Chapter 220: Gu Jin Nian, a Brilliant Era, Overshadowing All Contemporary Light!

Tai Xuan Immortal Sect.

Inside the Great Hall.

As the Shangqing Daoist finished explaining the plan, everyone suddenly had an epiphany.

Heaven's Mandate manifests in the world, and immortal artifacts are of utmost importance; there are two immortal artifacts within the Tai Hao Immortal Realm.

To prevent Gu Jin Nian from heading to the Tai Hao Immortal Realm, using the Xiongnu State as a pretext so that Gu Jin Nian cannot make a move.

"Gu Jin Nian might not even go to the Tai Hao Immortal Realm, right?"

"The Tai Hao Immortal Realm, after all, is the training ground of my sect; Gu Jin Nian is currently rushing to the Jixia Academy, so the two cannot be conflated."

However, someone spoke up, looking at the Shangqing Daoist and saying thus.

As those words rang out, the Shangqing Daoist shook his head and said,

"No."

"If Heaven's Mandate does not manifest early, then there is indeed no cause for worry; but since it has manifested early, the situation is uncertain."

"As I just said, Heaven's Mandate is the key that unlocks all shackles; every secret realm has been shackled as well."

"The entire world has been shackled, so when Heaven's Mandate arrives, there will be no question of contest—whether it belongs to the Immortal Sect or the Buddhist Sect."

"Anyone who wishes to become the person of Heaven's Mandate must fight, and Gu Jin Nian currently possesses two immortal artifacts."

"He controls two immortal artifacts, so he must understand their importance; at that time, will he refrain from contesting?"

The Shangqing Daoist spoke, and his words left everyone in complete silence.

Because not a single point of his statement was wrong.

"If we create trouble for Gu Jin Nian, he will lose interest in dealing with the Xiongnu State; once we seize the immortal artifacts first, everything will be easy."

"Moreover, assisting the Xiongnu State is not a bad thing; when the contest for Heaven's Mandate begins in the future, a golden great era will descend, and our sect will need to recruit various talents, at which point we will also need the power of a dynasty."

"Furthermore, the alliance was proactively proposed by our sect; if the Xiongnu State cannot hold its ground, it would not be favorable for us, and the world would question our sect."

The Shangqing Daoist spoke slowly, and upon reaching this point, everyone understood.

"Since the Shangqing Dao brother says so, we understand; if any matter arises, just speak, Dao brother."

Someone voiced that they would no longer worry about it; as long as the Shangqing Daoist says something, they will act, and they care about nothing else.

The other sect heads also responded in kind.

The Shangqing Daoist gave a slight smile.

"Then, since that is the case, I will trouble you all; after the Jixia Academy concludes, once Heaven's Mandate arrives, this humble Daoist will inform you what to do."

After the Shangqing Daoist finished speaking, everyone's primordial spirits gradually faded away.

It was straightforward.

However, he left behind two silhouettes.

They were the heads of the Dragon Tiger Immortal Sect and the Yin Yang Immortal Sect.

"Shangqing Zhenren, do you have something to say?"

The head of the Yin Yang Immortal Sect spoke, looking at the Shangqing Daoist and asking thus.

"This early manifestation of Heaven's Mandate is a tremendous boon for our sect; I have some words I did not say earlier."

"If this Heaven's Mandate truly arrives early, it will not be the immortal artifacts that first release the shackles, but the Dragon Vein Sacred Mountains that will do so first."

The Shangqing Daoist spoke; he had previously held back a move, but now that only three remain, he reveals it without fear.

Upon hearing this, the heads of the Dragon Tiger Immortal Sect and the Yin Yang Immortal Sect were somewhat surprised.

"The Dragon Vein Sacred Mountains release the shackles first? What benefit does that bring us?"

He asked, since the Tai Xuan Immortal Sect knows Heaven's Mandate better, they truly were not clear.

"The Dragon Vein Sacred Mountains are of immense importance; on the Divine Continent, thirty‑six such sites will nurture divine objects, which are Heaven's Mandate divine objects."

"These divine objects include longevity elixirs, supreme immortal gold, immortal fruit, and even immortal artifact divine objects."

"Although these immortal artifact divine objects do not match the Nine Great Immortal Artifacts, each possesses inconceivable power and extremely strong effects, providing unspeakable aid for us in cultivating future sect disciples."

"As for the supreme immortal gold, it is the most crucial; possessing it allows us to unlock the Nine Great Immortal Artifacts early. At that point, even though we have not reached the Eighth Realm, the artifacts we wield will have the power of the Eighth Realm."

"When that time comes, won't all future opportunities be within our grasp?"

"Whether it's Gu Jin Nian or the Central Continent Dynasty, who can withstand the might of the Eighth Realm?"

