Chapter 227: Expounding the Sage's Path, Melting Myriad Laws, the Twelve Sages' Great Divine Abilities, the Stellar Ancient Tree Mani

Gu Jin Nian became a sage, heavenly omens were terrifying.

And in the Fuyu Dynasty.

Universal Origin Mountain.

also erupted with terrifying omens.

Universal Origin Mountain, Coiled Mountain, Heaven Equal Mountain, after Heaven's Mandate descended, these three mountains were the first to condense Heaven's Mandate.

Some speculated that when Heaven's Mandate originally fell, a part of it sank into these mountains, activating the underground spiritual veins, which then transformed into dragon veins, giving birth to extraordinary things.

Now.

Universal Origin Mountain was the first divine mountain to receive Heaven's Mandate; because Gu Jin Nian became a sage, and perhaps the time had ripened, Universal Origin Mountain directly erupted with unparalleled heavenly phenomena.

Strange light shot out from Universal Origin Mountain, and its spiritual formation gradually weakened.

Within Universal Origin Mountain, white mist spread, obscuring what was happening inside the mountain.

At the mountain's base.

The Upper Clarity Daoist drew a deep breath; behind him he led thousands of cultivators from the Supreme Mystery Immortal Sect, with other immortal sect cultivators and some rogue cultivators nearby, including soldiers of the Fuyu Dynasty.

In fact, regarding this divine mountain, the Fuyu Dynasty naturally did not want the immortal sects to interfere; regardless of whether there were treasures, no one else should intervene.

But there was no choice; they had already signed the Alliance Association Agreement, meaning the immortal sects were qualified to come and assist.

Moreover, with the awakening of immortal artifacts now, the Fuyu Dynasty is indeed inferior to the Supreme Mystery Immortal Sect; if they truly fought, the utmost individual power would surpass everything, so the Fuyu Dynasty could only swallow their anger.

However, fortunately, the Supreme Mystery Immortal Sect at least promised to leave them a share of the benefits, to take what they were due.

Otherwise, the Fuyu Dynasty would not have swallowed their anger.

"Sect Leader, the spiritual formation of Universal Origin Mountain has already collapsed; should we charge straight in?"

Someone spoke up, asking the Upper Clarity Daoist.

"Wait a bit longer."

The Upper Clarity Daoist spoke; although he was anxious, at this moment he still did not want any mistakes, took a deep breath, and waited patiently.

Thus, about half an hour passed.

Universal Origin Mountain's spiritual formation grew increasingly feeble and weak, until finally someone could no longer restrain themselves.

An immortal sect gritted their teeth, leading several hundred people into Universal Origin Mountain.

They headed up the mountain; white mist enveloped everything, even divine sense could not penetrate.

Tens of thousands of cultivators, including the Fuyu Dynasty's great army, were also full of curiosity; they did not know what Universal Origin Mountain nurtured, nor whether it was auspicious or ominous, so they could only wait patiently.

But just then, a burst of light blossomed; through the white mist, everyone saw the situation.

It was a cultivator, about forty years old, holding a blood-red fruit that emitted strange light; the middle-aged cultivator hesitated hardly at all and directly swallowed the fruit.

In an instant, the sound of mana surging rang out, and beams of light streamed from within him; this was an Inner Elixir Realm cultivator, and after swallowing the spirit fruit just now, a strange transformation occurred.

He sat cross-legged, an inner elixir appeared above his head, one hundred and eight rays of golden light burst forth, ultimately reaching the Golden Core Realm.

"Have they broken through to the Fifth Realm?"

"Hiss, what spirit fruit is this? Just by swallowing it, can one reach the Golden Core Realm?"

"Directly break through a major realm? An Inner Elixir Realm cultivator wanting to reach the Golden Core Realm would need at least several hundred years, even a heavenly genius would need fifty years; no matter how good this spirit fruit is, without refinement its medicinal effect would likely not reach even one-tenth of its potential."

"This is wasting heavenly bounty; such a spirit fruit, if taken to make elixirs, could at least refine four pills, allowing four people to break through to the Golden Core Realm."

People were astonished; these cultivators each felt both envy and regret, thinking the other was simply wasting heavenly bounty.

However, a different voice sounded, offering rebuttal.

"No."

"This spirit fruit is a vermilion fruit empowered by Heaven's Mandate; by swallowing it, one can directly refine its medicinal effect and break through on the spot."

"Heaven's Mandate can bypass the process and cause no side effects; eating this spirit fruit versus refining it into an elixir yields little difference, but if used to make elixirs, one could indeed produce two more."

An elder spoke; this was an alchemist, who keenly discovered that this spirit fruit had received Heaven's Mandate, was not a medicinal ingredient, and could be swallowed directly.

