial palace,

The ever‑smiling Emperor Yongsheng now finds himself at a loss for words.

This benefit, indeed, was given a bit too much.

Are they really not giving anyone else a chance to survive?

Not to mention them; even Gu Jin Nian feels a vague embarrassment at this moment.

They've given too many benefits.

Sometimes that's not a good thing.

But since it's a heavenly gift from the Lord, Gu Jin Nian doesn't pretend.

He steps forward directly.

He steps onto the Twelve Steps once again.

Only,

After Gu Jin Nian steps onto the Twelve Steps,

The heavens open once more.

A beam of golden light shines down.

It is an ancient diagram.

The ancient diagram is long; when unfolded, one picture after another appears before Gu Jin Nian.

This time many people fell silent, even the older scholars, who were somewhat puzzled, unable to see what this thing was.

"Sir, what is this again?"

"What kind of ancient diagram is this?"

"It seems the pictures depict a saint's experiences, doesn't it?"

Some voices rose, questioning the elder Confucian scholars.

"This time it's truly unclear."

"It must be related to a saint, but the specifics are unknown."

The crowd spoke, frowning, not knowing what this is.

But at that moment, a voice suddenly sounded.

"This is the Great Dao Saint‑Formation Diagram."

"By using this diagram, one can undergo the saint's trials, comprehend the suffering of all beings, and forge a saint's will."

"It lays a solid foundation for achieving sainthood."

As the voice rang out,

it caused many scholars to gasp and turn pale.

"The legendary Great Dao Saint‑Formation Diagram?"

"It really exists?"

"Great Dao Saint‑Formation Diagram? This… this is impossible, it's a fabricated thing."

"Sss, if it truly is the Great Dao Saint‑Formation Diagram, Gu Jin Nian might achieve sainthood immediately."

Upon hearing it was the Great Dao Saint‑Formation Diagram, some elders' faces changed instantly.

Especially a near Half Saint, venerable and respected, who pointed at the diagram, his body trembling.

Because if this truly is the Great Dao Saint‑Formation Diagram, Gu Jin Nian may achieve sainthood right away.