Chapter 225: Saint Ascension in the Academy

In the academy.

The overwhelming holy qi rose slowly from Gu Jin Nian's body.

He founded the New Learning, pointing a saintly path for future scholars.

Just this alone is enough to become a saint.

However, the Confucian Dao is not like other systems; possessing talent alone does not allow an immediate breakthrough of realms.

The Confucian Dao requires the unity of essence, qi, and spirit.

One must also achieve the Three Immortals before attaining sainthood.

If it were the martial path or the immortal path, with such scriptures Gu Jin Nian could become a saint outright, but not through the Confucian Dao.

One must awaken to the saintly Dao to become a saint.

At this very moment.

The overwhelming holy qi spread everywhere; Gu Jin Nian had already reached the Sixth Realm and was advancing toward the Seventh.

Yet even at the Sixth Realm, Gu Jin Nian could attain the Half Saint state.

The Half Saint aura radiated at this moment.

With Heaven's Mandate's blessing, Gu Jin Nian stepped onto the Half Saint realm.

All light and all dharma blossomed at this instant; the ancient bodhi tree behind him rose from the ground, rippling with endless radiance.

Its branches were emerald green, symbolizing supreme wisdom.

The light of merit relics had nine layers.

The Saint's Ruler and the Ancient Chronicles also emitted layers of light behind him.

Visions of the various schools of thought emerged.

Within the Jixia Academy, endless visions and holy light nearly engulfed Gu Jin Nian.

The Half Saint aura burst forth like an ocean, overwhelmingly terrifying.

The heavenly phenomena were astonishing.

Yet the crowd felt calm about the saintly scene; after all, such heavenly signs were not as frightening as those of the emerging Heart School.

Boom—

Boom—

Boom—

Suddenly,

Three seals suddenly appeared above Gu Jin Nian's head.

These were the Three Immortals seals.

The Saint's Immortal Seal.

"We bow to Saint Gu."

Finally, someone spoke and bowed deeply to Gu Jin Nian.

With the Saint's Immortal Seal, the myriad visions, and Gu Jin Nian's released Half Saint aura, everyone understood that he had broken through to the Half Saint realm.

Confucian Dao, Sixth Realm.

One step further would be a true saint.

Moreover, almost everyone believed that if Gu Jin Nian wished, he could become a saint outright, and even if he became a saint now, no one would be surprised.

The Saint's Three Immortals.

Establishing Merit.

Establishing Virtue.

Establishing Speech.

Gu Jin Nian had accomplished all of them; especially this final Establishing Speech, he not only established it for himself but also for scholars everywhere, pointing the saintly path.

In a thousand years, even ten thousand, as long as the Confucian Dao endures, Gu Jin Nian's Heart School will become the mainstream doctrine for all scholars on the Divine Continent.

The teachings of Confucius and Mencius reside in the heart; this is the way of human propriety.

Gu Jin Nian's Heart School is the saintly path, a road every scholar must walk.

Unless you can forge another way, aspiring to sainthood requires following the Heart School.

On the training ground.

When the realm ascended to the Half Saint level, an unprecedented sensation surged instantly.

His mind seemed emptied, thoughts constantly metamorphosing, a profound and subtle insight that left Gu Jin Nian speechless.

At this moment, he fell into a trance, as if all past confusions were answered in an instant.

He seemed to hear the voice of heaven and earth.

He also seemed to sense the cosmos itself.

This feeling was exceedingly wondrous, irresistibly immersive; this is the saintly realm.

Though a Half Saint, one can enter a unity of heaven and man, listening to the Dao's sound, discerning heavenly will, and understanding the way of nature.

Moreover, Gu Jin Nian sensed that after reaching Half Saint, he possessed the power to hear the heavens.

A seal appeared in his mind.

This seal was a Saint's seal; though only half, every move and word of his would be observed by heaven and earth.

The Half Saint realm.

It granted Gu Jin Nian an unprecedented insight.

A beam of golden light birthed from his body, shaping into a human silhouette.

The golden figure was his own essence, qi, and spirit.

And this golden little figure rose continuously toward the firmament, and all its senses changed, until it entered the universe.

The vast universe, its lights and shadows scattered.

All things of the world, following the golden little figure into the cosmos, seemed especially tiny.

Gu Jin Nian quietly contemplated the universe.

An ancient star, in the boundless cosmos, appeared exceedingly small, yet the words "all things" suddenly seemed extraordinarily great.

All directions constitute the universe.

From antiquity to the present is the cosmos.

Everything in the world seemed insignificant.

While gazing at the universe, a thought suddenly arose in the mind.

What is a human life truly for? Think carefully: a person's life is but a fleeting hundred years; even in this world one might live long—two hundred years? five hundred? a thousand? Even five thousand, ten thousand, a hundred thousand years—what does that achieve?

Lifespan is ultimately finite, whereas an ordinary mountain may endure since antiquity, bearing a history of millions of years, witnessing endless ages.

People today do not see the ancient moon.

The present moon once illuminated the ancients.

A mountain's age is measured in millions, tens of millions of years.

An ancient star's age is measured in hundreds of millions of years.

And a human's life seems like the lifespan of a wormgrass, merely a moment compared to the universe's myriad beings.

Thus, what is a human life for? When this notion surfaced, Gu Jin Nian fell silent.

He has now reached the Half Saint realm, can perceive the power of heaven and earth, comprehend the universe's natural laws, yet precisely because of this understanding, Gu Jin Nian realizes even more how utterly insignificant he is.

At the same time, doubts arose.

Confusion emerged.

He settled his mind and once again gazed at the universe.

The word "vast."

It cannot describe the greatness of the universe.

In ordinary days, those words, Gu Jin Nian found, were somewhat laughable.

A palace is often described as magnificent, yet when faced with the universe, the word "magnificent" appears utterly ridiculous.

This is the realm of unity between heaven and man.

Reaching the Half Saint realm allows one to perceive the power of heaven and earth, and only the Half Saint realm can truly sense it.

Otherwise, if one below the Half Saint level gazes at the universe, the Dao heart may collapse.

"I have become a Half Saint, yet I am not a true saint."

"I have embarked on the path of sainthood, but I am still not a saint."

"I have already achieved the three eternities: establishing merit, establishing virtue, Establishing Speech."

"But I feel that the path to sainthood is still too difficult, wavering; does Mr. Wen Jing share this feeling?"

Gu Jin Nian's mind generated one doubt after another.

All things flash in an instant; this is a spiritual perception.

Yet his own path to sainthood proved genuinely troublesome for Gu Jin Nian.

He articulated the unity of knowledge and action, and set down an immortal saying.

But the problem is.

He has not become a saint; more precisely, why can he become a Half Saint?

It is because of the empowerment of the great power of heaven and earth.

And not true comprehension.

Confucianism and Daoism.

The crux is this insight.

The Half Saint realm seemed like a heavenly trench, blocking Gu Jin Nian's path forward.

He had thought that, with the unity of knowledge and action, Gu Jin Nian would inevitably become a saint.

What he did not expect was that only upon entering the Half Saint realm did Gu Jin Nian realize how many tens of thousands of li he still lagged behind the saintly realm—this is a heavenly trench, an insurmountable barrier.

At this moment, Gu Jin Nian was filled with confusion; he did not know what had gone wrong.

Even the immortal saying he had already set.

Yet he still had not become a true saint.

"Do I need to use the Saint Ascension Diagram?"

At this moment, Gu Jin Nian thought of this: during the great Da Xia celestial disaster, he had obtained a Saint Ascension Diagram.

Now, he is contemplating whether to employ the Saint Ascension Diagram.

To become a saint.

"Heaven's Mandate Great Era has already arrived; countless events will unfold in the future."

"Terrifying conflicts will also arise, and Confucianism and Daoism have yet to produce a saint."

"Should I seize this chance to become a saint?"

"Early… early… early… early… early… early… early… early… early… early… early… early… early… early… early… early… early… early… early… early…"

Gu Jin Nian whispered to himself, comforting himself while trying to persuade himself…

But.

Soon.

Gu Jin Nian shook his head; he knew that all of this was an excuse he made for himself.

I want to break through the Saint Realm quickly, although my original intention was for the sake of all under heaven.

But in the end, I still felt fear.

Predicament.

This is the predicament I have encountered.

"I am not a person of this world."

"All poems and essays, all wisdom, actually come from another world."

"In other words, these things are not mine."

"But they belong to the ancients."

"If speaking from the Confucian Dao, I am a thief, taking others' things and making them my own."

"For each poem, I understand its meaning."

