Chapter 230: With sage's methods, refining the Firmament War Machine, the Great Xia wages war, the Fierce Slaves are terrified!

The terrifying holy might permeates.

Gu Jin Nian himself is a Confucian-Dao sage, wielding the power of heaven and earth, and furthermore he possesses nine Heaven's Mandate marks, one of which is heavenly might.

Therefore, he passes judgment with sage's power.

This is the terror of a sage; put plainly, the whole heaven and earth are like a great dynasty, an immortal sect, a Buddhist sect, a demon clan, demonic cultivators—whoever they are, they are all subjects of that dynasty.

Heaven's Way is the emperor.

Gu Jin Nian is the Imperial Envoy.

It oversees the Ministry of Punishments, Ministry of Revenue, Ministry of Personnel, Ministry of Works, Ministry of Rites.

It also oversees the Embroidered Uniform Guard, whether Eastern Depot or Western Depot, local officials, and regional governors.

As long as you are a subject or commoner of that dynasty, Gu Jin Nian has the right to impeach, and the emperor must accept it.

Decision rests with the emperor, but if what Gu Jin Nian says gains the support of most people, the emperor must handle it.

It is not wrong for the Upper Purity Daoist to seize Universal Origin Mountain.

But monopolizing it is wrong.

The demonic beasts of Universal Origin Mountain were indeed suppressed by the Upper Purity Daoist, but the Upper Purity Daoist also received the corresponding benefit, the Ancient Star Tree.

The greatest benefit was all taken by the Upper Purity Daoist, leaving nothing for others.

If one says the others merely reaped the rewards, that is indeed wrong.

But many paid with their blood; the Fuyu Dynasty's five thousand elite perished on Universal Origin Mountain, yet at the time they received nothing.

Even later, the Grand Mystery Immortal Sect's compensation to everyone was merely a small portion given to the Fuyu Dynasty.

This has already aroused public anger.

Gu Jin Nian is indeed taking advantage of the pretext, so he cannot directly destroy the Grand Mystery Immortal Sect, but cutting off one of its dragon veins is not a big problem.

Now it's up to the Upper Purity Daoist to yield or not.

Seeing this terrifying sight, the Upper Purity Daoist knows Gu Jin Nian intends to embarrass him.

But there is nothing he can do.

Who let himself, idle and well-fed, provoke Gu Jin Nian? 'Gu Sage, the demonic beasts of Universal Origin Mountain are suppressed by the Black Yellow Pagoda; in other words, if not for the Grand Mystery Immortal Sect, who knows how many would have died, and furthermore the Grand Mystery Immortal Sect will later take out the treasures and distribute them to all cultivators.'

'How does this become unreasonable for my Grand Mystery Immortal Sect?'

The Upper Purity Daoist spoke; the advantage is not on his side now, which indeed makes him feel uneasy.

'Whether it's reasonable or not, my say doesn't count; heaven and earth decide.'

'The power of the sage's way can unite public opinion; those who cultivate immortality are also part of the common people.'

'I won't waste words with you; I give you a final chance—you choose whether to agree or not.'

Gu Jin Nian spoke lightly.

He couldn't be bothered to waste so many words.

In the duel of dao arts, I faced it head-on, without using immortal artifacts, and I managed that; now that we are in my domain, I must honestly endure it.

Hearing Gu Jin Nian's words, the Upper Purity Daoist's expression grew even uglier.

'We are both at the Seven Realms; we should together bless the common people of the world; in our earlier sparring, Gu Sage, did you harbor resentment?'

The Upper Purity Daoist spoke, moreover intentionally using the goading tactic.

'Yes.'

'A little resentment.'

'What you say is not wrong.'

'How? Can a sage not have resentment?'

But what no one expected was that Gu Jin Nian directly admitted it.

Indeed, he does have a little resentment.

What's wrong? Gu Jin Nian's frank answer truly silenced everyone, even the Upper Purity Daoist didn't know what to say.

He originally wanted, through this remark, to make Gu Jin Nian restrain himself a bit, but he didn't expect Gu Jin Nian to be so frank and direct, holding nothing back.

'Gu Sage, I also helped you some years ago.'

'This kindness surely cannot be disregarded, right?'

At this moment, seeing that the goading tactic didn't work, the Upper Purity Daoist could only fall back on past favors.

Upon hearing this, Gu Jin Nian seriously nodded.

'Indeed.'

'The Upper Purity True Person once helped me a bit; I certainly do not forget the kindness, but now that I have become a sage, I must also act for heaven and earth.'