The Shangqing Daoist spoke lightly, and that single sentence made the two's expressions change.

Indeed.

Forget the Eighth Realm; in this great era, the Seventh Realm is already invincible. If an immortal artifact truly wielded Eighth Realm power, who would dare to boast under the heavens? Gu Jin Nian truly counts for nothing.

The Da Xia Dynasty is also insignificant.

Even the Central Continent Dynasty must act according to his mood.

Eighth Realm.

It is an inconceivable state; a Seventh Realm master can single‑handedly destroy a city, and repelling a hundred‑thousand troops is effortless.

And the legendary Eighth Realm.

A single thought could become a force that destroys heaven and earth.

"What does that fellow mean?"

Zhang Zhenren of the Dragon Tiger Immortal Sect asked aloud, still not understanding what the Shangqing Daoist meant.

"The Tai Hao Immortal Realm is merely a pretext; it is extremely perilous. Though there are traces of immortal artifacts, even if sects obtain them, they have little effect."

"Just now I, the humble Daoist, mentioned the existence of immortal artifacts in the Tai Hao Immortal Realm; this news will surely spread. Both Immortal and Buddhist sects, as well as the Central Continent Dynasty, the Great Jin Dynasty, and the Da Xia Dynasty, will all hear of it."

"Let them fight for the sealed immortal artifacts; that is beneficial. What we must do is, after the Dragon Vein Sacred Mountains revive, obtain the divine objects they nurture. As long as we acquire the supreme immortal gold, we can unlock the artifact shackles."

"It is not the quantity of immortal artifacts but their power; letting the whole world waste time fighting over them is pointless. Once we obtain the supreme immortal gold, everything they do becomes merely a dowry for us."

"From now on, the dominion of the world will belong to the Tai Xuan Immortal Sect, the Yin Yang Immortal Sect, and the Dragon Tiger Immortal Sect."

"If the two of you are willing, we could form a secret alliance and vie for the heavenly divine artifacts, what do you think?"

The Shangqing Daoist voiced his thoughts.

He also explained the true meaning of Heaven's Mandate's descent to the two.

Having heard this.

The two were shocked; this Shangqing Daoist truly kept things hidden too deeply.

"But if we act that way, wouldn't we be sabotaging the Eastern Wilderness Immortal Sect outright?"

"In that case, we'd lose the people's hearts."

The headmaster of the Yin‑Yang Immortal Sect spoke up, slightly frowning.

After all, the Shangqing Daoist's scheme targets not only Gu Jin Nian but the entire sect, which would be trapped.

Yet as soon as those words were spoken, the Shangqing Daoist gave a calm smile.

"Both of you."

"Heaven's Mandate is emerging; why speak of the whole sect? We are the heads of the Eastern Wilderness Immortal Sect. Consider this: if we let them seize the initiative early, would we still be the sect's leaders?"

"Furthermore, I must remind both of you that when Heaven's Mandate manifests in the world, many unimaginable events will occur."

"Openly, the Great Profound Immortal Sect, the Yin‑Yang Immortal Sect, and the Dragon Tiger Immortal Sect are the leading sects of the Eastern Wilderness, but how many strong figures lurk in the shadows?"

"They have been lying in wait for centuries, just for this Heaven's Mandate. It seems we are the players, but it is highly possible that we are merely pieces, with our fates controlled by others. In that case, why shouldn't we choose to act proactively?"

"To become the ruler of this world?"

"The path to immortality lies within. Even if we take a thousand steps back, if we seize the initiative now and truly become immortal in the future, would we then be harming all beings?"

The Shangqing Daoist offered no rebuttal, but instead clarified the situation to the two.

After careful thought, the two quickly understood that the Shangqing Daoist was correct.

When the Great Era arrives, only a handful can truly stand out; their positions are already scarce. If one worries about this and that, the unlucky one will be oneself.

Three Great Immortal Sects.

Three‑way stalemate.

That is indeed a good thing.

"Good."

"Brother Shangqing Daoist, the Dragon Tiger Immortal Sect agrees."

Zhang Zhenren spoke; after grasping this point, he directly chose to agree.

Seeing Zhang Zhenren's assent, the headmaster of the Yin‑Yang Immortal Sect also nodded; this truly was a good thing, and the Shangqing Daoist had not erred.

Having received the two's responses, the Shangqing Daoist smiled.

"From now on, there will be only three Great Immortal Sects in the world."

The Shangqing Daoist said so, and soon the two's primordial spirits vanished on the spot.

After their primordial spirits dispersed.

The Shangqing Daoist withdrew his smile, took a single stride, and vanished from the spot.

The next moment, he appeared inside the Great Profound Immortal Sect's forbidden area.