"But for each poem, I do not understand its spirit, because these things do not belong to me."

"Perhaps this is the reason I cannot become a Sage."

At this moment, Gu Jin Nian thought of a possibility.

A possibility that I cannot become a Sage.

Although I have achieved establishing merit, establishing virtue, and establishing speech.

But fundamentally, many things are not my original intention; these poems and essays are all plagiarized by me.

Putting it nicely, I am merely a copyist.

Putting it harshly, I am simply a plagiarist.

A thief.

Heaven and Earth are vast and righteous; the Great Dao is impartial.

How could such a person become a Sage? As for good and evil?

What basis does one have to call one's own actions good?

Thinking this far.

Gu Jin Nian involuntarily drew a deep breath.

This viewpoint, in his mind, made Gu Jin Nian ever more resolute.

Otherwise, for a scholar to have completed establishing merit, establishing virtue, and establishing speech, yet still be unable to become a Sage, is impossible.

Originally, everything, everything is waiting for me here.

Laughable that I actually thought that by taking out some poems and essays, taking out the essence of the ancients' writings, I could become a Sage.

Truly laughable.

Gu Jin Nian's emotions fluctuated somewhat.

And at the same time.

Inside the Jixia Academy.

Gu Jin Nian sat upright on the martial arts platform.

Originally the clear sky, at this moment dark clouds spread and a terrifying eeriness appeared.

Thunderous might rumbled loudly.

A violent rainstorm struck, falling onto the ground.

Inside the academy, everyone watched Gu Jin Nian; they were still shocked by his apparition, and also hoped he could use this opportunity to break through and become a Sage.

But unexpectedly, the sudden occurrence left everyone somewhat at a loss.

"What has happened?"

"How did the heavenly phenomena suddenly change?"

"What is going on?"

"Why did such an ominous omen appear out of nowhere?"

Voices rang out one after another.

All the students present had looks of surprise; they were curious, some at a loss.

At this time, there should be myriad auspicious clouds and various portents shooting up to the heavens.

But unexpectedly, the suddenly changing scene left people somewhat doubtful.

Su Wenjing looked at Gu Jin Nian on the martial arts platform, his expression somewhat unsightly, while Duan Kong beside him involuntarily frowned and said.

This is the Saint Realm ordeal; Gu Jin Nian has encountered the Saint's ordeal, which is unlikely, since he has already completed the Three Immortalities, why would he encounter the Saint Realm ordeal?

Duan Kong seemed to understand; he instantly knew what had happened.

Hearing Duan Kong speak, some Great Scholars involuntarily frowned.

This is impossible.

How could Lord Gu possibly encounter the Saint Realm ordeal? Only a false sage would face such a calamity; Lord Gu has achieved establishing merit and establishing virtue, and today also inaugurated the supreme New Learning—how could he possibly face such a calamity?

A Great Scholar spoke up, immediately rebutting, thinking this impossible, that this is absolutely not a Saint Realm ordeal.

What is the Saint Realm ordeal?

Some also wondered, not understanding what the Saint Realm ordeal was, feeling curious.

It is that the Three Immortalities went wrong, thereby resulting in a punishment.

In the rumors, there are scholars who, in order to become a Sage, forcibly complete the Three Immortalities—establishing virtue and establishing speech—then wish to establish merit, actively provoking war, thereby bringing equal calamity; although they have completed the Three Immortalities, when they are about to ascend to Sagehood.

Heaven and Earth sense it, detecting his inner falsehood, and thus mete out punishment: lightly, his cultivation is utterly ruined; heavily, his body and spirit are annihilated on the spot.

A Great Scholar spoke up, stating this Saint Realm ordeal.

Upon hearing this, everyone's eyes widened in an instant, showing an expression of disbelief.

Who could have thought that at this moment Gu Jin Nian would encounter such trouble? Moreover, if it were someone else, it would be easy to accept, but if it were Gu Jin Nian, they could not accept it.

"Could the flood in Jiang Ning Commandery, the missing children of White Heron Residence, and even the Da Xia heavenly disaster have been orchestrated by Gu Jin Nian behind the scenes?"

Someone frowned, instinctively assuming that this establishing merit was related to Gu Jin Nian.

"You misunderstand; it's not that establishing merit is forged, but that among the three immortals, at least one action is not approved by Heaven, which does not necessarily mean establishing merit."

Someone explained, opening their mouth.

Upon hearing this, the crowd frowned one after another, and in an instant various speculations arose.

"If it is establishing merit, falsification is unlikely; the Jiang Ning Commandery flood, the White Heron Residence children missing—at that time Gu Sheng had just left the Gu Family, so regardless of timing or anything, it should be impossible."

"Moreover, Heaven and Earth would have responded at that time if it truly were Gu Sheng's doing."

"Is it establishing virtue?"

Someone guessed that establishing virtue was the problem.

But soon another denied it.

"It could not be establishing virtue either; Gu Sheng is Da Xia First Marquis, wealth and power are at his fingertips, how could Gu Sheng commit such base deeds?"

"Furthermore, if establishing merit is faultless, establishing virtue cannot be wrong either; pleading for life alone suffices for establishing virtue."

The rebuttal was instantly accepted by the crowd, and most endorsed this view.

After all, being able to plead for the lives of all under heaven, even that alone merits establishing virtue.

"If it is not establishing virtue, then only the final Establishing Speech remains."

"Does that mean this Heart School was not founded by Gu Sheng, but by someone else?"

Since neither establishing merit nor establishing virtue applies, someone pointed the suspicion toward Establishing Speech.

But as soon as this was said, Su Wenjing's voice rang out immediately in response.

"Baseless talk."

"Regarding the Heart School, I, as a Half Saint, am hearing of it for the first time; moreover, anyone who could create such a doctrine must be at least a Half Saint. If a Half Saint truly founded the Heart School, why would they not step forward themselves?"

"If I founded this Heart School, I could become a saint; even if I wished to support Jin Nian, Heaven and Earth would respond, which would be foolish. I would not do that, as it would instead harm Jin Nian."

"The other Half Saints would not do so either."

"Therefore, forging Establishing Speech is impossible."

"Moreover, it may not be a Saint Realm predicament; without any evidence, do not speculate wildly."

At this critical moment, Su Wenjing must step forward to defend Gu Jin Nian, or else a massive controversy will arise.

Gu Jin Nian is so outstanding, like a brilliant star, like a sun, suppressing countless Confucian and Daoist scholars; he already has many enemies, and those dissatisfied or jealous will target Gu Jin Nian.

Now, Gu Jin Nian faces such a situation, extremely dangerous; if rumors are not curbed, they will melt gold and turn three people into a tiger.

Crack!

But just as Su Wenjing finished speaking, a bolt of thunder struck down directly toward Gu Jin Nian.

However, the thunder did not harm Gu Jin Nian's flesh; it was the will of Heaven and Earth manifested as thunder, striking his original spirit.

Puff.

On the training arena.

Gu Jin Nian spat a mouthful of fresh blood, staining his collar red.

In the spiritual realm, the terrifying thunder tribulation caused Gu Jin Nian a heart‑gnawing pain.

Yet this pain did not cause Gu Jin Nian suffering; instead, it steadied the thoughts in his mind.

Because these poems and verses do not belong to him.

Because the Heart School was not founded by him.

Thus Heaven and Earth gave punishment.

Forming a Heavenly Rift, preventing him from ever becoming a saint.

Rather than saying it was painful, it is more that this feeling made Gu Jin Nian uncomfortable.

He had never considered this before, and now that it occurs, Gu Jin Nian feels both helpless and a bit unwilling.

Boom.

The second heavenly thunder struck again.

In an instant, fierce pain surged again; Gu Jin Nian furrowed his brow and forced himself to endure it.

But the surrounding scenery also collapsed in a flash.

Gu Jin Nian awoke.

The radiance on his body shattered into pieces at that moment.

The anomalies of the myriad schools also collapsed.

Everything seemed about to be smashed by the thunder.

Boom.

Another bolt of thunder struck down.

Gu Jin Nian's Wen Palace manifested and was shattered on the spot by the thunder.

Everyone was horrified; no one could have imagined such an event.

Shouldn't this be Gu Jin Nian's ascension to sainthood? Why would Heaven and Earth impose such a thunder punishment?

Puff.

A third mouthful of blood was spat, Gu Jin Nian's complexion turned extremely pallid, and his body suffered severe injuries.

His gaze was both defeated and helpless; though unwilling, under Heaven's will Gu Jin Nian could not resist.

Because he indeed erred.

Heaven and Earth do not punish the innocent; having erred first, how could he refute anything? Boom.