'The affair of Universal Origin Mountain is excessively wicked.'

'Although the Great World Strife has descended, with strength being supreme, ultimately we must still follow natural heavenly will; the Upper Purity predecessors went to Universal Origin Mountain, relying on the Black Yellow Pagoda; clearly they could have saved other cultivators, but because of the Ancient Star Tree, they became hard-hearted.'

'That is not wrong, but you slaughtering the ferocious beast and obtaining the Ancient Star Tree is purely a matter of each having their own needs, and cannot be called saving others.'

'Merely, other immortal sect cultivators also vied for it, shedding blood, obtaining treasures, yet the Grand Mystery Immortal Sect forcibly seized them—how is this to be explained?'

Gu Jin Nian spoke, his tone slightly softer; the reason for this softness is that the Upper Purity Daoist indeed helped him back then, regardless, his own immortal dao initiation is related to the Grand Mystery Immortal Sect.

This favor, Gu Jin Nian remembers and will repay; but personal favors are to be repaid by individuals.

Upon hearing this, many nodded, thinking Gu Jin Nian said nothing wrong.

The Grand Mystery Immortal Sect is overly domineering.

One must say, Gu Jin Nian's words won favor from many; at least in the Great World Strife, some bad omens have already appeared—whoever is strong gets to speak, and that is tacitly accepted by all.

But if one goes too harsh, many are still unwilling.

And what Gu Jin Nian does is actually helping the lower classes; if there is truly no oversight, who knows what will happen in the future.

Survival of the fittest, this itself is the principle of heaven and earth.

The Highest Purity Daoist couldn't help but speak up, wanting to explain.

"According to this reasoning, does that mean that when demons and monsters become powerful in the future, they can freely slaughter civilians? Freely slaughter cultivators?"

"If one day some immortal sect obtains a treasure and instantly transforms, could they directly seize the Ancient Star Tree?"

"If that's the case, I now withdraw this Heavenly Might, unite all the major immortal sects, and seize your sect's Ancient Star Tree—would that be permissible or not?"

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

He was actually not targeting the Supreme Mystery Immortal Sect because the Highest Purity Daoist provoked him; this was merely a trigger.

Mainly, after becoming a Sage, Gu Jin Nian comprehended the natural way of Heaven and Earth.

Heaven and Earth did not instruct him on what to do, but let Gu Jin Nian understand what would happen in the future.

Under the contention of the Grand Era, it is inevitable that corpses will pile up like mountains, and the further it goes, the fiercer the struggle becomes.

The struggle is nothing extraordinary.

To win openly and honorably, to grow stronger openly and honorably—this is reasonable and proper.

But if one suppresses everything with force, putting it bluntly, the future would be survival of the fittest—would there still be ethics and morality then?

If one feels wronged merely because their cultivation level is weaker, does that mean they deserve it?

If one is falsely accused merely because their cultivation level is weaker, does that mean they cannot seek justice?

If a person lacks morality and etiquette, can they still be called human? Aren't they just intelligent beasts?

Gu Jin Nian naturally could not allow such a phenomenon to occur; he permits everyone to contend, though minor matters are unavoidable and others' strength isn't blown in by the wind, yet we still ought to uphold some principles.

The most basic principles and fundamentals must still be observed; otherwise, everything would descend into utter chaos.

Listening to Gu Jin Nian speak.

The Highest Purity Daoist remained silent.

When it comes to discussing grand principles, how could he be a match for Gu Jin Nian?

Finally, the Highest Purity Daoist sighed and looked at Gu Jin Nian, saying.

"The advent of the Grand Era itself is a struggle."

"Ah, forget it."

"I will respectfully follow the Sage's words."

The Highest Purity Daoist compromised—there was no alternative, for Gu Jin Nian stood on the side of righteousness; without absolute power to suppress him, what could he do? He ultimately had to obediently follow Gu Jin Nian's arrangements.

Of course, the Highest Purity Daoist obviously had something he wanted to say, but after thinking it over, he still kept silent.

Given the current situation, he must bow his head and compromise; earlier he had indeed been overconfident, feeling that obtaining the Ancient Star Tree and inevitably entering the Seventh Realm meant he didn't care about others' feelings.

This loss, he has certainly suffered.

Listening to the Highest Purity Daoist's reply, Gu Jin Nian, although unaware of what he wanted to say, remained calm in expression.

"Regardless."

"No matter what happens."

"Whether it be contention or combat."