Sure enough, as soon as this was said, more people became excited; previously some had been hesitant, but now seeing someone gain benefits, they could not hold back; some ventured forth, directly entering Universal Origin Mountain.

But most people remained relatively calm; those who went in directly were mostly small immortal sects or rogue cultivators, who inherently lacked foundation, naturally wanting to seize the opportunity—after all, barefoot people fear no shoes.

But true powerhouses would not recklessly charge in; if they were injured, that would be a huge trouble.

Not worth the loss.

However, as this group entered, soon beams of light appeared, dispelling the white mist.

Everyone fixed their gaze.

Someone else also gained a benefit: a thing similar to a spirit mushroom, on which grew dozens of purple fruits.

Over a dozen people each received one; after swallowing it, they instantly reached the Peak Realm.

These people were all Inner Elixir cultivators, some early-stage, some mid-stage; after swallowing, they successively reached the Peak Realm, and their mana also turned purple, appearing extraordinarily remarkable.

"Purple Rhythm Spirit Fruit, isn't this kind of spirit fruit already extinct? Why does such a spirit fruit still exist in this world?"

"A divine mountain blessed by Heaven's Mandate is indeed different; even long-extinct spirit fruits are present—we've barely just ascended the mountain; if we went all the way to the summit, there might be even better things."

"Disciples, hear the order; follow our sect and charge up Universal Origin Mountain."

At this moment, many people could no longer hold back, all rushing toward Universal Origin Mountain; after all, someone had gained benefits, they naturally did not want to miss out.

"Sect Leader, should we intervene?"

At this moment, an elder of the Supreme Mystery Immortal Sect could not hold back speaking, after all seeing these people already on the mountain, fearing they themselves would miss the opportunity.

"Not urgent."

The Upper Clarity Daoist remained comparatively steady; even facing temptation, he was not overly anxious.

Just.

The next moment.

Atop the summit, an ancient tree erupted with terrifying light; upon the tree were three hundred sixty-five fruits, crystal clear and translucent, also speckled with starlight.

Star Ancient Tree.

At this moment, someone completely lost composure, pointing at the ancient tree and shrieking sharply.

The legendary Star Ancient Tree? It contains star power, grows three hundred sixty-five star fruits; consuming such a fruit can improve one's physique and transform into a star body—it is the supreme divine object for nurturing the primordial and solidifying the foundation.

Someone revealed the tree's origin, their face shocked, and their eyes full of excitement.

Meanwhile, at the foot of the mountain.

Shang Qing Daoist could no longer sit still, his breathing somewhat hurried, gazing at the Star Ancient Tree.

Sect Master, why haven't you taken action yet?

This is a Star Ancient Tree!

If we obtain this treasure and plant it in our Supreme Mystery Immortal Sect, we can improve the dragon veins, making our sect's spiritual energy tenfold richer, evolving into star spiritual energy; then everyone in our sect will be like dragons.

The Elder of the Supreme Mystery Immortal Sect could no longer hold back, he clenched his fists and asked Shang Qing Daoist.

He was very anxious; if this were taken away, it would be a huge loss.

As ordered.

Follow my sect to attack Pu Yuan Divine Mountain.

Upon hearing this, Shang Qing Daoist hesitated no longer, directly heading to Pu Yuan Divine Mountain.

Various forces watched on.

The Fu Luo Army also had no hesitation; a Martial King strong cultivator led three thousand iron cavalry, charging straight in to vie for the treasure.

All sides' forces paid attention, their eyes full of shock.

Star Ancient Tree!

The legendary divine tree absorbs the heavenly and earthly star power; each fruit contains ultimate star spirit; consuming one grants a star physique, consuming all three hundred sixty-five can forge a star holy body.

Moreover, if this ancient tree is cultivated within the sect, it blooms every five hundred years, bears fruit every five hundred years, matures every five hundred years, sheds every five hundred years, and every two thousand years it can give birth to new star fruits.

In other words, the sect that obtains this tree will inevitably give birth to a person with a star holy body every two thousand years, and planting such an ancient tree within the sect can also bring abundant star power.

The significance is immense; any immortal sect that possesses this ancient tree will become the number one immortal sect under heaven after a thousand years.

Someone exclaimed in astonishment, it was the Sect Master of the Dragon Tiger Dao Sect from Pan Mountain, who could not help but speak, revealing the origin of this Star Ancient Tree.

His eyes were full of envy.

He also felt tormented, after all this thing was simply too good.

Sect Leader, should we also go contend for it? If the Supreme Mystery Immortal Sect successfully seizes the Star Ancient Tree, that would not be a good thing for us.

Someone spoke up, asking the Dragon Tiger Sect Master.

Not going.

Zhang Zhenren shook his head, then immediately spoke.

We have already signed the alliance agreement.

Pu Yuan Mountain is the divine mountain chosen by the Supreme Mystery Immortal Sect; if the Dragon Tiger Dao Sect participates, it is not a good thing, and if there is internal strife, no one will benefit.