This forbidden area is an execution ground; demons captured by the sect are executed here, making the hostile energy extremely dreadful.

Disciples are not allowed to enter, lest the hostile energy infiltrates their bodies.

And at this very moment.

As the Shangqing Daoist merged into the interior of the forbidden area.

A rat‑shaped shadow appeared deep within the cavern.

"I have already set everything up; when Heaven's Mandate arrives, if you fail to find Immortal Gold in time, don't blame me for beheading you."

The Shangqing Daoist spoke, his voice calm.

"Please, Supreme Immortal, rest assured; our clan is born to seek treasures and will certainly help you find Immortal Gold."

"However, you must also agree: if you obtain Immortal Gold, you must hand over the Qilin Seal, one of the Five Sacred Seals, to our clan."

The latter spoke, mentioning the Qilin Seal.

"That you can trust."

"As long as my Great Profound Immortal Sect successfully revives the divine artifact, the modest Qilin Seal will not deceive you."

The Shangqing Daoist spoke again, his tone calm.

Having finished speaking, the Shangqing Daoist's figure vanished again, reappearing within the Great Profound Immortal Sect's micro‑world.

Within the micro‑world, light spread like a fairyland, and the Supreme Elder of the Great Profound Immortal Sect sat there.

"I don't think the Dragon Tiger headmaster and the Yin‑Yang headmaster will believe you,"

The Supreme Elder spoke, looking at the Shangqing Daoist as he spoke.

He voiced his thoughts.

The Shangqing Daoist was crystal clear about gathering the headmasters of the various sects, including their conversations.

"Not believing is useless."

"At present, they can only trust me."

The Shangqing Daoist spoke, appearing especially self‑assured.

The latter fell silent for a moment.

But after a while, he spoke again.

"Then why do you believe it?"

The Supreme Elder voiced the question.

And this 'it' should refer to the shadow the Shangqing Daoist had just seen.

At this moment, I can only trust him.

Elder.

The Immortal Sect has been biding its time for over a thousand years.

There was a time when our Immortal Sect stood above everything; the sect's disciples were supreme, unbound by laws, and all the worldly dynasties should have been under the Immortal Sect's control, beneath the sect.

But for tens of thousands of years, since the dynasties obtained auspicious qi, everything in the world has been shackled; both the Immortal Sect and the Buddhist Sect have been weakened, while only the dynasties have grown ever stronger.

This Central Continent dynasty enslaves Immortal Sect cultivators.

The Eastern Wilderness Dynasty, though it does not enslave Immortal Sect cultivators, still treats us as what?

Reviving the Immortal Sect's glory is my life's aspiration; the arrival of this Golden Age is the only chance for the sect's rise.

If we seize it, we can restore the grandeur of the ancient era, and we cultivators can also forge the True Immortal Path.

Shangqing Daoist spoke, his tone not overly fierce, yet his words were extremely resolute.

Ancient cultivators.

These four characters carry immense meaning.

According to legend, in the ancient era Immortal Sect cultivators possessed incomparable power—they could alter day and night, overturn heaven and earth, move mountains and fill seas; in a single thought, oceans could become fields, and they also had the True Immortal Path to transcend tribulations and ascend.

Back then, everything else was inferior; only cultivation was supreme.

But no one knows what has transpired; all systems have been weakened. Aside from the eighth realm, even seventh‑realm Immortal Sect cultivators cannot move mountains, overturn heaven and earth, or change the sun and moon.

It seems only eighth‑realm cultivators can achieve that.

Thus, let alone any Ascension Path.

Shangqing Daoist's greatest goal is to restore the Immortal Sect's ancient splendor, with cultivators like dragons.

To open the True Immortal Path for cultivators across the world.

Listening to Shangqing Daoist, the Supreme Elder fell silent.

After a while, he could no longer hold back and spoke.

"I am not worried about you."

"I am worried about the people behind you."

"These people's origins are unknown, yet they suddenly chose to aid my Tai Xuan Immortal Sect, seemingly scheming something hidden."

"If any mishap occurs, the whole world will suffer misfortune."

"Ancient qi‑cultivating masters are indeed powerful, but according to rumors, those ancient masters seem to have faced an annihilating disaster."

"If the True Immortal Path truly opens, it may not be a good thing."

He spoke, not because he doubted Shangqing Daoist, but because he did not trust the other group conspiring with Shangqing Daoist.

At those words, Shangqing Daoist shook his head and said,

"Elder, there is no need to worry; I will naturally keep a watchful eye. Moreover, when Heaven's Mandate descends, the divine‑artifact shackles will be released. My Tai Xuan Immortal Sect's Xuan Huang Tower is the divine relic that tops the Nine Great Divine Artifacts."