The fourth bolt of thunder struck down.

Gu Jin Nian's body also received a more terrifying blow at this moment, and his Confucian-Dao cultivation plummeted wildly.

Half Saint.

Great Scholar.

Establishing Virtue.

With the fourth thunderbolt striking, Gu Jin Nian's Confucian-Dao cultivation had already fallen to the realm of Establishing Virtue.

This is unbelievable.

All the scholars looked at Gu Jin Nian; they already believed this was the Saint Realm predicament.

"Why is this happening?"

"What exactly did Gu Saint do wrong? This is impossible—Establishing Merit, Establishing Virtue, Establishing Speech—all are flawless. Why is this happening? Is it because of Heaven's Mandate?"

At this moment, the dean of Jixia Academy could not help but speak; he truly could not understand where Gu Jin Nian went wrong.

He does not understand.

Everyone does not understand, including Su Wenjing, yet only Gu Jin Nian alone knows where he erred.

Boom—

The fifth bolt of thunder fell mercilessly.

Striking toward Gu Jin Nian.

The terrifying power of the thunder made everyone present feel unprecedented pressure; many stepped back, unwilling to be affected.

"Jin Nian, what exactly happened, why is it like this?"

At this moment, Su Wenjing spoke, his heart burning with anxiety, not knowing what was happening, why this could happen to someone otherwise fine.

But the fifth thunderbolt fell.

Gu Jin Nian was nearly half dead, his body covered in fresh blood, the crimson staining his white robes in a terribly tragic sight.

His complexion turned ghastly pale, and his realm dropped again.

Establishing Speech realm.

Nurturing Qi realm.

Condensing Qi realm.

Indeed, Gu Jin Nian's Confucian-Dao cultivation fell to the Condensing Qi realm, which is simply unimaginable.

From the Half Saint realm, directly falling to the Condensing Qi realm.

Unless a saint intervenes, such a thing could never happen.

And on the Martial Performance Platform.

Gu Jin Nian's gaze was only a gray defeat; he could not face this tribulation, fundamentally unable to cope with it.

Because he feels guilt in his heart.

Boom—

The sixth bolt of thunder fell.

Under the terrifying thunderstrike, Gu Jin Nian's aura instantly withered to the extreme.

Buzz—

Buzz—

The Holy Ruler materialized, hovering above Gu Jin Nian's head, attempting to block this Heaven-and-Earth thunder tribulation.

Boom.

The seventh thunder tribulation fell, striking the Holy Ruler; ten thousand feet of lightning cascaded like a waterfall, as if baptizing Gu Jin Nian.

Unprecedented pain made Gu Jin Nian's body tremble.

This is the Heaven-and-Earth thunder punishment.

It is a thunder punishment that ordinary people cannot endure.

Clang—

At this moment, the Holy Ruler fell directly to the ground, losing all its holy resonance.

"Why on earth is this?"

"How could this happen?"

Everyone stepped back, but Su Wenjing did not retreat; he even stepped forward a few paces, questioning Gu Jin Nian.

The Gu Jin Nian he had high hopes for, why is he being punished by Heaven and Earth? This is not a scene he wanted to see, nor one he is willing to witness.

"Sir."

"It is the student's problem."

"For this tribulation, the student accepts the punishment."

On the Martial Performance Platform, Gu Jin Nian struggled to speak, looking at Su Wenjing, forcing a smile.

But in an instant.

Yet a more terrifying thunder tribulation fell, this being the eighth bolt of thunder.

Lightning baptized Gu Jin Nian; the pain at this moment made him unable to endure any longer, and he nearly let out a howl, the agony despairing.

Yet within that howl was also anger, filled with unwillingness—that is Gu Jin Nian's nature.

He is unwilling, he is also angry.

Although he presented the works of the ancestors, every deed he performed was for all living under heaven.

He indeed has faults, but why must it be like this to him?

What else did he do wrong?

Thunder like a waterfall poured down, shaking the entire Jixia Academy; some scholars who had already retreated to the back hall also felt the terrifying thunder.

Even as they fell back, not even the Great Scholar could block the terrifying power of the thunder.

"Wenjing, hurry over, the final bolt of thunder is imminent; you must come quickly, or you will also be affected."

At that moment, Duan Kong's voice rang out; he and Su Wenjing were on very good terms—though rivals, it was undeniable that they had known each other for a long time.

At that time, Duan Kong naturally spoke, urging Su Wenjing to hurry over.

Otherwise, regarding the Ninth Thunder Tribulation, Duan Kong didn't know whether Gu Jin Nian could endure it, but Su Wenjing would certainly be implicated.

"Mr. Wenjing, although I do not know what is happening, all this is Lord Gu's calamity; leave quickly, the Jixia Academy may be destroyed, leave at once."

The Academy Dean spoke, urging Su Wenjing, and simultaneously used great divine power to send everyone out of the Jixia Academy, lest anyone suffer misfortune.

However, Su Wenjing ignored the crowd.

In the back hall, the thunderous aura stirred a gale; Su Wenjing's teal robe rustled as he stood not far from Gu Jin Nian, gazing at him, his heart aching.

Although Gu Jin Nian always addressed him as "Sir".

Although he publicly claimed to be Gu Jin Nian's teacher.

Although Gu Jin Nian never took him as a master.

Yet Su Wenjing already regarded Gu Jin Nian as a disciple, for he saw in him the most extraordinary person of the Confucian‑Daoist lineage.

However, the current situation was far beyond Su Wenjing's expectations.

When the Ninth Thunder struck, Gu Jin Nian faced almost certain death; how could he possibly escape? "Sir."

"Leave quickly."

"This calamity, the student will resolve it himself."

At that moment on the training arena, Gu Jin Nian was at his weakest, barely able to speak, yet he sensed Su Wenjing standing nearby, still mustering all his strength to let Su Wenjing depart.

Whether in defiance or unwillingness, even if Gu Jin Nian dies, he does not wish to implicate anyone.

That is his character.

"One day as teacher."

"Lifelong as father."

"Jin Nian, you are my student, Su Wenjing; how could I stand by idly?"

"Although I do not know exactly what has happened."

"But I will not allow you to be defeated here."

"No one may let you fall."

"Not even Heaven may permit it."

Under the thunder.

Su Wenjing's voice rang powerfully, his gaze unshakably firm.

The next instant.

Su Wenjing instantly vaulted, arriving above Gu Jin Nian's head, his eyes bursting with terrifying holy power.

"Mr. Wenjing, this is the Saintly Confinement Realm; you cannot stop it, return quickly."

"Su Wenjing, hurry back. The heavens' thunder punishment—whether you can withstand it aside—if you forcefully take it for Gu Jin Nian, you will anger the heavens and cause greater trouble."

Academy Dean.

Duan Kong.

The two shouted loudly; in their view, Su Wenjing's action was undoubtedly a path to death.

Taking a thunder tribulation for another? That itself is intolerable to heaven and earth.

But given the situation, the Ninth Thunder Tribulation—Gu Jin Nian's survival is already unlikely—whether Su Wenjing goes or not makes little difference.

It would only waste his own effort.

That is why everyone urged Su Wenjing.

Not that they wish him not to save, but that he cannot be saved.

Below the training arena.

Gu Jin Nian watched the scene, his eyes inexplicably moist; he had not expected Su Wenjing to step forward for him at this moment.

This is no ordinary calamity, but a life‑and‑death tribulation.

Su Wenjing is not a relative, and Gu Jin Nian never took him as master; between them, they could be considered a typical teacher‑student relationship.

What he did not anticipate was that Mr. Wenjing would risk his own life for him.

"Sir."

"No."

"The student understands."

Gu Jin Nian's voice was weak; he wanted to speak loudly, but he was simply too feeble.

Boom.

At this moment, multicolored thunder appeared, signifying annihilation.

A terrifying aura stirred the mountains and rivers across a hundred thousand li.

"Wenjing, hurry back, this is the Apocalyptic Heavenly Thunder; no one can resist it."

"This is Heaven's Punishment."

"This is Heaven's Wrath."

"This is also Heaven's Will."

"It cannot be defied."

"Return."

A voice from Duan Kong sounded; he does not wish his friend to die beneath this lightning tribulation.

Because of this lightning tribulation, a qualitative change has occurred; it was originally a punishment for Gu Jin Nian, but with Su Wenjing's involvement, the tribulation's natural power has greatly altered.

However.

Under the Heavenly Vault.

Su Wenjing's expression does not change; holy light erupts around him.

"I am Su Wenjing."

"Half Saint of the human race."

