Chapter 229: Seventh Realm, Yet There Are Gaps, Inner Sage Outer King, Subduing the Immortal Path

Shangqing Daoist stepped into the Seventh Realm.

This was expected.

After all, Shangqing Daoist obtained the Starry Ancient Tree; more than two months later, breaking through the Seventh Realm was well within reason.

Only a lack of breakthrough would be a problem.

Heaven's Mandate's first stage is the blessing upon the Immortal Path.

Naturally, the appearance of a Seventh Realm strongman is reasonable.

Within the Tai Xuan Immortal Sect.

The aura of the Nascent Soul Realm spread across the Eastern Wilderness, shaking heaven and earth; omens appeared in succession, thunderclouds formed, and a golden dharma image towered above the Tai Xuan Immortal Sect.

Accompanied by endless starlight.

At this moment.

Shangqing Daoist emerged from the micro‑world; divine light shone around him, speckled with stars, and beams of starlight blossomed from within his body.

He swallowed and refined all three hundred sixty‑five star fruits.

Although many in the sect were displeased, each star fruit can forge a star body; even if not a complete star body, it at least grants condensed star power.

Yet Shangqing Daoist refined and devoured them all, which was inevitably selfish.

However, everyone understood that with the Great World Conflict underway, the highest‑level force can push everything aside; to reap huge benefits in the future, a leader is needed.

Thus, even if resentment arose, when they realized they could gain benefits by following Shangqing Daoist, they thought little else.

Within the Tai Xuan Immortal Sect.

Shangqing Daoist appeared.

His appearance had reverted to youth, looking exceedingly young and handsome; his gaze was razor‑sharp, and three hundred sixty‑five stars flickered around him.

Behind him lay a celestial star map; this phenomenon was terrifying, as the Starry Ancient Tree within it exuded a massive surge of star power.

The entire Tai Xuan Immortal Sect was enveloped by star power; spiritual energy grew dense again, and the surging star power benefited everyone.

At this moment, stars dwelled within Shangqing Daoist's gaze as he felt the surging power inside; his eyes were dazzling.

His mood was ecstatic to the extreme.

Seventh Realm.

Immortal Path Seventh Realm, Nascent Soul Realm.

He never imagined that one day he would step into the Seventh Realm; the feeling was simply exhilarating.

He felt his strength multiplied dozens of times, even hundreds, achieving the ultimate transformation.

One realm, one layer of heaven.

The Sixth and Seventh Realms each span a divine mountain.

A Sixth Realm strongman is a peerless master of the world, appearing without a trace and disappearing without a trace; exerting full force can shatter a mountain peak, yet this remains within controllable limits.

When facing a dynasty, one still must lower the proud head.

But the Seventh Realm differs: a sword can split a mountain, one person can command a million masters, overlooking all world's experts with an invincible bearing.

To put it bluntly, with the aid of an immortal artifact, Shangqing Daoist can achieve innate invincibility.

It does not stop there.

Even if all immortal sect cultivators worldwide gathered, he could suppress them single‑handedly, provided they do not use immortal artifacts.

A sky‑piercing phenomenon formed; Shangqing Daoist was supremely confident, with the Xuanhuang Tower standing above his head, highlighting his extraordinary nature.

And at that moment.

Inside the Great Treasure Liuli Temple, congratulatory voices also echoed.

"Congratulations to Shangqing Daoist for attaining the Seventh Realm."

The Buddhist Sect congratulated immediately, but everyone knew the Buddhist Sect's feelings were likely bitter: first Confucianism and Daoism produced two saints, then the immortal sect.

Now another immortal sect member has attained the Seventh Realm; how could that not make them feel sour? Upon hearing the Buddhist Sect's congratulations, Shangqing Daoist merely nodded, offering no reply.

Yet his aura already enveloped the Da Xia border.

This was not a provocation.

It was a notification; he wanted Gu Jin Nian to know he had broken through to the Seventh Realm.

To make Gu Jin Nian understand.

In this world, Gu Jin Nian's words do not dictate everything.

However.

Da Xia border.

At this moment.

Gu Jin Nian had just finished propagating the Holy Path; he perfectly expounded his Heart Doctrine once, allowing the disciples to comprehend the principle.

But at that instant, the once‑azure sky suddenly dimmed.

The aura of the Nascent Soul Realm shrouded the area.

The might of the Seventh Realm also interfered with the exposition here.

All the disciples sensed the terrifying aura, each appearing unsettled and showing fear.

Above the meditation mat.

Gu Jin Nian glanced briefly.

He was expounding the sage's way here, propagating the Heart Doctrine; in the past three months, the Great World Conflict had begun, yet he had not taken part, only following his own heart.