Zhang Zhenren spoke up, directly refusing.

But if the Supreme Mystery Immortal Sect obtains it, then Pan Mountain lacking a divine object would be weaker than the Supreme Mystery Immortal Sect; more importantly, Pan Mountain also gives birth to divine objects, would the Supreme Mystery Immortal Sect not directly turn hostile and vie for them?

The latter spoke up, expressing their concern.

That is correct, after all human hearts are unfathomable; especially if the Star Ancient Tree were obtained by Shang Qing Daoist, strengthened, and then he reached for Pan Mountain, it would be like drawing water with a bamboo basket—all for naught.

Zhang Zhenren understood this reasoning, yet he could not help but sigh.

Still cannot go.

Zhang Zhenren shook his head and said.

Why is that?

Sect Master?

Many did not understand; although doing so was somewhat immoral, in the face of profit, what is morality? As long as one can become stronger, one can rewrite morality.

Don't you understand yet?

Now Gu Jin Nian has become a Saint; the Da Xia Dynasty has two Saints, these two Saints are already the strongest existence in heaven and earth; who can contend with them?

At this time, if we fight among ourselves, morality or immorality, face or no face amounts to nothing; the true main point is that no one can stop Gu Jin Nian.

For now, we can only hope that Pan Mountain recovers soon, or that Shang Qing Daoist observes some rules.

Otherwise, we will all lose, understand?

Zhang Zhenren spoke up to explain, it is not that he does not want to participate, but that he can participate; now Gu Jin Nian is in his prime, so we must suppress him, and everyone must unite to resist Gu Jin Nian.

Once there is internal strife, everything becomes useless.

Upon hearing this, everyone fell silent and said no more.

Meanwhile, at the same time.

At the Da Xia border.

Radiant light filled the air, Gu Jin Nian closed his eyes, he was comprehending the Saint's path.

Now that he has become a Saint, he naturally needs to consolidate the Saint's path, whether in realm or state of mind.

Becoming a Saint, the most crucial thing is the Saint's Mark.

And the Saint's Mark within his body is the bridge communicating with heaven and earth.

At this very moment.

Gu Jin Nian grasped an ability, as if he could control the power of heaven and earth.

But there is also a feeling of profound mystery.

Furthermore, he can freely enter a state of enlightenment to perceive everything in the world.

He carefully reviewed his past life's studies, meticulously comprehending any Confucian-Daoist scriptures.

Now himself, his learning ability has increased more than a thousandfold; things he once didn't understand he can now directly comprehend—this is the power of a saint, equivalent to embodying the other party, personally comprehending their poetry-making, or the mindset of writing an article.

But in the outside world, it was merely a moment.

"How is a saint extraordinary? Just this ability makes people feel incredulous."

Gu Jin Nian thought to himself.

He finally understood why a saint is so powerful; upon reaching the saint realm, he can comprehend others' mindsets, and in that brief moment just now, he fully comprehended all the poems he had once written.

It was as if he crossed time and space, crossed space, becoming a poet, experiencing their lifetimes, composing poetry and prose.

Moreover, this is only a matter of Confucian studies.

In terms of ability, the Saint's Seal is a bridge between oneself and heaven and earth, enabling the power of words manifesting law.

After comprehending it, Gu Jin Nian infused all his arts into the Saint's Seal.

Immortal Dao's power.

Martial Dao's power.

Buddhist cultivation's power.

These three kinds of power, including the mastered divine abilities and Dao arts, are all condensed within it.

In an instant.

The Saint's Seal at his brow suddenly burst forth with light; golden figures within the Saint's Seal, according to the arts Gu Jin Nian currently masters, began to frenetically deduce.

Ten thousand Dao.

Hundred thousand Dao.

Million Dao.

Ten million Dao.

Hundred million Dao.

Billion Dao.

Ten billion Dao.

This is terrifying; even though Gu Jin Nian has already become a saint, he cannot help but exclaim in awe.

His arts, contained within it, the Saint's Seal self-deduces, turning one art into ten different arts, and these ten different arts then automatically deduce a hundred different arts.

Cycling endlessly, evolving all arts of the myriad heavens, this is beyond belief.

Following this deduction, he can fully comprehend all arts of the myriad heavens.

"Jin Nian."

Just then, his master Su Wenjing's voice sounded.

Soon, Su Wenjing's figure appeared in his mind.

Both are saints, both possessing incredible power; naturally, if Gu Jin Nian were to resist, Su Wenjing's saintly primordial could not appear in his mind.

"Student Gu Jin Nian, greetings, Teacher."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, simultaneously condensing a human figure in his mind, bowing to Su Wenjing.

"Jin Nian, infusing the Heaven's Mandate Seal into the Saint's Seal brings great benefit."