"Today, I become the saint of humanity's future."

"Defying Heaven."

A calm voice sounded.

In an instant.

Three-foot Green Blade.

Appears in Su Wenjing's hand.

This is his Holy Dao Power.

It is Su Wenjing's Holy Dao Power.

Pure and flawless.

Three-foot Green Blade.

Acts for Heaven and Earth.

Acts for the saint of humanity's future.

Acts for Gu Jin Nian.

Acts for protection.

He does not know why Heaven and Earth have angered Gu Jin Nian.

He also does not know what mistake Gu Jin Nian actually committed.

He only knows that Gu Jin Nian once called him "teacher."

He only knows that a great era of Heaven and Earth is about to emerge, bringing endless conflicts, and Gu Jin Nian is the one he has chosen.

He believes that Gu Jin Nian can establish a purpose for Heaven and Earth, can determine the fate of the living, can inherit the saint's ultimate teachings, and can bring ten‑thousand‑generation peace to all under heaven.

He believes that with Gu Jin Nian present, every scholar in the world can become like a dragon.

So.

Today.

He is willing to cut this sword for Gu Jin Nian.

He is willing to use the Three-foot Green Blade to protect Gu Jin Nian.

Boom! Thunder crashes down, utterly ruthless.

The terrifying thunder strikes down directly.

However.

Su Wenjing shows not a hint of fear.

He grips the long sword in his hand tightly.

He infuses his own essence, Qi, and spirit, and slashes directly at the thunder.

Boom! Boom! Boom! The terrifying, unparalleled explosion reverberates through the entire Eastern Wilderness, billions of thunder flashes scattering, above the Heavenly Vault by a hundred zhang, illuminating the boundless land.

Below the Martial Exhibition Platform.

Gu Jin Nian weeps like rain; he gazes at Su Wenjing within the thunder, his pain pierces his heart.

He does not wish to implicate anyone.

He also did not expect Su Wenjing, for his sake, to fearlessly face death.

Within the thunder.

Su Wenjing's breath rapidly wanes; his flesh almost completely collapses, tendons snap, and his five organs rupture.

Yet his will keeps his body upright, making him fearless of everything.

However, this is the annihilating thunder, unstoppable.

Su Wenjing is a Half Saint; how could he resist such a lightning tribulation? "Teacher."

"Leave."

On the Martial Exhibition Platform.

Gu Jin Nian speaks; his cry is breathless, for he is truly weak, yet facing this scene, Gu Jin Nian gathers all his strength and shouts "Teacher."

He also hopes Su Wenjing will leave.

He is willing to bear this tribulation himself.

Outside the Jixia Academy, many onlookers watch this scene; many cannot help but shed tears, their eyes reddened.

The bond between master and disciple moves people to tears.

Even these Great Scholars, accustomed to great storms, cannot help but weep at this moment.

Within the thunder.

So after hearing Gu Jin Nian's voice again.

Su Wenjing feels immense relief in his heart.

The words "Teacher"

are profound, but precisely because of the word "Teacher," Su Wenjing's resolve becomes even firmer.

In fact, regarding Gu Jin Nian, he had the intention to take him as a disciple at first sight; later, Gu Jin Nian's actions made him involuntarily feel admiration, and he wanted even more to take Gu Jin Nian as his disciple.

But the problem is.

When everything Gu Jin Nian did shocked the world, Su Wenjing found it hard to speak, because Gu Jin Nian's achievements were gradually surpassing him.

How could there be a principle that a teacher is inferior to his disciple?

This is also why Su Wenjing hesitated to bring up the matter with Gu Jin Nian, because he felt he was unworthy, unworthy to be Gu Jin Nian's teacher.

Now.

When Gu Jin Nian faced such a great calamity, he did not choose this because he wanted to become Gu Jin Nian's teacher.

Rather, he wanted to ease Gu Jin Nian's burden, he also wanted to prove himself, he wanted to tell Gu Jin Nian.

He, Su Wenjing, was not as ordinary as he appeared.

Now.

He was satisfied, his heart was content.

"Jin Nian."

"Remember."

"No matter the reason, no matter what trouble you encounter, you must remember."

"A Confucian scholar acts for the sake of heaven and earth and all living beings."

"We scholars should establish our heart for heaven and earth, establish our destiny for the people, continue the lost learning of past sages, and open an era of peace for myriad generations."

"The teacher is already old; there is little he can do for the people of this world."

"You are still young; you have plenty of time to do many things, to make the people happy, to open an era of peace for myriad generations, to clearly understand the learning of ancient and modern times, and to transmit the true essence of Confucianism."

"This era."

"It needs someone to bring the curtain down."

Su Wenjing's voice sounded, he revealed a smile, a smile from the heart.

Boom.

But at this moment, the thunder grew ever more terrifying; this was heavenly thunder punishment, and moreover it was the thunder of annihilation.

Unless it strikes people to death, it will not end.

In the thunder.

Su Wenjing's expression became even more resolute; his gaze was a resoluteness never before seen.

It was also an unyielding spirit never before seen.

Clang.

Sword qi.

Crisscrossing 108,000 li.

A three-foot blue-green blade.

It can also defy heaven.

Also at this moment.

In the thunder.

A terrifying aura pierced heaven and earth.

Boom boom boom! Boom boom boom! The Divine Land Continent trembled utterly at this moment; hundreds of millions of rays of light burst forth from countless academies.

Heaven and earth shook as one.

Within the Kong family.

The Kong Temple trembled incessantly; the statue of the sage also burst forth with peerless holy light at this moment.

Countless people involuntarily raised their heads.

This terrifying aura swept across hundreds of millions of mountains and rivers, shaking the sun, moon, and universe.

Within the Eastern Wilderness.

Supreme Mystery Immortal Sect.

The Supreme Clarity Daoist's complexion instantly became utterly shocked.

"Someone has become a sage."

He was astonished; his eyes held disbelief.

It was almost in an instant.

Countless gazes turned toward the Jixia Academy.

The Xiongnu State, Fuyu Dynasty, Great Jin Dynasty, Da Xia Dynasty, Central Province Dynasty, Southern Barbarian Dynasty, and the Far North.

Dragon Tiger Dao Sect, Yin Yang Immortal Sect, Ten Thousand Stars Ancient Sect, Exquisite Immortal Palace, Green Hill Mountain Range.

The entire Divine Land Continent, countless gazes, all gathered within the Jixia Academy.

It was light.

Light that pierced heaven and earth.

Amid the annihilating thunder, Su Wenjing stepped into the sage realm.

His aura shook the universe.

This terrifying holy power startled one great figure after another.

Within the academy.

The academy dean gaped, watching this scene; he had not expected that Gu Jin Nian would fail to become a sage, while Su Wenjing instead became the first to do so.

Within the crowd.

Duan Kong saw this scene and, in an instant, froze in place.

Nobody expected that.

At this moment, Su Wenjing unexpectedly became a saint.

This is simply beyond anyone's expectation.

But.

Su Wenjing's actions also made them feel that it wasn't entirely unexpected.

Earlier, when Da Xia faced a heavenly catastrophe, Su Wenjing gave up his Half Saint cultivation to save the people of Da Xia, and at that moment he received the Heaven-Earth Saint's Heart.

Now, as Gu Jin Nian faced extinction, Su Wenjing stepped forward.

He feared neither Heaven's will.

Nor did he fear life and death.

To safeguard Gu Jin Nian's path.

He continued the Confucian path, wielding a three-foot green blade of the Saint's Way to defy Heaven's will.

Such courage.

Such conduct.

And yet, what could prevent him from becoming a saint? But.

The tribulation did not fade with Su Wenjing's sainthood; it grew even more fearsome.

Over the whole Eastern Wilderness, terrifying thunderous power gathered.

The Annihilation Thunder.

It is inherently the most fearsome heavenly thunder punishment.

Even saints might not be able to endure it.

Within the tribulation.

Su Wenjing, with a saint's will, carved a path to life for Gu Jin Nian.

His flesh body shattered.

His essence, energy, and spirit were on the verge of being erased.

Yet the power of the Saint's Way allowed him to be reborn instantly.

The saint's aura swept across heaven and earth.

All eyes turned to him.

Some wished Su Wenjing would perish in this tribulation, for if he lived he would become the most troublesome rival in the age's great conflict.

But others hoped he would survive, though that seemed nearly impossible, for this was the mightiest heavenly tribulation, and no one could endure it.

Pfft.

In the tribulation.

Countless thunderbolts transformed into swords, striking Su Wenjing like a thousand arrows piercing the heart, slashing him outright.