He did not expect that Shangqing Daoist, upon attaining the Seventh Realm, would come knocking immediately.

Indeed, he had stepped back while the enemy advanced.

Boom.

Gu Jin Nian waved his hand, and in an instant the terrifying aura vanished.

In its place, the world fell into silence.

"I am Gu Jin Nian."

"Today's expounding of the Dao ends."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, saying that he had completed the three‑month Path of Expansive Learning and fulfilled his part of the promise.

With those words falling…

In an instant, the world trembled with phenomena, terrifying light surged from the Shenzhou Continent into the heavens, and each academy erupted with unparalleled brilliance.

The holy radiance of the sages illuminated the heavens.

Even before Gu Jin Nian, a Nine‑Tier Celestial Path appeared.

The forces of heaven and earth forged a Holy Path with nine steps.

Like the Heaven's Mandate Path, it exuded an unparalleled aura, as if stepping on these nine steps would make one a Heaven's Mandate Sage.

However, this phenomenon quickly coalesced within Gu Jin Nian's body.

And the remaining phenomena…

Directly suppressed the Shangqing Daoist's phenomenon.

At that moment, many were astonished, and people curiously looked here.

Two Seventh Realm masters—a Confucian Dao sage and an Immortal Sect primordial spirit master—clashed, a scene rarely seen in the world.

In the Great Profound Immortal Sect, the Shangqing Daoist felt Gu Jin Nian's suppression; his Dao Verification phenomenon was supposed to last an hour.

Yet now it has completely vanished—Gu Jin Nian's counterattack.

The Dao Verification phenomenon actually announces to the world that one has entered the Seventh Realm, a great boon that plants a seed in people's hearts and boosts the Immortal Sect's fortunes.

Yet Gu Jin Nian's approach…

…can be considered a form of suppression.

"The Immortal Dao flourishes."

At that moment, the Shangqing Daoist spoke softly; golden light shot skyward, shaking the clouds, the Xuanhuang Tower and Star Ancient Tree radiated endless brilliance across the firmament, the Star Ancient Tree towering a thousand zhang and shedding countless starlight.

Making the Great Profound Immortal Sect resplendent.

People were stunned and turned their gaze to Gu Jin Nian, eager to see what answer he would give.

"Even within the Seventh Realm, there are differences."

Yet, in the Da Xia Borderlands, Gu Jin Nian's voice continued to echo.

It was a very direct reply.

The Shangqing Daoist, supremely confident, having reached the Seventh Realm, vowed to bear the banner of the flourishing Immortal Dao; this statement was confidence and also a declaration of war, the great world contest had begun, and all systems would join.

Right now, the struggle is on.

Competing for prestige, momentum, treasures, seizing everything, leaving nothing behind.

They hadn't expected Gu Jin Nian to be so overbearing.

He voiced his inner thoughts.

The Seventh Realm also has disparities.

What kind of confidence is that? Yet Gu Jin Nian has the foundation for confidence—he possesses the Nine Great Buddha Vessels, the Nine Great Immortal Artifacts, and the Nine Great Saintly Items, and cultivates the Martial Path, Immortal Dao, and Buddhist Dharma; how could he lack the right to speak such words? Upon hearing this,

the Shangqing Daoist furrowed his brows, acknowledging the remark was indeed arrogant.

In his Dao Verification today, Gu Jin Nian really gave him no face at all.

"The Immortal Dao has stood since antiquity, the way of humankind, boundless and infinite."

The Shangqing Daoist spoke again, still confident.

Da Xia Borderlands.

At the same moment, a response rang out.

"The sun and moon decay, but the Confucian Dao endures."

"Heaven and earth decay, but the Confucian Dao endures."

"Through ten thousand generations of brilliance, the seas change, yet only the Confucian Dao persists."

Gu Jin Nian's voice at that moment became even more domineering.

Moreover, he had already turned his gaze toward the Great Profound Immortal Sect.

Both had already reached the Seventh Realm, already bearing grudges, and now the opponent provoked; both were angry, naturally each refused to submit to the other?

Furthermore, this great world contest centers on a single conflict.

Even saints must contend.

Immortal sects must also contend.

The tension between the two great masters was thick, many factions watched, curious and eager, anticipating a massive battle.

"Brilliance does not reside in words."

The Shangqing Daoist spoke, the tension thickened, mocking that Gu Jin Nian's words held no power.

"A prosperous age is inscribed within books."

Yet Gu Jin Nian's overbearing reply rang out again, even more splendid than the Shangqing Daoist's.

Who is strong and who is weak will be recorded in future histories.

Clearly, the two were locked in opposing blades.

All major forces have prepared to meet this Seventh Realm war.

"Then let's see whether the Confucian Dao is stronger, or my Immortal Sect."