Su Wenjing spoke; he came to remind Gu Jin Nian of this matter.

Forty-nine Heaven's Mandate Seals, each possessing unparalleled power.

Now, Gu Jin Nian possesses nine Heaven's Mandate Seals, with boundless benefits.

"Understood."

"Master, does the Saint's Seal possess the power of deduction?"

Gu Jin Nian spoke; since Master Su Wenjing has arrived, both being saints, we might as well exchange insights.

"Yes."

"Confucian Dao sainthood entails three great abilities."

"The first is sudden enlightenment; looking back at poetry and prose, Confucian classics, both of us can enter a state of sudden enlightenment, clearly comprehending the poet's mindset, sensing the ancients' differences, thereby also comprehending our own Saint Dao, embracing all rivers."

Su Wenjing spoke.

"A stone from another mountain can polish jade."

Gu Jin Nian spoke lightly, indicating he understood this first saintly method.

"The second is the Heaven-Earth Saint's Seal; after becoming a saint, one can condense the Heaven-Earth Saint's Seal, which is a bridge for communicating with the will of heaven and earth, allowing one to wield heavenly and earthly power, possessing the power of words manifesting law, and moreover, the Heaven's Mandate Seal can strengthen this saint's greatest divine ability."

"Including the divine abilities and Dao arts you previously learned, all can be infused therein, making the power of words manifesting law even more terrifying."

"The third is deduction; any art, before a saint, can be continually deduced, though it varies by person; I can deduce a hundred million number, ancient texts record in the saint's ledger that a hundred million number is not too few; normally, deducing fifty million saintly primordial spirits is already good, while some extraordinary saints will deduce even more."

"If my guess is correct, Gu Jin Nian, you should have a fifty million number."

Su Wenjing spoke, revealing the saint's second method.

The saint's primordial spirit is akin to a clone, comprehending the dharma gate, deducing myriad arts.

"Eh"

Gu Jin Nian appeared somewhat silent.

"Ten billion?"

Su Wenjing could tell what Gu Jin Nian meant.

"Roughly, right?"

Gu Jin Nian also didn't want to show off.

"Twenty billion?"

"Thirty billion?"

"Fifty billion?"

Forget it, don't say it, Master—I'm old and can't handle too much stimulation.

However, Su Wenjing was somewhat surprised, but when it came to five billion, Gu Jin Nian remained calm; he knew the figure was probably exaggerated, so he simply didn't ask.

To avoid causing himself discomfort.

"Master has already become a sage; does he still care about these things?"

Gu Jin Nian spoke, with a wry smile.

"A sage is still a person."

"Jin Nian, you yourself have become a sage; you should feel it. The greatest difference between a sage and a Great Scholar is a kind of intellectual elevation, gaining heaven and earth's recognition."

"But a sage is still a person, still possesses the seven emotions and six desires, has joy and anger; even our emotions can be more intense."

"This is a good thing; with humanity present, one can comprehend more of the sage's intent."

"So from now on, you must never put on a sage's airs; you are still you, still Gu Jin Nian. When you see your parents, you are still their child; don't think of yourself as a sage and deliberately act otherwise."

"Otherwise, your Dao heart will become corrupted; throughout history, there have been instances where sages fell from their realm, simply because they took themselves too seriously."

"Think about it: no matter how strong a sage is, after thousands of years he's still just a handful of yellow earth, not even as enduring as a stubborn stone, let alone eternal for ten thousand years."

Su Wenjing spoke up, seriously informing Gu Jin Nian of this matter.

"That's correct; a sage is ultimately still a person. If one puts on airs after becoming a sage, it's actually a bad thing."

Since the conversation has come to this point.

Gu Jin Nian then spoke directly.

"Master, the great era's conflict has already begun; we two master and disciple have become sages, so some things must be done by us."

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

He no longer hid anything.

Before, he indeed felt somewhat confused, thinking that since he had become a sage, perhaps he should pay attention to his image; in future actions, should he consider a sage's dignity?

But hearing Su Wenjing say this, Gu Jin Nian naturally agreed wholeheartedly and voiced his plans for the future.

The great era has already arrived; many things cannot be avoided, we must face them head-on.

"You speak."

Su Wenjing nodded, also curious about what Gu Jin Nian wanted to do.

"Develop Da Xia."

"Seize the initiative."

"To bring eternal peace to myriad generations."

Gu Jin Nian spoke up, expressing his idea.

Upon hearing this, Su Wenjing immediately understood Gu Jin Nian's meaning; at that moment she nodded and said.

"What do you want me to do?"

Su Wenjing asked directly.

"Master."

"The student's meaning is actually simple: now the great era's conflict has begun, and the immortal sect has also gained benefits."

"With Heaven's Mandate descending, the world will undergo tremendous changes; whoever seizes the initiative will become the future winner."