Yet the fearsome power of the Saint's Way allowed Su Wenjing to be reborn through nirvana.

He stood amidst the thunder, defying heaven.

He was defying heaven.

He sought to go against heaven.

While forging a path to life for Gu Jin Nian, he resisted this terrifying thunderous calamity.

Beneath the martial arts platform.

Gu Jin Nian watched all this, powerless; having endured the eightfold tribulation, merely surviving was the utmost luck—how could he intervene?

But he longed to act, to save his teacher.

At the Jixia Academy, many watched, their emotions tangled to the extreme.

Su Wenjing was in the midst of becoming a saint.

Yet for Gu Jin Nian, he was repeatedly struck down by the tribulation, only to be reborn through nirvana, relying on the Saint's Great Way.

Had it not been for Gu Jin Nian, Su Wenjing could still have attained sainthood twenty years later.

But now, his deeds inspire admiration—just look.

In the tribulation.

Su Wenjing was struck down by lightning once again.

Looking over.

The power of the Saint's Way made his will unbreakable.

He was amidst the thunder.

In despair.

He did not give up.

What does it matter if he dies again and again? His resolve is steadfast and terrifying.

In dire straits, he sought a sliver of hope.

At this moment, finally, a voice rang out.

"I am Duan Kong, a human Confucian scholar. I now plead with the heavens: examine the saint's heart, quell the thunder punishment, and grant a path of life for the future saint of humanity."

Duan Kong's voice rang out.

He was Su Wenjing's close friend; seeing his friend endure inhuman torment for his disciple while defying heaven in the tribulation, how could he remain unmoved?

He spoke, then resolutely walked toward the thunderous area.

He felt no fear.

Because he held faith in his heart, though he was the Eastern Wilderness Chess King, he was also a scholar, a Confucian, a gentleman, cultivating the mighty righteous spirit.

Watching Duan Kong move forward.

The head of Jixia Academy let out a long sigh, his eyes filled with admiration.

I have read for hundreds of years, know countless principles, but when I truly calm my mind and face difficulties, I have always been hesitant.

Books are ultimately dead things.

Before this, I have always had a doubt: why can Confucian scholars reach the heavens, why do Confucian scholars possess the power of heaven and earth?

Martial Dao, Immortal Dao, Buddhist cultivation, whether demon or devil.

None are as strong as the Confucian Dao.

This question has made me ponder for a very long time.

Now, I finally understand.

The academy head spoke, everyone listened to his voice, their eyes full of curiosity, not understanding what he was about to do.

At the same time, after hearing his words, everyone couldn't help but doubt.

Yes, between heaven and earth there are Immortal Dao, Devil Dao, Buddhist Dao, and also Demon Dao; if we compare, Confucian Dao practitioners are all mortal bodies, and logically they cannot surpass these systems.

But why does the Confucian Dao become the leader of all systems? Possessing the ability to reach the heavens? This indeed makes them curious, and indeed makes them doubtful.

However.

Having said this, the academy head waved his hand; at this moment, his gaze became especially firm.

His voice.

Like the great bell Huang Zhong.

His voice.

Deafening, making ears ring.

His voice.

It spread throughout the great world.

"Because."

"The will of scholars can penetrate heaven and earth."

"Because."

"We scholars have an unyielding heart."

"Because."

"We who study hard in cold windows seek a path to life in this vague heaven and earth."

"To seek a path to life for ourselves."

"To seek a path to life for scholars."

"To seek a path to life for heaven and earth."

"Now, the Wen Jing Saint is not helping Gu Jin Nian seek a path to life."

"But is helping us scholars seek a path to life."

"To seek this path to life for all people under heaven."

"Since this is the case."

"Then let us together seek a path to life for all people under heaven."

"I am Yuan Qing, a scholar of the human race; today I earnestly plead to the Supreme Heaven, to illuminate the holy heart, to calm the heavenly punishment, wishing to be the future saint of our human race, seeking a path to life."

The academy head's voice sounded.

At this moment, he attained great enlightenment, clearly understanding the truth between heaven and earth.

And he resolved the doubts in his heart.

The will of scholars.

Can penetrate everything in heaven and earth.

The unyielding nature of scholars.

Cannot be extinguished by thunder.

Cannot be destroyed by heaven and earth.

Boom boom boom.

As Yuan Qing finished speaking, the entire Jixia Academy burst forth with terrifying holy light, which poured into the heavenly tribulation.

Yuan Qing walked forward.

Is the path ahead a dead end?

Yes.

But the path ahead is also the sole path to life for the people of heaven and earth.

Listening to Yuan Qing's words.

Everyone was dazed.

These grand words made their blood boil one by one, and also left them stunned.

The will of scholars can penetrate heaven and earth.

Yes.

The will of scholars!

Can penetrate this heaven and earth! "The words of these three gentlemen let me gain the benefit of reading a hundred years of books."

"I understand."

Also at this moment, finally, a voice gave a response; it was the Great Scholar of the academy.

He laughed as he spoke, saying nothing passionate or inspiring.

He walked forward.

He walked toward a desperate situation.

But this desperate situation was also a brightness.

"Willing to establish a destiny for the people."

Soon, a voice sounded.

It was a young scholar, his fists clenched, tears still on his face, the emotion from just now.

Now, with the words of several gentlemen.

He could not utter any earth-shattering remarks, nor could he speak any great words.

Only one sentence.

Willing to establish a destiny for the people.

As these words were spoken, in the academy, those scholars who were already indignant, moved, and admiring were completely rid of their earlier panic and fear.

Someone took the lead and moved forward.

They then proceeded forward.

A figure.

Five figures.

Ten figures.

Hundreds of figures.

Thousands of figures.

In the end, everyone chose to enter; as long as they were scholars, they resolutely chose to go inside.

Walking toward the thunder zone.

Boom boom boom! Boom boom boom! Thunder exploded, fiercer and more terrifying than before.

It seemed like the wrath of Heaven, furious at their defiance.

But the scholars who entered the thunder zone emitted an unparalleled righteous aura, rushing madly toward Su Wenjing amidst the heavenly tribulation.

They became Su Wenjing's greatest support.

Thus, their righteous aura could be so terrifyingly unmatched.

The spirit of Jixia Academy infected countless people.

Between heaven and earth.

All scholars, at this moment, also heard their voices.

Within the Da Xia capital.

The academy students felt a resonance; though they could not see the scene of Jixia Academy, for some reason these scenes appeared in their minds.

Because they are scholars, the will of scholars can penetrate everything between heaven and earth.

This fearless spirit moved every scholar.

"Willing to establish a destiny for the people."

The academy students, one by one, bowed deeply toward Jixia Academy.

At that moment, bundles of light burst from within them, surging into the academy.

Above the entire Da Xia capital, there were millions of rays of light, representing millions of scholars.

In the imperial palace.

In the main hall.

The crown prince gazed upon all this, already tears streaming down his face.

In the hall, civil and military officials also wept uncontrollably, one by one.

"Willing to establish a destiny for the people."

Li Gao walked out of the hall, toward the direction of Jixia Academy, and bowed deeply.

The officials likewise did so.

Da Xia Capital.

A place of poverty.

An old scholar, flipping through yellowed books, in the schoolhouse there were a dozen or so children reviewing their lessons.

Upon the lessons, the Four Sentences of Hengchu were conspicuously written.

With the support of the scholars' will, the old man stood frozen in place.

After a moment, he rose and walked to the doorway.

Although it was a desolate expanse.

Although it was a poor expanse.

But the old man's stature was upright, and he bowed toward Jixia Academy.

"Willing to establish a destiny for the people."

The same scene.

Different scholars.

But they spoke the same words.

Willing to establish a destiny for the people.

This spirit is something no system can surpass, nor can any system achieve.

Because true scholars possess the same thing.

That is spirit.

The spirit of scholars.

Bundles of light soared above the Da Xia Dynasty.

This moment.

Even the Fuyu Dynasty had endless light appear.

Great Jin Dynasty.

The states of the Eastern Wilderness.

Those beams of light are indelible.

This is the spirit of scholars.

And it is their will.

The heavenly tribulation cannot be extinguished.

Heaven and earth also cannot be extinguished.

The Central State Dynasty, the Southern Barbarian Dynasty, the Extreme North.

Under heaven, wherever there are scholars, such will surely exist.

When these wills gather, they become a vast sea, boundless and endless.

Countless forces stared blankly at all this.

They were shaken.

Feeling incredulous.

The Western Desert Buddhist State, countless eminent monks gazed at all this, silent and speechless; even they, at this moment, could not help but acknowledge how terrifying the will of scholars is.