The voice sounded, and at that moment the Shangqing Daoist could no longer endure.

Having already reached the Seventh Realm, there is no need for verbal disputes; resolve everything with strength—that is the true royal way.

Boom—

The Xuanhuang Tower erupted with terrifying light, like a sky‑cleaving sword spanning ten thousand li, striking directly at Gu Jin Nian.

This is the terror of the Seventh Realm.

In a single thought, mountains and rivers shatter.

With the added empowerment of the Xuanhuang Tower, it becomes even invincible.

An unparalleled terrifying pressure assaults.

Confucian, Daoist, martial, Buddhist, technique, sword.

The most powerful are actually martial and Dao.

The Confucian can ascend to Heaven's ear, wield the power of heaven and earth, speak and have law follow, but it is more a macro‑force, like if a Da Xia calamity were to occur again now.

In a single thought, Gu Jin Nian can quell forest fires, steady earthquakes, and restore Jiangzhong County to its original state overnight.

This is the power of heaven and earth.

But if used for combat, it does not work.

Unless the opponent is a demon or monster.

Or if the other has committed an act that incites both humans and gods, only the power of the Holy Dao can slay the enemy.

Naturally, possessing self‑preservation ability, a Saint has no problem in this regard; protected by heaven and earth while wielding their power, self‑preservation is more than sufficient.

But when it comes to fierce battles, it indeed falls slightly short of immortal arts—a conclusion drawn from all past experience.

Of course, having reached the Seventh Realm, even a great disparity would not make much difference.

Their great clash, however, is destined to become renowned across the world.

Boom.

The Xuanhuang Bell, and the primordial Five‑Elements Banner materialized.

The Five‑Elements Banner settled around, shielding Gu Jin Nian; the Xuanhuang Bell then resonated, sending out terrifying bell waves.

It directly disintegrated the ten‑thousand‑li sword qi inch by inch.

"Wind."

Gu Jin Nian spoke slowly, standing with his hands behind his back, walking toward the Great Profound Immortal Sect; blue lotuses sprouted beneath his feet, and endless radiance behind him illuminated him like a deity.

Hoo‑hoo‑hoo! A terrifying cyclone emerged, turning heaven and earth a different hue; beneath the cyclone, dreadful wind blades formed, slashing toward the Great Profound Immortal Sect.

Clang‑clang‑clang.

The Xuanhuang Tower blocked the endless wind blades, emitting a crisp ringing sound.

The Shangqing Daoist wore a blank expression.

He rose and leapt; above the Heavenly Firmament, stars trembled, infusing incomparable stellar power.

The Star Ancient Tree then radiated billions of divine rays, striking Gu Jin Nian.

"Thunder."

Gu Jin Nian ignored the divine light, merely uttering a single word.

In an instant.

Thunderbolts of ten thousand pounds descended in bundles from the Heavenly Firmament, shrouding the sky over the Great Profound Immortal Sect in dark clouds.

The thunder, reaching heights of ten thousand zhang at a whim, is both natural force and the great power of heaven and earth; the disciples of the Great Profound Immortal Sect turned pale one by one.

This includes heavenly might within it.

Above the Heavenly Firmament.

The Shangqing Daoist watched all this; such heavenly might made him feel a hint of unease.

This is the divine ability bestowed by the Heaven's Mandate Seal, naturally distinct.

"Since we must contend."

"Conceal the immortal artifact, meeting extreme realms with extreme realms."

The Shangqing Daoist spoke.

In a large‑scale war, Gu Jin Nian is a Saint; he commands the great power of heaven and earth. Though it may not affect him greatly, to the world he appears to have a huge advantage.

At least he cannot make every person of the Da Xia Dynasty feel fear, and Gu Jin Nian's momentum is immense; especially regarding anomalies, he cannot be resisted.

This is where his comparison falls short.

Hearing this.

Gu Jin Nian fell silent for a moment, but soon he agreed.

"The Heavenly Firmament Battle."

He agreed, for no other reason: firstly, Gu Jin Nian also wanted to see how strong a Primordial Soul Realm master is, and also to test his own strength.

Although this puts him at a slight disadvantage, as this is not his strength, in the near future, when the great world erupts, whether through the martial path or the immortal path, he must choose a road to engage in ultimate combat.

Another matter is that his actions would have no effect; if the Shangqing Daoist were forced, he could also descend upon the Da Xia Dynasty, using the same method against its people.

This is meaningless.

Between the Seventh Realms, the inherent strength disparity is not great; unless both sides are willing to die, otherwise, when a Seventh Realm strongman wants to survive, it is very hard to be slain.

Especially since each holds an immortal artifact; truly wanting to survive is absolutely no problem.

"Fine."