"Although the student has become a sage and you, Master, have also become a sage, reaching the sage realm, we must still emphasize the Confucian-Dao lineage and promote the Confucian way."

"The student implores the Master to help promote the sage's learning; the student will then devote all effort to developing the Da Xia Dynasty, contending for this great era's Heaven's Mandate, to bring eternal peace to myriad generations."

Gu Jin Nian expressed his meaning.

Within the Confucian-Dao tradition, someone becoming a sage is a good thing, but the greater the ability, the greater the responsibility.

Gu Jin Nian has become a sage and received heaven and earth's acknowledgment; therefore he must repay heaven and earth, needing to promote Confucian learning, expound the sage's way, and dispel doubts for scholars worldwide.

This is his duty, the will of heaven and earth.

"Otherwise, with so many Great Scholars in the world, why would heaven and earth choose you? But the great era's conflict has already arrived; the immortal sect, Buddhist sect, demons, the Central Continent kingdom, the Great Jin Dynasty—these overt enemies are enough for him to handle, let alone those lurking in the shadows."

Therefore Gu Jin Nian hopes Su Wenjing will promote the sage's way, spread the sage's law, freeing himself to participate in the great era's conflict.

"This

"Jin Nian, there's actually no need to shoulder everything on your own."

Su Wenjing understood Gu Jin Nian's meaning, but she also knew more clearly what idea lay behind these words.

Now that they two have become sages, they only need to transmit the Dao and receive instruction, promote the sage's law, and they can continually improve; waiting until the final moment of the great era to contend is not too late.

Because they two have already seized the greatest initiative; having become sages, Heaven's Mandate favors them.

They need not contend; even if the immortal and Buddhist sects had seized many good things beforehand, what could they do? Heaven's Mandate itself rests upon the Confucian-Dao; now that they two have become sages and promote the sage's way, for them it is the best thing, as they can gain heaven and earth's faith power.

Moreover, they can navigate the great era's conflict like a fish in water, with no danger at all—how could this not be good?

But now, Gu Jin Nian plans to participate in the great era's conflict; regardless of whether there is danger, even if there is none, it's still better to peacefully promote the sage's way.

In other words, Gu Jin Nian is letting himself take the merit of promoting the sage's way, while he chooses a more arduous and great path.

If Gu Jin Nian loses, the one who benefits most will be him.

If Gu Jin Nian wins, by promoting the sage's way he can also gain many benefits, sitting securely on the fishing terrace.

That is why she spoke this way, hoping Gu Jin Nian would temporarily refrain from contending.

"Master."

"The student has once spoken immortal words, wishing to bring eternal peace to myriad generations; but now the world is about to fall into great chaos, if we only know to promote the sage's way and not save the common people, this goes against the student's will."

"If the world is unified, then myriad generations will be at peace."

"If we do not sweep away all these enemies, the world will never know rest."

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

He expressed his idea.

If one wishes to establish everlasting peace, the first step is to unify the world—standardize script, standardize carriage tracks, base everything on law, then gradually reform and promote the holy law; only in this way can there be peace.

Otherwise, the more nations there are, the more wars there will be, and a day of tranquility will never come.

Hearing this, Su Wenjing let out a long sigh.

"Very well."

"Gu Jin Nian, rest assured."

"You also take great care of yourself."

Su Wenjing nodded; he had agreed, because he knew Gu Jin Nian's resolve—what could he do even if he refused? "Thank you, teacher, for your acquiescence."

Gu Jin Nian bowed once toward Su Wenjing.

Then, Su Wenjing's holy essence vanished from this place.

As Su Wenjing departed.

Gu Jin Nian continued to comprehend Daoist divine abilities.

Moreover, as Su Wenjing said, it was correct, for under the empowerment of the Heaven's Mandate seal, the Saint's Seal radiated divine light.

Heaven's Mandate seal.

It was previously stated that each such seal represents a celestial divine ability.

Now, with the Saint's Seal coalescing, Gu Jin Nian instantly grasped the powers of the nine Heaven's Mandate seals.

【Falling Star】

Can summon meteors from beyond the heavens, an ultimate force; can summon a star, whose power is terrifying, but it goes against human harmony—if it strikes the ground it creates endless slaughter, and the user must bear the dreadful karmic retribution, thus it must not be used recklessly.

【Rewind】

Time rewinds, reversing everything around, revealing what has occurred.

【Illumination】

Using the power of the holy Dao, it enlightens inner confusion, allowing one to awaken wisdom and comprehend the truth.

【Heavenly Might】

The might of heaven and earth, empowered by the Saint's power, targeting abilities like the primordial spirit.

【Divine Calculation】

It can divine heavenly mechanisms, knowing most affairs of the world.

【Reflection】

The saintly visage reflects the great world.