Within the Great Jin Dynasty.

An old man silently watched all this.

He was Su Wenxin.

He was the elder brother of Su Wenjing.

He was also the dean of the Great Jin Academy.

He was also a human Half Saint.

Gazing at the Jixia Academy, Su Wenxin involuntarily opened his mouth.

"Wenjing, you have surpassed your elder brother."

"Your will is something your elder brother cannot match."

"Your elder brother feels proud because of you."

"May we establish destiny for the people."

Su Wenxin spoke softly, and his will turned into a pillar of light, surging toward the Jixia Academy.

Inside the Jixia Academy.

With the support of these streams of righteous aura.

Su Wenjing's three-foot azure sword in his hand also underwent transformation at this moment.

Boom.

Sage's sword qi crisscrossed.

Directly blasting apart the heavenly tribulation.

However, the heavenly tribulation condensed again; this is the annihilating heavenly tribulation, indeed terrifying and overwhelming; even so, it did not completely dissipate.

"Heaven's movement is vigorous."

"The gentleman constantly strives for self-improvement."

But just then, the voice of Yuan Qing Half Saint sounded; he gazed at this heavenly tribulation and spoke.

As his voice sounded.

One after another voices followed.

All scholars shouted in unison, reciting the Book of Changes written by Gu Jin Nian.

"The earth's condition is receptive."

"The gentleman carries things with great virtue."

Yuan Qing's voice sounded again.

The Divine State Continent, endless responding voices, sounded together.

All scholars gazed at this lightning.

The indomitable will of the gentleman opposes heavenly will.

As these two voices sounded, the gathered righteous aura became even more brilliant.

The terrifying righteous aura, at this moment, transformed into swords of gentlemen.

These gentlemen's swords gathered into a sea, bombarding the heavenly tribulation.

To establish destiny for the people.

To seek the path for all beings under heaven.

The blazing gentlemen's swords advance without cease.

The terrifying heavenly tribulation.

Also at this moment was scattered.

And at this moment.

The heavenly tribulation did not recondense.

Su Wenjing's figure appeared; he gazed at the celestial phenomena, silent.

Everyone gazed at this celestial phenomenon, all silent.

They did not know whether they had defeated Heaven.

Silence.

The great age was silent.

Everyone was paying attention, they wondered how it would turn out.

However.

At this moment, the thunder and lightning gradually dissipated.

In an instant.

The cheers were deafening, countless people rejoiced, the scholars clenched their fists one by one; to them, this was a victory, a victory in the struggle against heaven and earth.

Such a victory made all the scholars feel excited and delighted.

However.

At this moment, above the firmament, all the dark clouds gathered together, including the thunder and lightning that had just appeared.

They condensed into a mark.

At a speed invisible to the naked eye, it directly entered Gu Jin Nian's body.

For a moment, everyone frowned, not understanding what had happened.

And Gu Jin Nian's body recovered at a visible speed; his wounds healed, and he returned to calm.

Seeing this, everyone's hearts that had been in their throats finally let go completely.

On the martial arts stage.

With the entry of this thunderbolt mark, everything seemed to fall completely silent.

"Have we won?"

At this time.

A questioning voice rose, full of curiosity.

However, no one gave an answer.

Everyone was very quiet.

Although the heavenly tribulation had vanished and the clouds dispersed, no one dared to guarantee that they had truly won.

Everyone was silent, you looked at me, I looked at you, appearing especially quiet.

After about the time it takes to burn an incense stick.

Gazing at the unchanging firmament, Yuan Qing let out a long breath.

"The heavenly tribulation has dispersed."

"We have won."

He spoke up, informing everyone of this result.

As the final answer emerged, the cheers boiled over completely.

Inside the Jixia Academy, tens of thousands of scholars laughed excitedly; they had never imagined that one day they could triumph over heaven and earth.

This sense of achievement was unprecedented.

However, above the firmament.

Su Wenjing's aura grew ever more intense.

He had become a sage amidst the heavenly tribulation; now that the tribulation had dispersed, his transformation was about to begin.

Boom.

The terrifying aura once again shrouded the Divine Continent.

The Seven Realms of Confucian Dao, each realm a heaven.

The Seven Realms of any system are invincible existences in the mortal world; although there are legends of an Eighth Realm, the Eighth Realm is elusive and beyond compare, and no one knows what the Eighth Realm truly is.

Before the advent of the Heaven's Mandate Great Age, the Seventh Realm was an invincible existence.

Moreover, it is the Seventh Realm of Confucian Dao.

The Seventh Realm of Confucian Dao is the Sage Realm, the Confucian Dao Sage; it is said that becoming a Confucian Dao Sage allows one to command the power of heaven and earth and possess the ability for words to become law.

The Sage Realm assimilates all methods, merging everything learned into one.

In speech, one can condense the mighty power of heaven and earth.

The greatness of ages past and present.

Su Wenjing, with an unyielding spirit and a fearless spirit, went to contend with heaven and earth, to continue a path of life for Gu Jin Nian.

In the heavenly tribulation, Su Wenjing also completed his own transformation, elevating his thoughts, and realizing his own Sage Dao.

Thud.

A drumbeat sounded.

It stirred the four seas and eight wildernesses.

Between heaven and earth, all was silent.

Above the firmament, a torrent of heavenly light also fell down, appearing before Su Wenjing.

An azure-edged sword appeared before him.

"Haoran Sword."

"This is one of the Haoran Nine Sacred Artifacts."

Someone exclaimed, revealing the origin of this object.

"For one who attains sagehood to obtain this sacred artifact is a great blessing."

"Who would have thought that, after the Heaven's Mandate descended upon the world, the first person to break through the Seventh Realm would actually be one of us Confucian scholars?"

"I am not surprised by the Confucian Dao; what truly surprises me is that the first person to become a Saint is Mr. Su Wenjing. I had thought it would be Gu Jin Nian."

"Mr. Su Wenjing should become a Saint; he was already a Half Saint in his younger years. After the great calamity of Da Xia, he actually should have become a Saint as well, but he did not force a breakthrough; instead he intends to thoroughly comprehend the laws of Heaven and Earth, so he is not in a hurry to become a Saint."

"Becoming a Saint now is reasonable and fitting."

Some voices sounded.

People are indeed surprised; what happened today is beyond what many could imagine.

Gu Jin Nian founded the supreme New Learning, achieving the three immortalities of a Saint—Establishing Merit, Establishing Virtue, and Establishing Speech. Logically, the one who should become a Saint today is Gu Jin Nian, not Su Wenjing.

This is completely unexpected.

It leaves them at a loss for words.

But overall, everything is still fine; Su Wenjing's ascension to Sainthood can be said to be within reason yet unexpected.

As for the problem Gu Jin Nian encountered, that is what everyone is truly curious about and also does not understand.

Why, after Gu Jin Nian broke through to Half Saint, did he suddenly fall into a Saint's tribulation?

This should not happen unless there is a serious issue in one of Establishing Merit, Establishing Virtue, or Establishing Speech.

Boom.

A startling radiance erupts again, bursting from within Su Wenjing's body.

The saintly aura makes everyone unable to look away.

And on the training arena.

Gu Jin Nian's injuries have healed, but they are only superficial wounds.

The real internal injuries are the most terrifying.

His own Confucian Dao realm has already fallen to the Condensing Qi stage, yet that is far from enough.

The thunder seal just now.

It is neither a reward nor a blessing from Heaven and Earth, but a heavenly Saint's seal.

Three months.

After three months, the Heaven-and-Earth Thunder Seal will erupt again, and at that time he will completely dissipate from this world.

There is only one way to resolve it.

Enlighten the Saint's law.

Rebuild the Confucian Dao.

But only three months are allotted to set oneself on the Saint's Path.

After three months, become a Saint.

Everything is easy to say.

If after three months one cannot become a Saint, everything for oneself ends here.

This news leaves Gu Jin Nian in silence.

But seeing Su Wenjing become a Saint, Gu Jin Nian still feels some joy inside, at least he has not implicated others.

At least the Confucian Dao now has a Saint.

Regarding Su Wenjing's ascension, Gu Jin Nian thinks it proper and also hopes Su Wenjing becomes a Saint.

If he were to become the first Saint himself, Gu Jin Nian's thoughts would not be clear.

At this moment.

Heaven‑piercing light gathers on Su Wenjing.

All auspicious omens appear.

Holy light washes, and Su Wenjing's flesh also changes; his aura at this moment completely transforms.

Boom.

The true saintly aura condenses at this moment.