"Relying on this, we can also set the heavens and earth."

Shangqing Daoist appeared especially self‑confident.

"Very well."

"Since your mind is set, I have nothing more to say."

"However, this Heaven's Mandate, the Buddhist Sect must not be underestimated; the Buddhist Sect is far more terrifying than we imagined."

"Their lineage has never been erased. Though our Immortal Sect also claims an immortal lineage, it has nonetheless lost many due to sectarian bias. The Buddhist Sect's lineage persists, and this Heaven's Mandate they certainly will not be taken lightly."

Supreme Elder spoke, reminding Shangqing Daoist of the Buddhist Sect's existence.

"I understand."

Shangqing Daoist nodded; indeed, the Buddhist Sect is very dangerous.

Meanwhile.

Within the Dragon Tiger Immortal Sect.

Two figures appeared atop Dragon Tiger Mountain; they were Zhang Zhenren and the Yin Yang Zi Daoist of the Yin Yang Immortal Sect.

"Zhang Zhenren, regarding what Shangqing Daoist said, how much do you believe?"

Yin Yang Zi spoke, questioning the other.

Hearing this, Zhang Zhenren shook his head and said,

"I basically will not believe."

"His first scheme targets Gu Jin Nian and the Da Xia Dynasty."

"His second scheme targets all Immortal Sects."

"Could there be a third scheme? I am not sure. Though the talk mentions a three‑way stalemate, can we guarantee that Shangqing Daoist will not intend to count us all in his calculations?"

"Shangqing Daoist appears benevolent, yet in reality his ambition is greatest; there is just one point that I cannot fathom."

"Why does he know the matters of Heaven's Mandate in such detail compared to us?"

"We are also a supreme Immortal Sect, constantly deducing Heaven's Mandate, yet we have no information. How does Tai Xuan Immortal Sect know so much?"

"That is very suspicious."

Zhang Zhenren spoke, standing with his arms crossed, voicing his doubts.

First, he simply does not trust Shangqing Daoist; if the other is scheming against the entire Immortal Sect, why would they spare them? To put it bluntly, even if they possess divine artifacts, what can they do?

Second, why does Tai Xuan Immortal Sect know so many details? Where do these reports come from? To claim they excel at deduction, Tai Xuan Immortal Sect is not particularly adept at it.

Those are Zhang Zhenren's concerns and doubts.

"Indeed."

"However, regarding the Heaven's Mandate, we still know too little."

"It is reasonable that Tai Xuan Immortal Sect knows a few more things than we do."

Now we can only follow the Tai Xuan Immortal Sect.

Yin Yangzi replied; although he agreed with what Zhang Zhenren said, given the current situation, we can only follow the meaning of the Shangqing Daoist.

En.

However, this humble Daoist suspects that there is still a force behind this, wandering in the world.

This awakening of Heaven's Mandate differs from the past; previously, Heaven's Mandate was born once every five hundred years, but now this Heaven's Mandate has never appeared even a few times in ancient and modern times.

There must be someone in the dark plotting something even more terrifying; the Shangqing Daoist friend has a saying that is very apt.

You and I may both be pawns; everything under heaven could be the pawns of certain people.

The enemy in the open is never the most terrifying.

The most terrifying enemy is also surely lurking in the shadows.

Zhang Zhenren spoke.

After saying that, he had nothing more to say.

They had no recourse; even if they knew the Shangqing Daoist had schemed against them, what could they do? They could only wait for Heaven's Mandate to descend, then seek a solution.

At the same moment.

Western Desert.

Inside the Great Treasure Glazed Temple.

Several figures appeared in the main hall.

Abbot of the Xiao Yuan Temple.

Abbot of the Great Sound Temple.

Guangyuan Buddha, Hui Jue Buddha, and the Four Great Divine Monks all appeared here.

Only because of the Jixia Academy matter.

Amitabha.

As the senior Buddhist figures appeared, Guangyuan Buddha's voice sounded.

At that moment, all the high monks looked toward Guangyuan Buddha.

The True Buddha above has already transmitted the Dharma edict.

We are already close to finding the Buddha Ancestor of the Emperor's Pagoda; this manifestation of Heaven's Mandate is the supreme opportunity for our Buddhist sect to rise.

After Heaven's Mandate revives, the gates of the ten directions hell will reappear in the human world; that will be the time of our Buddhist sect's great tribulation, and by relying on this tribulation, the True Buddha will personally arrive bearing the relics of ancient Buddhas to suppress the ten directions hell.

After this calamity ends, our Buddhist sect will receive Heaven's Mandate's blessing, giving rise to a free Buddha-land where all beings can become Buddhas, to cleanse the world of evil. Guangyuan Buddha spoke, uttering the above Dharma edict.