【Blessing】

Pray for the masses, obtaining the great power of heaven and earth.

【Divine Walk】

It possesses supreme speed, impossible to restrain except by formation arts.

【Spirit Communication】

It enables communication with ghosts and deities.

The nine Heaven's Mandate seals represent nine inconceivable divine abilities.

Thus.

In the blink of an eye.

Three days have passed.

During these three days, Gu Jin Nian continuously refined his methods; to onlookers it was merely three days, but for Gu Jin Nian, those three days had already forged myriad laws.

On the first day, he infinitely iterated all his methods.

On the second day, he refined all his methods to ultimate perfection.

On the third day, which is today, Gu Jin Nian merged all methods into three.

All laws fused into three supreme ultimate laws.

The martial path law, based on the Supreme Weapon Disc Technique, ultimately evolves into the God‑Slaying Technique; once the God‑Slaying Technique is unleashed, it contains countless martial divine abilities, evolves all worldly laws, and can absorb others' martial abilities, continuously metamorphosing.

The immortal path law, rooted in the Supreme Three Purities Technique, ultimately evolves into the Yin‑Yang Law; heaven and earth, all things, yin and yang cooperate, one gives birth to two, two to three, three to myriad things, embodying the core of Daoism.

The Buddhist path law evolves into myriad heavenly Buddha realms, self‑cultivating and self‑saving, attaining true Buddha, opening boundless Buddha‑worlds, dazzling through the ages.

Counting the nine Heaven's Mandate divine abilities, Gu Jin Nian currently masters twelve supreme techniques.

They represent the ultimate.

Moreover, Gu Jin Nian perceives that his other system realms also have great utility; the stronger the other systems, the greater the power of his spoken‑to‑law abilities, and these divine abilities will accordingly become more refined.

In other words, the other systems must also be cultivated a bit; they cannot be abandoned.

At that moment.

Gu Jin Nian opened his eyes.

At this very moment, within the mountains, crowds of countless living beings had already gathered.

Clang.

Now.

The deep yellow bell rang, its reverberation startling one hundred and eighty thousand li.

"Today we transmit the Saint's Way, the profound principles of Heart Study."

"May all under heaven comprehend the saintly Dao of Heart Study, and embody the righteous, vast qi."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, then began to impart the profound principles of Heart Study to the crowd.

As a saint, Gu Jin Nian could have multitasked, even handled many tasks at once, but in preaching he did not; instead he devoted himself wholly, expounding his understanding of Heart Study, of the holy Dao, and of Confucian‑Daoist thought.

Golden light blossomed.

Endless auspicious signs appeared behind Gu Jin Nian.

Across the entire Shenzhou Continent, everyone could hear Gu Jin Nian's voice; it was the great power of heaven and earth, and of course it would vanish on its own if one did not wish to listen—such is the extraordinary nature of a saint.

Gu Jin Nian expounded the saint's Dao.

And at the same time.

Puyuan Sacred Mountain.

A world‑shaking transformation also occurred.

The appearance of the Starry Ancient Tree caused all major forces to swarm in.

Rare treasures drove people mad, filling them with greed.

However, as more and more people ascended the mountain, terrifying events unfolded.

Within the white mist, a bizarre presence slaughtered people, but the horror lay not in that; the mist would drain all a person's blood as if it were fertilizer.

No one knew what this odd thing was; only a sharp sound of air being torn and a white flash were heard, and most people could not see it—only a very few could.

It was terrifying—a fear of the unknown.

Someone sensed something was wrong and tried to descend, but after climbing up, descending became difficult.

Putting aside the white mist's obstruction and the unknown path down, even without the mist, the hidden oddity made one's scalp tingle.

"Ah!"

Screams rang endlessly, yet no one below the mountain saw them; everyone was drawn by the treasures and kept climbing.

On Puyuan Mountain.

The five thousand elite sent by the Fuyu Dynasty almost all perished here; the densely packed corpses looked especially horrific, sending chills down the spine.

No one could have imagined such a thing would happen.

"What a vile evil."

At that moment, an incredibly resonant voice rang out—it was the voice of the Shangqing Daoist.

As his voice echoed.

In an instant.

Layers upon layers of Xuanhuang Golden Light Holy Punishment's Light Shooting Upwards pierced the white mist, spreading divine radiance, bathing the Xuanhuang Golden Light, protecting the Tai Xuan Immortal Sect disciples.

Thousands of disciples immediately gathered beneath the Xuanhuang Golden Light.

Everything around became crystal clear in an instant.

After the white mist dissipated, everyone finally saw what the hidden oddity was.

White crane.

Indeed, it was a white crane.

However, rather than a white crane, it was more like a beast resembling a white crane.

Its size was less than one‑tenth that of a normal white crane, but its beak was extremely sharp, terrifying like a flying sword.

Moreover, this beast came and went without a trace.