It shakes the Shenzhou Continent, the Four Seas and Eight Desolations, the boundless lands.

A seal also merges into Su Wenjing's body; this is the Saint's seal.

Only those who become Saints can condense the Saint's seal.

"We, behold Saint Su."

As the Saint's seal merges into his body, at this moment, in the Jixia Academy, everyone cannot help but bow to Su Wenjing.

He is a Saint.

He has already surpassed ordinary understanding; he is the leader of the Confucian Dao and must be revered.

Scholars across the land all bow, also showing joy.

Heaven's Mandate descends, the great age's contest has begun; Su Wenjing becoming a Saint is a good thing, at least the Confucian Dao lineage can seize the initiative in this great contest.

Some are joyous, some are sorrowful.

Su Wenjing's ascension puts unprecedented pressure on the Immortal Sect and the Buddhist Sect.

Originally, with Heaven's Mandate's arrival, the first stage's benefit should have been the Immortal Sect; the revival of immortal weapons shows that the Immortal Sect indeed gained great advantage.

But now, with Su Wenjing's ascension, the situation instantly undergoes a massive shift.

It is not that after Su Wenjing becomes a Saint he can destroy heaven and earth with invincible power.

But at least the Confucian Dao lineage can stand on equal footing with the current Immortal Sect.

No matter how powerful the Nine Great Immortal Artifacts are, they are still inanimate; Su Wenjing is a living Saint, now also possessing the Junzi Sword.

How could the Four Great Immortal Sects dare to contend with Su Wenjing?

Tai Xuan Immortal Sect.

The Shangqing Daoist watches all this; the earlier excitement and joy have long subsided, replaced by solemnity.

Rudao produced a saint, and for him it was naturally not a good thing.

"We must let the celestial artifact transform early; as long as the celestial artifact transforms, even a saint cannot stop the rise of the immortal sect."

He muttered to himself, but his gaze was unusually steadfast.

Su Wenjing's becoming a saint would inevitably become the greatest obstacle to the rise of the immortal sect, but the Shangqing Daoist also knew that this was not a bad thing.

At least Su Wenjing's existence could temporarily unite the immortal sects, for now Tai Xuan Immortal Sect has gained benefits while other immortal sects have few, which could likely cause internal errors.

Forcefully pushing ahead is a terrible strategy; without absolute power, the Shangqing Daoist could not act recklessly, so stability remains the priority.

Seizing the benefits of Heaven's Mandate is the true royal way.

Within the Central Continent Dynasty.

The Central Continent Emperor gazed into the distance.

"The first saint came from the Eastern Wilderness, not from the Central Continent Dynasty."

"Yet the previous 108 Heavens' Mandates descended within the Central Continent Dynasty."

"This should not be."

"Even if scholars of the world grant a strong will, the Heaven's Mandate is fixed; why does such a thing still happen?"

"Does this mean that Heaven's Mandate can be defied?"

The Central Continent Emperor pondered in his mind.

He did not care about Su Wenjing becoming a saint; if within the immortal sect someone broke through the seventh realm, it might pressure him.

He feared not the Rudao lineage.

Because a Confucian should uphold inner righteousness and not overly involve in politics; even if two nations wage war, a Confucian would first choose to mediate.

The immortal sect and Buddhist sect differ; if there is a seventh‑realm strongman, he would likely reach for the world and plot for more.

However, the 108 Heavens' Mandates descended upon the Central Continent Dynasty, yet the first saint was not born from the Central Continent Dynasty; this is what confounds the Central Continent Emperor.

This is indeed 108 Heavens' Mandates.

The Eastern Wilderness Dynasty has only twelve paths at most.

It is said that Heaven's Mandate cannot be defied.

If it truly were defied, would it still be Heaven's Mandate? To others, this is the scholars' victory; to him, it is merely Heaven's Mandate changing its meaning.

Choosing to spare Gu Jin Nian is not a compromise.

Everything is still guided by Heaven's Mandate, with Heaven's Dao in control.

So, the 108 Heavens' Mandates descended on the Central Continent Dynasty, yet no saint appeared; this is a very strange point.

"No."

"Heaven's Mandate cannot be defied."

"In other words, these 108 Heavens' Mandates may not have descended upon my Central Continent Dynasty."

"Did they descend upon the land of Central State?"

The Central Continent Emperor instantly answered, denying the view that Heaven's Mandate can be defied.

Having denied that view, combined with the earlier descent of Heaven's Mandate, made him realize a key point.

That is, the Mandate did not descend upon the Central Continent Dynasty, but upon the land of Central State.

"That is impossible."

"If the Mandate descended upon Central Continent's land, then the first saint would certainly have come from Central Continent."

"So, it did not descend upon the Central Continent's earth."

The Central Continent Emperor pondered.

After a full half‑minute, he thought of a possibility.

"The 108 Heavens' Mandates were given not to the Central Continent Dynasty, nor to the Central Continent's land, but to a group of people."

"A group of people hidden within the Central Continent lands."

In an instant, the Central Continent Emperor thought of the only possibility.

Since it was neither given to the dynasty nor to this land, the sole possibility is another group of people.

"Hidden in the Central Continent?"

"No."

"Not necessarily hidden."

"Perhaps for some reason they cannot be born into the world, or they have not yet revealed themselves."

"The Central Continent lands are vast, and since antiquity have held endless legends and myths."

"They lie dormant in the dark."

"No one can find their traces."

"When the Heaven's Mandate descends, will they appear to seize the Mandate?"

The Central Continent Emperor's mind was extremely active; he considered every possibility and would not miss any.

Living in peace yet thinking of danger, he embodied it to the fullest.

"Come, people."

"Send Master Guigu here."

Soon, he spoke, wishing to ask something.

But after the words fell...

He immediately shook his head.

"Forget it."

"No need to call."

He spoke, and after saying this, headed straight for the Scripture Hall.

"Although Mr. Guigu has assisted me for twenty years in the Central Continent Dynasty, I am deeply respectful."

"But that does not mean Mr. Guigu has no problems."

"Every person around me has their own thoughts, good and bad, virtuous and evil; I cannot control them."

"But if anyone dares to stop me from unifying the mountains and rivers, they become my enemy."

"What secrets the Central Continent truly hides, I will investigate myself, not borrowing another's hand."

"Only then will great mistakes be avoided; otherwise, once trapped, we will fall into a ten‑thousand‑foot abyss."

"I do not fear death."

"It's only that after I fall, I don't know how long it will take for the world to achieve great unification, nor how many people will be deep in fire and water."

"Cannot be wrong."

"Must not be wrong."

He muttered to himself, and after confirming his goal, headed toward the Scripture Hall with no chaotic thoughts.

Having understood and known, he went to act.

Such willpower is extremely terrifying.

In contrast, the Da Xia Dynasty.

Within the small world inside the Grand Temple.

The Li Yang Tripod radiated blazing fire, its temperature dreadful; Emperor Yong Sheng, already heated, had taken off his upper garment, holding pieces of sky‑fallen meteoric gold and tossing them into it.

At the same time, he took out the forged battle armor, lifted a great hammer, and hammered it repeatedly.

Emperor Yong Sheng's head was covered with beads of sweat.

He was isolated from the world, completely unaware of what was happening outside, and while hammering, he muttered some words.

"Had I known this sky‑fallen meteoric gold was so hard to melt, I truly should not have boasted."

"Damn it, I've just finished seven thousand sets of battle armor, and there are still three thousand more."

"These ten thousand sets of battle armor, when handed to the Ministry of War, if they don't make good use of them, I'll damn them all cut down one by one."

Emperor Yong Sheng cursed as he spoke.

It really is uncomfortable.

After all, who would enjoy being alone here forging iron?

Especially since he is also an emperor.

But there's no way; the ox has already been let loose, and if I don't finish this work properly, how can I later put on a show before Gu Jin Nian?

Meanwhile.

Jixia Academy.

When the Saint's Seal entered his body, Su Wenjing awoke immediately.

His gaze also underwent a complete change.

However, Su Wenjing said nothing, and instead immediately descended from the heavens and came to Gu Jin Nian's side.

He immediately concerned himself with Gu Jin Nian.

"Jin Nian."

"How are things now?"

Su Wenjing spoke, asking Gu Jin Nian, while his eyes shimmered, checking Gu Jin Nian's condition.

"Teacher."

"The student is all fine, uninjured."

"The student congratulates the teacher on ascending to sainthood."

Gu Jin Nian smiled; he did not explain his own condition, but instead congratulated Su Wenjing on becoming a saint.

However, now that Su Wenjing has become a saint, he almost instantly sensed Gu Jin Nian's problem.