Upon hearing this, everyone couldn't help but rejoice, involuntarily putting their palms together and chanting 'Amitabha'.

The Buddha is above.

This time Heaven's Mandate has manifested early; the Immortal Sect has also taken some measures, and the Great Sound Temple has learned some things.

When Heaven's Mandate descends, the nine great immortal artifacts will have their seals released, possessing the inconceivable power of the eighth realm; afterwards heaven and earth will revive, a golden age will descend, and immortal cultivators relying on the nine great immortal artifacts will likely overwhelm our Buddhist sect and seize various divine objects.

What should we do about this?

The abbot of the Great Sound Temple spoke, stating some matters of the Immortal Sect and also raising his own doubts.

Upon saying this, Guangyuan Buddha spoke lightly.

Immortal artifacts indeed have such a claim; this is also the Immortal Sect's confidence.

But the Immortal Sect overestimates them; they have immortal artifacts, while our Buddhist sect has the tribulation of the ten directions hell; by relying on this tribulation, we can gain endless benefits in the Heaven's Mandate struggle.

Our Buddhist sect will not be weaker than the Immortal Sect; moreover, even if the Immortal Sect gets a step ahead and unlocks the seals of the immortal artifacts, they dare not target our Buddhist sect.

Surely it's impossible to make the whole world our enemy, right?

Guangyuan Buddha is not at all afraid of the Immortal Sect.

However, after saying this, Guangyuan Buddha continued speaking.

This time Heaven's Mandate descends, our Western Desert Buddhist Kingdom will gain endless benefits; let everyone prepare to welcome Heaven's Mandate.

After waiting for Heaven's Mandate's blessing, the era of great contention begins.

We must seize the initiative, win step by step; otherwise, a single mistake leads to continual mistakes, and when Heaven's Mandate descends later, being even a step late will cause us to lose eligibility, just like this time Heaven's Mandate manifested early.

If the Immortal Sect's nine great immortal artifacts truly can recover successfully, and our Buddhist sect cannot obtain enhancement, then the entire Divine Continent will indeed be dominated by the Immortal Sect for a period, and thereafter all kinds of benefits will be seized by the Immortal Sect.

Given the Immortal Sect's nature, they will definitely not leave anything for us; this is the cruelty of the Heaven's Mandate struggle.

The victors are only a group or a single person; there is absolutely no win-win for multiple parties; one must strive, even if it means violating principles, because not striving means losing the future.

Do you all understand?

Guangyuan Buddha spoke; when saying these words, his face showed no trace of pity, nor any compassion of the Buddhist sect.

The reason is nothing else.

The significance of the Heaven's Mandate struggle is too great; not a single step can be mistaken; the early stage is most important, and whoever can gain an advantage early will see that advantage grow ever larger.

Later on, even if you obtain some benefits, you will be powerless, because you lost too badly earlier.

The monks nodded, realizing how fierce this struggle will be.

This is a major matter concerning the Heaven's Mandate struggle.

At the same moment.

The Zhongzhou Dynasty.

A black-clothed elder stood within the Hall of Four Seas Returning to One.

The Zhongzhou emperor sat silently on the dragon throne.

Listening to the black-clothed elder speak.

Your Majesty.

This time Heaven's Mandate has manifested early, heralding that the Heaven's Mandate struggle is about to begin; if we can accomplish these three things, the Zhongzhou Dynasty can obtain the qi of heaven and earth and take charge of Heaven's Mandate.

The black-clothed elder spoke.

"What are those three matters?"

The Central Province emperor inquired.

"First, conquer the Southern Barbarians' lands, incorporate them into the Central Province's territory, expand the borders, gather popular support; thus, we may obtain Heaven's Mandate's blessing."

"Second, when Heaven's Mandate descends, the Central Province itself holds many legends, containing dragon vein spirit mountains; if we can seize them and obtain their fortune, we may acquire Heaven's Mandate's divine artifact."

"Third, by finding the Ancestral Dragon Secret Realm, we can obtain the Ancestral Dragon Treasure, greatly enhancing the dynasty's strength."

The black-clothed elder spoke, informing the Central Province emperor.

Upon hearing these three matters, the Central Province emperor could not help but fall silent for a moment.

After a moment.

His voice sounded.

"Can the Dragon Treasure Ship be used on the battlefield?"

He spoke, asking about this matter.

"Your servant, the Immortal Craft Pavilion has already inscribed the Spirit Crystal Array; the Dragon Treasure Ship can now be activated."

The latter replied.

"Good."

"Since that is the case, convey my decree: dispatch three million troops, using the Dragon Treasure Ship to transport grain, stabilize logistics, and send forces against the Southern Barbarians; within two years, conquer their lands."