Its speed was too great for the naked eye to catch.

The most frightening part was that these crane‑like beasts were countless, densely packed like locusts, and looked horrifying.

Clang clang clang.

In an instant, thousands of white crane ferocious beasts surged forward like blades of sword qi, charging into the Xuanhuang Tower.

A crystal‑clear sound rang out; these white cranes were essentially courting death.

The Xuanhuang Tower, the supreme divine artifact among the Nine Great Celestial Implements, rendered these beasts powerless; despite their strength, they had no effect against a celestial artifact.

"Hm."

"Like a mantis trying to stop a carriage."

"Courting death."

The Shangqing Daoist's cold voice sounded.

The next moment, he gathered his magical energy and infused it into the Xuanhuang Tower.

In an instant, layers upon layers of Xuanhuang Qi spread, crushing all those beasts.

After being crushed, the white crane ferocious beasts did not spurt blood; they simply turned into more white mist, looking extremely odd.

"Master, what should we do? This Puyuan Mountain probably still harbors some ghostly things."

"Indeed, Master, shall we just descend?"

"We've only reached the mountain's mid‑section and already have so many ghosts; if we truly go higher, wouldn't even scarier events occur?"

Voices rose one after another.

The Tai Xuan Immortal Sect disciples grew fearful; after all, this is only the mountain's mid‑section, and such bizarre events have already occurred—who knows what would happen if we truly ascended?

"Do not be afraid."

"The Xuanhuang Tower, the supreme divine artifact among the Nine Great Celestial Implements, ensures unobstructed passage."

"Press on."

The Shangqing Daoist spoke, brandishing the Xuanhuang Tower; his gaze contained only the Starry Ancient Tree.

The next moment.

The Xuanhuang Tower erupted with terrifying light, and the party surged up the sacred mountain.

"Shangqing Master, save me!"

"Shangqing Daozhang, please save us!"

At that moment on Puyuan Mountain, some cultivators cried out for help, being relentlessly pursued by ferocious beasts in a horrific scene; upon seeing the Shangqing Daoist raise the Xuanhuang Tower, they could not help but plead, hoping the Shangqing Daoist would intervene.

However, the Shangqing Daoist did not spare them a glance, heading straight up the mountain, utterly indifferent to the cultivators' pleas.

"Shangqing Immortal, we are soldiers of the Fuyu Dynasty; please, Shangqing Immortal, save us."

"Another detachment of Fuyu soldiers spoke up, earnestly pleading with the Shangqing Daoist for rescue."

"But they were all ignored."

"At this critical juncture, how could the Shangqing Daoist possibly intervene? He wished these people would die more, so that no one would compete with him."

"I have to say, the Mysterious Yellow Pagoda is indeed terrifying."

"The terrifying Mysterious Yellow Power sweeps all, crushing every White Crane Ferocious Beast, and all the way slays up to Universal Origin Mountain."

"No one can block a single immortal artifact."

"Moreover, it is an immortal artifact that has already undone its first seal."

"The Mysterious Yellow Pagoda is terrifyingly invincible."

"All the way they slaughter to the summit."

"They are almost approaching the Stellar Ancient Tree."

"But just as the Shangqing Daoist was about to approach the tree, an Immortal Bird blocked their way."

"An Immortal Crane tens of zhang tall."

"This Immortal Crane is suffused with immortal light all over, its gaze sharp and terrifying, its ferocity overwhelming the heavens."

"Especially its aura, which fills people with dread and makes them involuntarily swallow their saliva."

"Even the Shangqing Daoist couldn't help but furrow his brows tightly."

"\"A quasi-seventh realm demonic beast! \""

"Someone swallowed their saliva and spoke out the opponent's realm."

"This is a quasi-seventh realm demonic beast; its aura is terrifying, the surrounding immortal light is brilliant, and more importantly, this Immortal Crane is highly compatible with Universal Origin Mountain, making it extremely fearsome."

"Screech! A sharp, piercing sound rang out; the Immortal Crane stared at the Shangqing Daoist, but did not directly attack, instead giving a warning."

"They hoped the Shangqing Daoist and his group would leave."

"\"Kill. \""

"Facing the Stellar Ancient Tree, how could the Shangqing Daoist let it go? He held nothing back, activating the Mysterious Yellow Pagoda to attack; the entire pagoda instantly burst forth with beams of divine light, transforming into supreme sword qi, slashing toward the Immortal Crane."

"The Immortal Crane flapped its wings, dodging the pagoda's assault, while simultaneously spitting out a peerless flying sword from its mouth, emitting threads of spatial aura, directly charging at the Mysterious Yellow Pagoda."

"Boom! A great explosion sounded, and the entire Mysterious Yellow Pagoda rumbled."

"Inside the Mysterious Yellow Pagoda, thousands of disciples coughed up blood one after another, their eyes filled with terror, some unable to believe it."