"The Heavenly Firmament Battle."

The Shangqing Daoist spoke, then withdrew his immortal artifact and plunged directly into the Heavenly Firmament.

In an instant, all major forces turned their gaze, curious about this battle and who could claim victory.

Gu Jin Nian stepped onto the Heavenly Firmament.

He also internalizes two celestial artifacts, without using external force, the power of the Holy Dao transforms into Yin‑Yang Qi.

The black and white twin Dao lights surround his body.

The Shangqing Daoist is enveloped by the power of the stars.

The two are separated by a great distance, yet in an instant they bridge space, speak no words, and strike directly.

The Shangqing Daoist clearly intends to unleash lethal might; having attained the Seventh Realm today, he wishes to announce to the world that he is now unparalleled, one of the world's unrivaled.

He even seeks to overwhelm the sage, to let all know that even the strongest sage cannot surpass him.

Boom.

He forms a sword technique; the Shangqing Daoist's left hand shapes the sword technique, his right hand the Immortal Seal, unleashing a million sword qi that bloom like Holy Light, hurling toward Gu Jin Nian.

Under the Immortal Seal, the law manifests heaven and earth, a ten‑thousand‑foot golden primordial spirit appears, destroying heaven and earth, tearing space directly, bearing an incomparably terrifying aura, and strikes Gu Jin Nian.

The law seal roars like thunder, second only to the celestial gold meteor that fell during the original Da Xia Heavenly Disaster.

People are shocked, fully feeling what is called a realm of a heaven; Sixth Realm masters are indeed powerful, but before a Seventh Realm master they amount to nothing.

A casual strike yields such heavenly might, terrifying all.

Fear that springs from the heart.

A million streams of stellar sword qi slash toward him; Gu Jin Nian circulates all methods.

Blossoms of azure lotus emerge, colliding with the sword qi, erupting with bursts of sound.

Under the Yin‑Yang Method.

Gu Jin Nian raises his hand, forming a furnace, blocking the Shangqing Daoist's primordial spirit strike.

Bang.

The two clash atop the Celestial Dome; even so, such a sound shakes heaven and earth.

Countless masters open their Heavenly Eyes, watching carefully, witnessing this epoch‑shaking battle.

The great war between Seventh Realms.

Above the Celestial Dome, Holy Light shrouds everything; once the two begin, no backup remains, and this battle is a spectacle beyond any Sixth Realm.

Nevertheless, it must be said that in one‑on‑one combat, the Shangqing Daoist is indeed strong, unleashing myriad divine techniques.

Space cracks inch by inch.

The Shangqing Daoist's expression remains calm; the Tai Xuan Immortal Seal erupts, forming a divine mountain that presses toward Gu Jin Nian.

The Yin‑Yang Method in Gu Jin Nian's hand instantly becomes countless Yin‑Yang war spears, piercing the divine mountain.

Their clash is pure Daoist technique versus technique; it seems simple because at their level victory does not rely on refined moves, but a single force subdues ten skills.

A phantom divine mountain stretching a hundred miles appears; no matter how exquisite your techniques, such heavenly might cannot be resisted.

Under the Yin‑Yang Method, he creates a heavenly furnace that refines all.

The battle continues.

Stunning.

Half an hour later, the cultivation energy within both bodies seems endless, showing no sign of depletion.

However, the Shangqing Daoist's momentum grows; having just broken through the Seventh Realm, some clumsiness is natural, yet this great battle, in a sense, accelerates his mastery of Seventh Realm power.

Similarly, for Gu Jin Nian, this battle clarifies his own strength and tempers his Holy Dao.

Having a realm and actual combat are two different concepts.

In this half hour, Gu Jin Nian has already grasped the power of the Yin‑Yang Method; the power of the Holy Dao has merged perfectly with the Yin‑Yang Method.

Thus, at the critical moment, Gu Jin Nian spreads his hands, and the Tai Chi Bagua Diagram materializes, covering the sky, striking directly at the Shangqing Daoist. Space collapses, streams of Yin‑Yang qi intertwine within the diagram, perpetually renewing.

The Yin‑Yang Diagram gathers Gu Jin Nian's sage power.

The Shangqing Daoist does not dare to be careless; his mortal body emits three hundred sixty‑five stellar light pillars.

Each star trembles, resonating with him, bestowing stellar power upon him; an ancient tree manifests behind him, releasing three hundred sixty‑five terrifying stellar sword qi that burst forth.

Each sword qi is inexplicably terrifying, tearing the void; the sound of the swords triggers massive explosions. At this moment, the Shangqing Daoist is several times stronger than before, having harnessed the power of the Star Ancient Tree.