"As for the dragon vein spirit mountains, I issue an edict: anyone who can secure divine artifacts for the Central Province dynasty shall be granted a marquisate; if a marquis or duke obtains such an artifact, they shall be made a king."

"Regarding the Ancestral Dragon Treasure, I hope you, sir, can think of more ways."

The Central Province emperor spoke.

"Your servant, I will obey the edict."

"However, Your Majesty, if Heaven's Mandate descends this time, I have estimated that regardless, the Immortal Sect and Buddhist Sect will surely obtain Heaven's Mandate's blessing beforehand, and their strength will inevitably increase greatly."

"The Eastern Wilderness Immortal Sect and Western Desert Buddhist Sect, if they seize the initiative, will pose great trouble for the Central Province dynasty, especially since many Immortal Sect cultivators within the Central Province are secretly in contact with the Eastern Wilderness Immortal Sect."

"If left unchecked, the future Immortal and Buddhist Sects will become the greatest obstacle to the Central Province dynasty, which cannot be ignored."

The black-clothed elder spoke, mentioning this matter.

Although unwilling to admit it, this is a fact.

Upon hearing this, the Central Province Great Emperor nodded, pondered for a while, then spoke.

"Draft an edict to send to the Da Xia emperor, informing him that if he needs any assistance, the Central Province dynasty will spare no effort to help, letting the Da Xia dynasty deal with them."

"Now, conquering the Southern Barbarians is most important; the Eastern Wilderness affair is inherently complex, and if the Southern Barbarians are not destroyed, it will be difficult to free up resources to deal with the Eastern Wilderness."

The Central Province Great Emperor spoke.

Although the Central Province dynasty is immensely powerful, after its great unification, its first target is the Southern Barbarians, not the Eastern Wilderness, after all, the Central Province dynasty is separated from the Eastern Wilderness by an Eastern Sea.

Since the Southern Barbarians border us, the Central Province dynasty's main enemy remains the Southern Barbarians region; we cannot spare much effort to interfere in the Eastern Wilderness dynasty's affairs.

For now, we can only spare no effort to assist the Da Xia dynasty, letting it suppress the Eastern Wilderness Immortal Sect.

This is the only way.

"Your servant receives the edict."

The black-clothed elder nodded.

Thereafter, the Central Province emperor continued to speak.

"Master Guigu, I have finished reading the Ancient Twelve Volumes during this period; they record that Immortal Sect cultivators can shift stars and move mountains, fill seas, and after enduring tribulations, they can transcend tribulation and ascend."

"Also, Buddhist Sect cultivators, using the power of all beings' thoughts, can open up a supreme Buddha land, refine a merit golden body, and become Buddhas."

"And the Demon Path, with the Demon Emperor as sun and demon Asuras—do these truly exist?"

He spoke, his words full of curiosity about these matters.

The Ancient Twelve Volumes are one of the world's extraordinary books, recording various matters from ancient times.

Upon hearing this, Master Guigu did not ponder and directly replied.

"Your servant, although later ages lack ancient texts to verify, perhaps in ancient times it was indeed so; on the Divine Continent, there is Sword Scar Valley, stretching eighty-four thousand li from end to end, and even to this day, traces of sword qi remain undissipated."

"A single sword cleaving eighty-four thousand li—what difference is there between such power and that of immortals?"

"Moreover, in Your Majesty's treasury lies a true dragon egg; although shattered and devoid of life, it proves one point: true dragons once existed in this world, merely extinct since ancient times."

Master Guigu spoke, using two things to corroborate his words.

Upon hearing this, the Central Province emperor nodded.

Indeed, within the Divine Continent, many places exist that are inconceivable; Sword Scar Valley is an excellent proof.

Spanning eighty-four thousand li, cleaved by a single sword, to this day there remain traces of sword qi; however, there are two theories: one says it was left by an unparalleled swordmaster of the Eighth Realm.

Another says it was left by a great swordmaster of ancient times, and such great swordmasters were not uncommon in antiquity.

Moreover, the strongest evidence is the true dragon egg, which was found deep within a bottomless cavern of the Central Province dynasty.

When he obtained this dragon egg, even this emperor, whose spirit could swallow mountains and rivers, was shaken.

After all, dragons.

Exist only in legends; not to mention true dragons, even a pure-blood flood dragon is hard to find, let alone a true dragon.

However, in many voyages, people have seen flood dragons at sea, and throughout history there have been incidents of flood dragons harming people.

In the flood disaster of Jiangning County in Da Xia, a flood dragon appeared, but it was not a pure-blood flood dragon; rather, it was a python spirit transformed, possessing the aura of a flood dragon but not a genuine one.

"Such a magnificent ancient era—why did it suddenly become extinct?"