"This demonic beast is too terrifying; it holds a supreme immortal sword in its mouth, and a single strike leaves the Mysterious Yellow Pagoda unable to withstand it? 'It is an innate artifact! This Immortal Crane has given birth to an innate artifact.'"

"Someone exclaimed in shock, having figured out what was happening."

"\"Although this Immortal Crane only possesses quasi-seventh realm cultivation, it has given birth to an innate artifact; this artifact is perfectly compatible with it, making it a congenital artifact. United, they approach the seventh realm infinitely close, and at critical moments can unleash the might of the seventh realm. \""

"An elder spoke up, understanding what was going on."

"\"Sect Master, we can't continue like this; we must leave quickly, otherwise we will all die here. \""

"\"Sect Master, if we retreat now we still have a chance; this Demon Bird bears little hostility, and if we withdraw, it should not target us excessively. \""

"Voices rose one after another; they looked at the Shangqing Daoist, hoping he would leave."

"\"No! \""

"\"Such a once-in-a-thousand-years opportunity must not be missed. \""

"\"No matter how strong this Demon Bird is, it cannot surpass an immortal artifact. \""

"\"You all form a formation to resist; I will revive the immortal artifact—once the artifact is revived, no one who comes will be of any use. \""

"The Shangqing Daoist spoke, his eyes already filled with frenzy."

"He had already lost his reason."

"The Stellar Ancient Tree was right before his eyes; now to let him give up, he absolutely refused."

"Hearing this, everyone's faces fell, but in the end they said nothing."

"Thus."

"A great battle erupted."

"Many people came to watch."

"At the same time, many still continued up the mountain; before treasure, who can keep a calm mind?"

"The terrifying battle turned Universal Origin Mountain into a mortal purgatory."

"Fighting was everywhere."

"Corpses lay everywhere."

"But the fiercest combat was on the mountaintop, where the Immortal Crane holding a flying sword in its mouth continually struck, each blow causing the Mysterious Yellow Pagoda to rumble."

"If this were not an immortal artifact, those thousands would surely have died unjustly long ago."

"However, the aura of the Mysterious Yellow Pagoda grew ever more terrifying, as the Shangqing Daoist poured vast quantities of spirit crystals into it."

"Reviving it at any cost."

"The battle lasted three days and three nights; even the Immortal Crane of Universal Origin Mountain grew somewhat fearful, after all, the aura of the Mysterious Yellow Pagoda was extraordinarily terrifying."

"If this continues, it may not necessarily win."

"Therefore, at the critical moment, this Immortal Crane spat out the immortal sword, then sprayed a mouthful of fresh blood onto it."

"In an instant."

"Peerless sword qi permeated, slashing toward the Mysterious Yellow Pagoda."

"However, at this very moment."

"The Mysterious Yellow Pagoda also erupted with terrifying aura, its body swelling tens of thousands of zhang, nearly covering Universal Origin Mountain."

"An unparalleled aura permeated."

Directly suppress this immortal sword.

"Die."

The Shangqing Daoist let out a loud shout, then controlled the Xuanhuang Pagoda, directly suppressing it onto the immortal crane's body.

Pfft.

The immortal crane's fleshly body shattered on the spot, torn into pieces.

Seeing this scene, countless people were shocked, and some clicked their tongues.

This is a quasi-seventh-realm demon beast, after all, and when combined with the Innate Sword Embryo, it can be elevated to the seventh realm; such an existence, when faced with the Xuanhuang Pagoda, proved utterly unable to withstand a single blow.

One has to admit, immortal artifacts are truly terrifying.

This caused many people to involuntarily feel fear.

On Puyuan Mountain, the Shangqing Daoist then showed a look of ecstasy.

Slaying this immortal crane, he will obtain the Star Ancient Tree, and the immortal sect will flourish.

People paid attention.

All the major powers felt a twinge of envy.

And the Shangqing Daoist, without any hesitation, bore this immortal artifact and rushed straight toward the mountaintop.

Arriving before the Star Ancient Tree.

"Collect."

The Shangqing Daoist spoke, and the Xuanhuang Pagoda instantly uprooted the ancient tree, roots and all.

The next moment, the Shangqing Daoist directly condensed the Xuanhuang Pagoda and slammed it onto the Divine Mountain.

Thud.

A terrifying, muffled sound rang out, layer upon layer of golden light spreading like ripples, and all the white crane demon beasts were completely slaughtered.

This is the might of a supreme immortal artifact.

"Plunder all treasures."

"Leave no room."

Having obtained the Star Ancient Tree, the Shangqing Daoist was in high spirits, yet he did not let the remaining treasures go.

He wanted everything.

But just then.

Strands of white mist coalesced and sank into the white crane's corpse.

(End of chapter)