He frowned, wanting to say something.

Yet Gu Jin Nian shook his head.

"Teacher."

"The student intends to leave, to finish the remaining road not yet traveled."

Gu Jin Nian spoke; he does not wish to do anything else, only to finish the remaining untraveled road.

This journey out was not solely because of Jixia Academy, but to travel ten thousand miles and comprehend the Saint's Way.

To perceive this heaven and earth.

And now.

Yet the road after departure, though with some insight, because of Jixia Academy's matters and his own issues, forced Gu Jin Nian to halt his steps.

Now it is different; facing the current situation, he wishes to walk it again and also see some places.

Three months.

Gu Jin Nian does not have confidence to become a saint; indeed, it is impossible.

He inherently lacks a certain amount of insight.

Now he has fallen back to the Condensing Qi realm; to put it bluntly, three months could let him regain the Great Scholar realm of heaven and earth.

All of that counts as a good thing, a tremendously good thing.

Talking about the Saint's Path, huh.

This is an impossible task.

"Not beyond salvation."

「Gu Jin Nian, as your teacher I have already become a sage, I can help you. 」

Su Wenjing spoke again, he thought he had already become a sage, could help Gu Jin Nian, and resolve this trouble.

「Teacher. 」

「Some things, I need to do them myself; even if I solve this problem, what then? If I myself do not understand, everything is superfluous. 」

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

He does not distrust Su Wenjing; rather, his present self must start over, he needs to comprehend the truth.

If the most crucial point is not understood.

Everything is superfluous.

The Holy Dao Heavenly Chasm lies before oneself.

If one cannot pass it, everything is empty talk.

However, Su Wenjing still wanted to say something, while Gu Jin Nian reached out and touched Su Wenjing's body.

In an instant, the Heaven-Earth Sacred Seal within his body was sensed by Su Wenjing.

Su Wenjing sensed that Gu Jin Nian was not as simple as he appeared on the surface; he merely felt that Gu Jin Nian's aura was declining, perhaps there was still an unresolved internal injury.

But upon touching Gu Jin Nian, he instantly understood Gu Jin Nian's problem.

It was terrifying.

The function of the Heaven-Earth Sacred Seal, Su Wenjing instantly understood, his complexion turned extremely grim.

「Why is it still like this? 」

Su Wenjing spoke, he could not accept this situation.

By defying heaven, his intention was to protect Gu Jin Nian, yet he never expected that heaven and earth would change their manner, not sparing Gu Jin Nian.

「Gu Jin Nian, what exactly happened? 」

「Tell your teacher, perhaps there is a way to resolve it. 」

Su Wenjing spoke, he wanted to know why such a thing happened, and why Gu Jin Nian was like this? 「Teacher. 」

「I will tell you these things, just not now. 」

「I am leaving now. 」

「Return to the Da Xia Capital. 」

「Meet my parents and family, then finish the final path; if luck is good, in three months we master and disciple will together become sages. 」

Gu Jin Nian smiled and spoke.

After saying this, he stood up, brushed off the dust on his body, his gaze especially firm, for no other reason; at this point, one should not leave any regrets.

More importantly, seeking this method, what use is that method? In the end it only delays oneself.

This is like a terminally ill patient; painful struggle is less than calming the mind, eating things not yet eaten, playing things not yet played, seeing scenery not yet seen, experiencing those things one has always wanted to do but never consistently done.

Of course it varies by person; Gu Jin Nian had previously considered this problem, if one day his life is short, what should be done? He does not want to engage in meaningless struggle.

Using the remaining time to exchange for one's final happiness; of course, the premise is that one's happiness must not be built upon another's pain.

Listening to Gu Jin Nian speak in this way, Su Wenjing fell somewhat silent.

From his perspective, he does not want Gu Jin Nian to give up, but knowing Gu Jin Nian's current situation, he realizes he cannot dissuade Gu Jin Nian, for only three months remain.

It would be better to let Gu Jin Nian enjoy these three months.

「Are you planning to give up? 」

Su Wenjing spoke, asking Gu Jin Nian, still unable to hold back.

「Teacher. 」

「The student has not given up, merely let go of many things. 」

「This is better, free of attachments. 」

「No need to worry about the student. 」

Gu Jin Nian spoke, he appeared carefree, then his figure vanished, heading toward the Da Xia Capital.

Gazing at Gu Jin Nian's back, Su Wenjing exhaled; at least no matter what, Gu Jin Nian had not chosen to give up, but rather dealt with this tribulation in another way.

He believed Gu Jin Nian would surely overcome it.

However, at this moment, inside the Jixia Academy, many were filled with doubt.

Although they could not hear the conversation between Gu Jin Nian and Su Wenjing, they could also see that Su Wenjing's complexion was not very good.

Having become a sage and having blocked the heavenly tribulation, logically Su Wenjing should be beaming with spring-like cheer; such a complexion clearly shows the matter is not completely resolved.

But what exactly happened, they are unaware.

「Wenjing, what's wrong? 」

Duan Kong's figure approached, he asked Su Wenjing, unaware of what had happened.

Listening to Duan Kong's words.

Su Wenjing also realized his emotions were somewhat off, to the extent that many noticed.

「Nothing. 」

「In three months, the human race will have one more sage. 」

Su Wenjing spoke lightly, his expression returned to calm, his eyes holding joy as he looked toward Gu Jin Nian.

He firmly believed.

Gu Jin Nian will surely break through the current predicament, after Heaven's Mandate become the second sage of the human race.

At the same moment.

The Far North.

Inside the Ice Palace.

Chang Yun Tian's figure appeared here.

He disembarked from the dragon boat and directly entered the palace.

The events at Jixia Academy made him realize he could no longer remain in the Da Xia Dynasty, so he had to return to seek the Lord of the Grand Dao Prefecture's help.

Inside the palace.

Chang Yun Tian went straight to the main hall, gazed at the familiar figure, and spoke directly.

"Student Chang Yun Tian."

"Greetings, Sir."

Chang Yun Tian spoke, utmost respect.

In the main hall, the middle-aged man said nothing, merely gazing silently at Chang Yun Tian.

Feeling the latter's gaze, Chang Yun Tian involuntarily lowered his head slightly.

"Do you know your mistake?"

The Lord of the Grand Dao Prefecture spoke, tone icy.

"Student knows his mistake."

"Failed to protect my two junior brothers."

Chang Yun Tian spoke, his attitude sincere.

"Hmph."

"The deaths of Li Ruo Yu and the other are not a mistake, and you did nothing wrong."

"The mistake I refer to is your recklessness."

"The Da Xia heavenly disaster gave you half a scroll of the Heaven's Mandate Sage's scripture, laying out everything for you."

"But due to your recklessness, you took a misstep, then another, landing in this predicament."

"All plans against the Da Xia Dynasty were ruined because of you."

"Do you know your mistake or not?"

He spoke, somewhat angrily.

"Student knows his mistake."

Chang Yun Tian lowered his head.

He indeed knows his mistake, but there's nothing to be done; things have come to this, surely one cannot go back to the past? "Forget it."

"At this point, dwelling on your mistake is meaningless."

"However, the Lord of the Grand Dao Prefecture intends for you to redeem yourself through merit."

"You must handle the following matters well; if such a thing happens again, do not blame me for failing to protect you, and if the Lord of the Grand Dao Prefecture becomes angry, you should know what the consequences will be."

The latter spoke in this way.

"Please rest assured, teacher."

Chang Yun Tian nodded, also waiting for the other to speak.

"First, go to the Central Land Dynasty to serve as an official; your main task is to cooperate with the Central Land Wen Palace to suppress the Da Xia scholars. This time, Gu Jin Nian does not know what great mistake he made that provoked heavenly punishment; using this as a reason, you know what to do with the rest."

"The head of the Central Land Wen Palace comes from the Grand Dao Prefecture; follow him and study well."

"Second, in a few days, perhaps soon, or perhaps after several years, the Grand Dao Prefecture will welcome a batch of important figures; at that time, the Lord of the Grand Dao Prefecture and you will go together to receive them."

"This is the phonetic notation of those important figures' language; you must study it earnestly."

He spoke, stating these two matters.

The first matter is acceptable.

But the second matter made Chang Yun Tian a bit curious.

"Important figures? For the Grand Dao Prefecture, who dares to call them important figures? Moreover, why must I and the Lord of the Grand Dao Prefecture go to receive them? And even have me learn their language?"

This is very strange.

But Chang Yun Tian did not ask further.

But he spoke slowly.

"Student understands."

(End of chapter)