"If it had not become extinct, I fear all dynasties under heaven would become puppets of these Immortal and Buddhist sects."

The Central Province emperor continued speaking, his eyes full of curiosity.

The magnificently glorious ancient era.

Immortals, Buddhas, demon emperors, demon ancestors, sword immortals, heavenly venerables of arts and law—one brilliant being after another suddenly fell; how could this not arouse curiosity?

If these beings appeared in this era, the Zhongzhou Dynasty and the Eastern Wilderness Dynasty would both be jokes.

Even if you had ten million cavalry, what could you do? Facing supreme power, what are you worth? A single sword strike cuts across eighty‑four thousand li—such strength, can you withstand it?

As an emperor, how could he not consider this matter?

"Your Majesty."

"When prosperity reaches its extreme, decline follows—this has been the ancient principle. Everything between heaven and earth is limited; in antiquity, the strong were as numerous as clouds, perhaps because too many strong ones led to scarce resources, and in the struggle for them, these great powers died one after another."

"Each generation falls short of the last; rather than saying they have gone extinct, I believe it is simply a case of generation after generation declining."

Guiguzi spoke, giving his opinion.

That opinion is reasonable.

"Sir, do you think that after Heaven's Mandate descends upon the world, it will restore the prosperity of ancient times?"

The Zhongzhou Emperor continued to ask.

"I am not sure; perhaps there is some possibility."

Guiguzi spoke, he was not very certain.

Upon hearing this answer, the Zhongzhou Emperor fell silent for a moment, then immediately continued speaking.

"Draft another imperial edict, inform the Emperor of Da Xia that if they need aid of spirit crystals or any other assistance, the Zhongzhou Dynasty is willing to give full support."

"However, I demand that the Da Xia Dynasty exert all its strength to suppress the immortal sect."

"If possible, let the Emperor of Da Xia send Gu Jin Nian to Zhongzhou; I also wish to meet him."

The Zhongzhou Emperor spoke.

If before he merely assisted the Da Xia Dynasty, letting it check the power of the immortal and Buddhist sects, now the Zhongzhou Emperor intends to fully support the Da Xia Dynasty.

Suppress the immortal sect and the Buddhist sect.

It is not that the Zhongzhou Emperor fears them, but rather that warriors who wield martial arts violate prohibitions; the first thing he did upon ascending the throne was to suppress the myriad teachings and heterodox practices within Zhongzhou.

Because immortal sect members rely on magical power, they often break laws and disrupt order; cultivators, gloriously calling themselves carefree and unrestrained, doing as they please—nothing more than releasing their inner desires, killing anyone they dislike, disregarding the law, trampling the dynasty's bottom line.

What is a country without law called? And what about immortals? Those who deserve to die must be killed.

Nowadays, it is uncertain whether the immortal sect after Heaven's Mandate will be as glorious as in ancient times; but as long as there exists an uncontrollable factor, the Zhongzhou Emperor will give them no chance at all.

"I will obey the edict."

Guiguzi spoke.

It was still the same moment.

The Arctic region.

Glaciers stretching a hundred thousand li, inside an ice palace.

A middle-aged man gazed toward the direction of Jixia Academy, his face showing a solemn expression.

"Heaven's Mandate has descended early."

"Let Chang Yun Tian not waste time in the Da Xia Dynasty."

"Exert all efforts to contend for Jixia Academy's Heaven's Mandate seal."

"Furthermore, issue orders: all disciples of the Grand Dao Prefecture, make every preparation; when Heaven's Mandate descends, contend for the treasure of the great age."

"We have little time left; if we cannot master the ultimate power of the eight realms before they revive, a great disaster will engulf the entire Divine Land."

"The darkness of antiquity will descend once again."

The middle-aged man spoke, his expression showing extreme solemnity.

Heaven's Mandate descended almost two years early; after Jixia Academy ends, it is likely that Heaven's Mandate will begin.

To some ignorant people, this is a good thing, believing it can break their shackles.

But in reality, this is not a good thing.

Heaven's Mandate bestows blessings, seeming wonderful, but in this world there has never been such a thing as a free lunch.

"Respectfully obey the prefect's order."

The latter's voice sounded.

And thus.

The next day.

The news that Jixia Academy had received Heaven's Mandate's blessing had already spread among all major powers under heaven.

For a time, no one knew how great a controversy it would stir.

All factions, originally planning to set out a few days early, now seeing Heaven's Mandate descend early, naturally attracted countless people rushing to the scene.

Inside Jixia Academy.

The Seven Sages of Bamboo Mountain arrived at Jixia Academy at once.

Twelve Great Scholars of the Xiongnu State.

Four sages of the Fuyu Dynasty, leading hundreds of disciples from the Fuyu Academy, rushed over.