"The Star Ancient Tree truly is a divine artifact; the Shangqing Daoist, using the Star Ancient Tree, broke through to the Seventh Realm, merging with it. Now he is both a stellar body and controls stellar power; though both are Seventh Realm, with the Tree's aid he surpasses."

A strong master speaks, stating the Shangqing Daoist's strength.

"The Star Ancient Tree is certainly not a Seventh Realm artifact; such a thing must be related to the Eighth Realm, right?"

"The Tai Xuan Immortal Sect truly got lucky, managing to obtain such a fine treasure."

"Puyuan Mountain possesses such a treasure; what divine artifacts might Pan Mountain and Tianqi Mountain hold?"

"If not for the Star Ancient Tree, Gu Jin Nian would have overpowered him, but with the Tree present, unless Gu Jin Nian has other trump cards, he likely cannot win."

"The Confucian‑Daoist sage primarily wields the power of Heaven and Earth, not ultimate magical force; the two are entirely different realms. In a true duel, Gu Jin Nian would suffer a great loss."

"No, the Confucian‑Daoist line's true might has yet to manifest; Gu Jin Nian needs the power of faith. His propagation of the Holy Dao has not fully spread; though he has lectured for three months, it requires time for scholars worldwide to comprehend the sage's teachings."

"When that time comes, the Heaven‑Earth power Gu Jin Nian commands will be stronger; the strength of scholars across the world becomes his strength. Unlike the Immortal Path, which upon entering the Seventh Realm already possesses terrifying combat power."

People discuss.

Most people are stunned by the terrifying Star Ancient Tree.

Yet some think Gu Jin Nian suffered a great loss; after all, the Confucian‑Daoist sage commands the great power of Heaven and Earth, moving with qi flow, but is still lacking in combat.

Indeed, the Confucian‑Daoist line must spread the holy teachings, gaining scholars' talent support, plus the faith power of Heaven, Earth, and all living beings.

The essence of Confucian‑Daoism and Buddhism is actually quite similar; both propagate thought, so their cores are in conflict.

Three hundred sixty‑five stellar sword qi burst open the void.

Under the Tai Xuan Immortal Seal.

The Shangqing Daoist forms the seal and strikes, the Star Ancient Tree materializes behind him, making the three hundred sixty‑five stellar sword qi even more brilliant.

From above downwards, it slashes toward Gu Jin Nian.

Refining the Tai Chi Diagram, Gu Jin Nian rises from below, expands the divine diagram, and infuses it with terrifying sage power.

A massive collision erupted.

A ball of light was swallowed, bursting light tore the void; looking closely, there was also a rainbow, the halo made people dizzy, stretching for ten thousand li.

Space was violently shattered, forming a vacuum zone, which is why this rainbow light appeared.

Fortunately, space automatically repairs itself; in the blink of an eye, the ruptured void automatically healed.

Within the light, the Taiji Bagua diagram shattered directly, pierced by three hundred sixty-five strands of stellar sword qi.

Even in the Seventh Realm, there is still a gap.

This remark, for some reason, left people silent.

After all, these words were spoken by Gu Jin Nian, but now Gu Jin Nian does not hold the upper hand, so it naturally seems inappropriate.

"He's already strong enough; after all, the Confucian Dao is not primarily focused on combat."

"Mm, as a Confucian sage, achieving this level is already quite good; furthermore, Shang Qing Dao Ren relied on the Ancient Star Tree, and without it, the two would be evenly matched."

"Indeed, Gu Jin Nian also cultivates the Immortal Dao, but he is only at the Golden Core Realm; now, by borrowing the power of the Sage's Dao and merging it, he has fought to a draw with Shang Qing Dao Ren, which is already remarkable—he is merely at a disadvantage, but given time, that will change."

"Mm, and Gu Jin Nian possesses an immortal spirit root, the legendary spirit root; with the current era's conflict arising, future treasures will emerge endlessly; as a sage, Gu Jin Nian can certainly claim a share, using heavenly and earthly treasures—without even saying he could reach the Seventh Realm of the Immortal Dao, at least he could reach the peak of the Sixth Realm, more than enough."

When people spoke, true powerhouses would never deny Gu Jin Nian; on the contrary, they saw him more clearly, knowing his strength is great.

Moreover, they are quite sensible, understanding that Gu Jin Nian is not unable to defeat Shang Qing Dao Ren, but that the two fundamentally follow different paths.

"Gu Jin Nian."

"The flourishing of the Immortal Dao—do you see it?"

Surrounded by the light of the heavenly stars, Shang Qing Dao Ren felt an indescribable joy, although he also knew deep down that the victory in this battle was utterly meaningless.

Because Gu Jin Nian is a Confucian sage, comparing divine abilities and Dao methods with him is utterly difficult for a strong person.