The Great Jin Dynasty moreover sent three venerable scholars who had long been renowned, all of high virtue and prestige; the Third and Twelfth Princes of the Great Jin Dynasty also accompanied them.

Even the Five Saints of Zhongzhou appeared.

These Five Saints are not true saints, but they are called the Five Saints; it can be said that those who came to Jixia Academy this time, each one older in seniority than the last, each one greater in reputation.

Basically, all the elder generation of Great Scholars had come; they knew that this gathering at Jixia Academy was destined to be extraordinarily splendid, Heaven's Mandate had descended early, and moreover the arrival of Gu Jin Nian filled everyone with anticipation.

Just these three days.

Across the entire Divine Land, there were already eight hundred Great Scholars gathered at Jixia Academy to attend this grand event.

This is something Jixia Academy has never seen before—eight hundred Great Scholars! What a concept! Basically, the entire Divine Land consists of nothing but these Great Scholars.

Not to mention perfection.

But at least seventy percent of the Great Scholars have come.

The older generation of Great Scholars does not speak.

The new generation of heavenly talents also came in considerable numbers.

However, Gu Jin Nian is like a sun; his fame overshadows the brilliance of everyone in the present age.

The Xiongnu State, the Fuyu Dynasty, the Great Jin Dynasty, and some small states centered on Confucianism also have many heavenly talents.

Most have already reached the Standing Virtue Realm; among them are one or two Great Scholars who can become Great Scholars at twenty-three or twenty-four years old, which in the past would itself be a sun-like existence.

But it's only been these two years.

To be precise, it's been one and a half years; Gu Jin Nian's appearance overshadows the brilliance of everyone in the younger generation.

No one pays attention to them, because the appearance of any youthful heavenly talent is subconsciously compared to Gu Jin Nian.

If Gu Jin Nian were absent, each of them would have praiseworthy qualities, but compared to Gu Jin Nian, one would find that everyone falls short of him.

Not even a bit less.

This is the brilliance of the age, and also their sorrow.

But likewise, this feeling also makes contemporaries of the heavenly talents feel unwilling to accept it.

However, regardless, although the Jixia Academy looks festive and unusually lively, in reality everyone is waiting for one person's appearance.

Waiting for Gu Jin Nian's appearance.

They are curious.

They are also very much looking forward to it.

This time at the Jixia Academy.

Gu Jin Nian will create what kind of miracle, and also bring what kind of surprise to the world.

Thus.

In the blink of an eye, another two days have passed.

During this period, the Immortal Gate and Buddhist Gate also sent representatives, and various great dynasties also sent their royal households to attend this Confucian-Daoist grand gathering.

There are still three days left until the Jixia Academy opens.

Gu Jin Nian's figure has not yet appeared, which makes many people's emotions extremely complicated.

After all, previously it was because of Gu Jin Nian that the Jixia Academy was delayed by almost half a year.

Now, with only three days left, Gu Jin Nian still hasn't appeared; how could one not feel gloomy?

If Gu Jin Nian still doesn't come this time, what then? Although without Gu Jin Nian the academic conference could continue, everyone is still waiting for Gu Jin Nian.

The second-to-last day of the countdown.

The Jixia Academy is extraordinarily lively.

Gu Jin Nian did not arrive; instead, Su Wenjing came.

Everyone knows that Su Wenjing is half a teacher to Gu Jin Nian, and moreover Su Wenjing is the person most likely to become a sage in the present age, which naturally makes things even more lively.

However, the many questions boil down to one: Where is Gu Jin Nian? When will he come?

But with just a few sentences of explanation from Su Wenjing, the entire Jixia Academy erupted completely.

Three sentences made the Jixia Academy boil over.

First, Jin Nian will bring the supreme New Learning; the exact time is unknown, but he will certainly arrive before the conference begins.

Second, no one can contend with Jin Nian for superiority; after debate, he will step onto the holy path.

Third, I claim half the credit.

Three sentences.

Made the entire Jixia Academy boil over.

From top to bottom, everyone was astonished, and the news spread quickly.

This caused even some forces that had not intended to come and watch to eventually be unable to resist.

Mainly, Su Wenjing's words were too arrogant.

But indeed, no one dares to question Su Wenjing, for he is a half-sage of Confucianism-Daoism, a future sage; at this level, who would dare to question?

Meanwhile, inside the Jixia Academy.

Su Wenjing gazed up at the starry sky and involuntarily muttered to himself.

"Jin Nian, Jin Nian, this old man has already helped you build the momentum."

"Even if he can't say anything scholarly this time, relying solely on this momentum to help him seize a Heaven's Mandate imprint should not be difficult."

The muttering sounded.

Su Wenjing said with some feeling.

(End of chapter)