Without crushing Gu Jin Nian outright, to put it bluntly, Shang Qing Dao Ren has already lost.

But that doesn't matter; most people don't understand, they only think the Confucian Dao is inferior to the Immortal Dao, and even if someone explains, to ordinary folks, not being able to win is simply not being able to win—no need for extra talk.

Shang Qing Dao Ren needs this reaction; regardless of the truth, as long as the world knows that Shang Qing Dao Ren's strength is invincible, that is enough.

At this moment, the Taiji Bagua diagram above Gu Jin Nian's head shattered inch by inch, then turned into yin-yang qi that fell down.

"The Fifth Realm is still not enough."

"We need to reach the Sixth Realm sooner."

"Try another way."

Facing Shang Qing Dao Ren's inquiry, Gu Jin Nian did not get angry; indeed, he didn't even care about Shang Qing Dao Ren's smugness, and suddenly vanished from the spot.

In terms of Dao arts, with the aid of Yin-Yang method plus the sage's imprint, being unable to defeat Shang Qing Dao Ren is actually reasonable.

After all, his Immortal Dao cultivation is only at the Golden Core Realm; although he received the sage's imprint boost, his low realm is an undeniable fact, plus Shang Qing Dao Ren relied on the Ancient Star Tree.

This is not disgraceful.

However, Gu Jin Nian has already mastered Yin-Yang method and gained a clearer understanding of the Immortal Dao; if he wishes, it won't be long before he himself can enter the Sixth Realm.

For now, Gu Jin Nian plans to try using martial arts.

Aside from Confucian Dao, Gu Jin Nian's greatest skill is martial arts; he simply never had the chance to display it, but now the opportunity has arrived.

Furthermore, Gu Jin Nian condensed the Taiji Yin-Yang diagram in order to close the distance between them.

God-Slaying Technique.

In an instant, Gu Jin Nian circulated the Supreme Martial Dao Divine Ability.

This is his divine ability that refines myriad laws and deduces the ultimate of martial arts.

Almost in an instant, Gu Jin Nian's flesh emanated an aura like that of a primeval ferocious beast, wild and terrifying.

Upon the release of the God-Slaying Technique,

myriad Dao divine light burst forth from Gu Jin Nian's body, directly sending Shang Qing Dao Ren retreating a hundred zhang.

But in that instant, Gu Jin Nian's figure appeared behind him.

Since Shang Qing Dao Ren used the Ancient Star Tree, Gu Jin Nian directly employed the Heaven's Mandate Divine Ability.

With a godlike burst of speed, Gu Jin Nian's speed became unimaginable.

Roar.

A phantom of a true dragon coiled around Gu Jin Nian's arm.

All laws condensed within it.

Bang.

Shang Qing Dao Ren sensed this horror, but it was already too late.

A massive explosion sounded.

Shang Qing Dao Ren was blasted thousands of zhang away; his figure was extremely swift, yet Gu Jin Nian gave him no chance to react.

Bang bang bang.

At this moment.

Gu Jin Nian transformed into a primeval ferocious beast; his qi and blood condensed into a true dragon—just looking at it makes people smack their lips and involuntarily swallow saliva.

It must be said, martial arts are still far more direct than Dao arts; the God-Slaying Technique unleashed, displaying ultimate martial power.

The allure of flesh-and-blood combat shocked everyone.

Gu Jin Nian's moves are not that refined; rather, they give a feeling of fist-to-flesh impact.

Each punch that smashes down feels like a great mountain bombarding the opponent.

The light is not as brilliant as before, but the visual impact is no less than various divine lights bursting forth, even surpassing them.

Shang Qing Dao Ren's flesh hummed; he had reached the Seventh Realm, his body possessed abundant magical power protecting him, which could shield himself.

Yet this solid, tangible fist aura still hurts.

Bang bang bang.

Gu Jin Nian unleashed a hundred punches in succession, his aura reaching its utmost.

Everyone was astonished; they never expected that Gu Jin Nian still had this move? His martial prowess is so strong?

This is far stronger than immortal methods by far.

Although both are within the Seventh Realm, the visual effect is far stronger than before, to the point that many thought the Supreme Clarity Daoist would be killed by Gu Jin Nian.

But the main thing is still the contrast.

Everyone knows that Gu Jin Nian is merely a scholar, yet now his impression on people is like that of a crude martial man.

"I never imagined that the Sage of Brocade Years would still have such a method."

"How come this martial power, in the hands of the Sage, appears especially domineering?"

"The martial lineage emphasizes overcoming ten with one force, yet more importantly it's about exquisite techniques; martial techniques, but the feeling I get from the Sage of Brocade Years is devoid of skill, pure power suppression—this really is a bit..."

People discussed, marveling at Gu Jin Nian's martial strength, yet they felt his martial combat was overly direct.

The boxing style is wide open and close, without too refined moves, nor dazzling techniques.

Purely overwhelming force, treating the Supreme Clarity Daoist as a target to beat mercilessly.

Sage power combined with martial power actually has miraculous effect.

The God-Slaying Art erupts, terrifying martial power actually merges with sage power into one, sealing the Supreme Clarity Daoist's flesh, rendering him immobile.

"Inner Sage, Outer King."

In an instant, Gu Jin Nian's expression changed; he sensed an extreme of sage power.

The Confucian Sage indeed suffers greatly in martial prowess, after all the Confucian Path represents Heaven's Mandate, is the stabilizer of heaven and earth, mainly involving thought and fortune.

For example, if the Supreme Clarity Daoist were to commit extreme evils, then one could request Heaven's Will to punish him.

In other words, even if the Supreme Clarity Daoist repeatedly obtains various treasures, invincible in strength, as long as he hasn't entered the Eighth Realm, if he dares to do deeds that anger both gods and men,

The Sage can directly summon heavenly punishment to slay the Supreme Clarity Daoist.

The Confucian Sage equals the spokesperson of heaven and earth, walking among mortals as heaven and earth's eyes, helping heaven and earth monitor, grasp heaven and earth's power, promote the Sage's Way, the natural Way, heaven and earth's intent, gaining fortune's blessing.

But in combat, he ranks last, barely able to defeat demons, after all the Confucian Path innately suppresses evil spirits and demons.

And now.

Gu Jin Nian realizes that martial power can perfectly match sage power, can continue to study deeply, to make up for the deficiency of sage power.

This is the Way of Inner Sage, Outer King, the ultimate of the Confucian Path, the perfect bearing of a Sage.

Internally there is sage's learning, heart set on the world.

Externally there is peerless martial power, suppressing all worlds.

For those who refuse to submit, reason with them, enlighten them with sage insight.

If still not submit.

Then only the Sage's fist can properly transform them.

After realizing this.

Gu Jin Nian realizes he must temper his martial power further, thus he can better stabilize the great world.

Roar.

In the end, the Supreme Clarity Daoist was heavily smashed into a great mountain.

Martial power almost shattered all his bones; if not having entered the Seventh Realm and possessing immense magical power, such injury would be enough to take his life.

Swish.

Starlight suffused his body; the Supreme Clarity Daoist roared, his flesh restored to original, his broken bones instantly mended, his physique like a treasure, in the blink of an eye his injuries healed.

Still that saying: their strengths are nearly equal, only one is Immortal Path, the other Confucian Path.

Unless they tear apart faces, disregard everything, fight to the death, otherwise cannot decide victory; at most who gains upper hand, who suffers minor loss.

Presently, the Supreme Clarity Daoist suffered this minor loss.

But in the eyes of the world, this is not a minor loss, it's a solid thrashing from Gu Jin Nian.

Boom.

The Supreme Clarity Daoist drew a deep breath, he was somewhat unable to contain his anger; as a Primordial Spirit Realm cultivator, a momentary carelessness led to such a great loss, he could not bear it, thus he drew a deep breath, divine light surged heavenward.

He still wants to continue fighting.

However, the Supreme Clarity Daoist this time acted wisely, not choosing direct clash, but retreating a thousand zhang away, intending to continue fighting with divine abilities against Gu Jin Nian.

This is his advantage; in close combat techniques, he cannot defeat Gu Jin Nian.

"Still want another fight?"

Gazing at the Supreme Clarity Daoist a thousand zhang away, Gu Jin Nian spoke, standing in the void, stepping on the Azure Lotus, eyes calm.

He has finished tempering his law, knows his current situation.

No need to continue fighting, especially having gained advantage; further fighting would be meaningless, as I cannot get close to his body, nor gain advantage in Dao law.

On the contrary would suffer loss, totally unnecessary to continue.

"Are you afraid?"

The Supreme Clarity Daoist is obviously just being tough; he suffered a great loss, it's clear Gu Jin Nian doesn't want to fight, so he speaks, asking if Gu Jin Nian is afraid.

Want to regain some face from this.

"Fighting like this has no meaning."

"Better to go all out."

"An ultimate battle."

"To decide superiority."

"Or even decide life and death?"

Hearing the opponent's tough talk, Gu Jin Nian does not intend to indulge; as he speaks, the Mystic Yellow Bell and the Innate Five Elements Banner rise into the sky, bursting forth myriad strands of divine light, the Mystic Yellow Bell draping down myriad strands of mystic yellow qi.

The bell tolls, capable of destroying ten thousand miles of rivers and mountains; with a gentle sway, it guarantees that the Tai Xuan Immortal Sect will be turned into flat ground.

The Primordial Five Elements Banner guards the four corners of heaven and earth, able to block the attacks of the Shangqing Daoist.

Not only that, the Saint's mat lies beneath Gu Jin Nian's feet, the Eight Jade Sacred Ruler hovers before Gu Jin Nian, and the Ancient Chronicles unfurl, encircling Gu Jin Nian.

Bodhi prayer beads emit layers of Buddha light, reflecting concentric halos behind his mind, while the mutton‑fat jade bottle pours out terrifying faith‑based mental force.

This is Gu Jin Nian's current display.

The Saint's seal appears.

A towering momentum floods the world between heaven and earth.

Two celestial artifacts, three Sacred Instruments, two supreme Buddhist artifacts, plus the Saint's realm.

What shall we use to strike?

Seeing this scene, many people were shocked and fell silent.

One must admit.

This phenomenon still depends on Gu Jin Nian; with anyone else it wouldn't have this effect.

Feeling Gu Jin Nian's momentum.

The Shangqing Daoist's complexion turned somewhat sour.

The reason is simple: although both are in the Seventh Realm, Gu Jin Nian is blessed by Heaven's Mandate, so even if they could kill Gu Jin Nian, they dare not, for heaven and earth protect Gu Jin Nian.

And they might not even win.

Just these two celestial artifacts are enough for a single pot, let alone the other Sacred Instruments and Buddhist artifacts.

At present, Gu Jin Nian calmly looks at the Shangqing Daoist.

His intention is also simple.

If you are not convinced.

Then go all out.

No need to chatter so much.

The world watches.

They wonder whether the Shangqing Daoist dares to accept the challenge.

If he does, then truly a great incident will occur.

After all, both are Seventh Realm strongmen; if they truly settle scores and decide life and death, it could shake the entire Shen Zhou continent.

But in the end.

The Shangqing Daoist became timid.

He inhaled deeply, looked at Gu Jin Nian, and slowly spoke.

"Boundless Celestial Venerable."

"Saint Gu Jin Nian, we have just entered the Seventh Realm; a friendly spar should suffice, why so extreme?"

"Heaven's Mandate has descended, the great era has just begun; you and I are both Seventh Realm strongmen, we should join forces to benefit all under heaven, should we not?"

The Shangqing Daoist spoke.

His face bore a smile, appearing exceedingly gentle, having reined in his previous arrogance and hubris.

He chose to step back voluntarily.

"Benefiting all under heaven is not just words."

"The Shangqing Daoist obtained the Starry Ancient Tree and, with the Xuanhuang Tower, seized Puyuan Mountain; is this not overly domineering?"

Gu Jin Nian replied calmly.

The other party wanted to step back, but Gu Jin Nian would not relent.

He knows the other initially only intended to pressure him.

But the feud has already been set; now he holds the advantage and cannot reduce a great matter to a small one.

"Puyuan Mountain may hold treasures, but it also harbors ferocious beasts; I, a humble Daoist, suppress the beasts, use the Xuanhuang Tower to rescue the sect's cultivators—how does this become seizing Puyuan Mountain?"

"Saint Gu, where did you hear this news?"

"Is someone secretly inciting? Degrading my Tai Xuan Immortal Sect?"

The Shangqing Daoist opened his mouth.

He directly denied the matter.

"During the time of great learning, I, the Saint, sensed it."

"I am a Saint; such matters are naturally clear to me."

"You need not explain anything."

"Hand over part of the treasures, gifting them to the great sects; let this end here."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, voicing his thoughts.

"On what grounds?"

Hearing this, the Shangqing Daoist couldn't help but frown.

"In this spar, I only suffered a minor loss; using that as a pretext to coerce me?"

"No grounds."

"Only because Gu is a Saint."

Gu Jin Nian's voice rose slowly.

In an instant, brilliant heavenly might coalesced.

A black cloud surged above the Tai Xuan Immortal Sect, thunderous and terrifying.

This is the might of the Saint's Dao.

The Upper Purity Daoist's deeds did not win people's hearts, so Gu Jin Nian can mobilize the power of heaven and earth.

Apply pressure to him.

Boom boom boom! Bolts of lightning directly struck the Grand Mystery Immortal Sect.

The dragon's roar rang out; this is the Grand Mystery Immortal Sect's spirit qi dragon vein.

In an instant, the Upper Purity Daoist's face grimaced.

This is a threat to oneself.

But Gu Jin Nian remained calm.

He used Immortal Dao power to battle the opponent.

Now, he must also display the might of the Sage Dao.

Likewise, let the world know the Sage's might; don't truly think the Sage lacks the strength to truss a chicken.

(End of chapter)