"As long as it conforms to the rules, open and aboveboard, I will not interfere."

"But if anyone goes against the Heaven's will, or engages in forceful seizure, do not blame this Sage for taking action."

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

He did not know what secret the Highest Purity Daoist harbored, but as a Sage, he bore certain responsibilities that he must shoulder.

The Highest Purity Daoist said no more, directly transforming into a rosy light and entering the Supreme Mystery Immortal Sect.

Witnessing this sight.

Gu Jin Nian also gathered in his Heavenly Might, then proceeded straight toward the Da Xia Dynasty.

A great battle ended here.

It was no surprise to anyone; many knew this battle could not be fought, for the contention of the Grand Era had only just begun—surely it couldn't erupt into war right away? There was no benefit, nor any meaning.

However, it is quite normal for two Seventh Realm cultivators to clash, merely to see who is stronger.

For ordinary people, Gu Jin Nian held a great advantage—pressing the Highest Purity Daoist to the ground and rubbing him in, which delivered a tremendous visual impact.

But for the strong, this is nothing; Gu Jin Nian is powerful, yet the Seventh Realm of the immortal sect is not weak either—after all, this is not a life‑or‑death battle, so who is stronger remains unknown.

However, there is one thing that makes them wary: the power of the Sage.

It represents the will of Heaven and Earth.

In the future, if one wishes to do anything, they must indeed restrain themselves, not assuming that the arrival of the Grand Era permits wanton misconduct.

For ordinary cultivators, this is a good thing—at least with a Sage present, some people can be induced to abide by the law.

But for some of the powerful, this is not a good thing; it lets them expand their strength without restraint.

Regardless, the world has witnessed the Sage's might.

Today's clash of the two great Seventh Realm powerhouses will surely spread abroad.

But likewise, the contention of the Grand Era remains the hottest topic.

Pan Mountain and Tianqi Mountain, moreover, attract even more attention.

People wonder, if these two sacred mountains were to recover, would Gu Jin Nian participate?

In the future Grand Era, who will ultimately hold it? But for now, at this moment.

Gu Jin Nian also returned to the Da Xia Capital.

Upon Gu Jin Nian's return, the capital's populace rejoiced; indeed, since he became a Sage three months prior, the entire Da Xia Capital had already begun hanging lanterns and tying colorful decorations.

Now, with Gu Jin Nian's return, it naturally evoked a chorus of cheers and joy.

Gu Jin Nian returned to the Da Xia Capital.

First and foremost, he went to the Duke's mansion to see his parents.

Inside the Duke's mansion it was incredibly lively; Gu Jin Nian broke through his predicament, became a Saint and returned, a matter of great joy.

Not only that.

All the high officials and nobles of the capital came, delivering truckloads of gifts; the courtyard was bustling like a market.

Until late night.

After the Duke's mansion quieted down.

Gu Jin Nian was alone in his study, contemplating some matters.

It was the great age conflict.

He had already become a Saint.

Logically, he was essentially at the peak, and further breakthroughs in realm were difficult; the eighth realm Heaven's Mandate Saint, Gu Jin Nian had no clue at all.

After all, this involved Heaven's Mandate, and even as a Saint, Gu Jin Nian could not sense any hint of the Mandate.

It requires time.

Entering the eighth realm is likely very difficult.

"The eighth realm cannot be contemplated for now; it is still far away, the more one thinks about it, the less likely it can be reached."

"I have just become a Saint, so I should solidify my realm properly."

"Confucian Dao differs from other systems; it only requires stabilizing one's magical power and adapting to strength, while the greater need is to comprehend the Dao of Heaven and Earth."

"Spreading the Saint Path for three months was essentially stabilizing my mind, but that is far insufficient; I must introspect and truly comprehend the Saint Path."

"Now, with the great age conflict, the divine mountain reviving, and Heaven's Mandate treasures being born, they can aid me, but if these treasures disturb my mind, that would be the wrong course."

"I should discard all distractions and earnestly comprehend the Saint's method."

"My goal is the Four Sentences of the Horizontal Canal, not to be number one in the world; only by firming my will can I access the Heaven's Mandate Saint Path, otherwise I will get lost in the process of strengthening and eventually encounter greater trouble."

In the study.

Gu Jin Nian carefully tried to understand his future.

At present, with the great age conflict, the divine mountain reviving, various treasures being birthed, and he having become a Saint, logically he should compete for resources.

But Gu Jin Nian understands that doing so is not good and would instead harm himself.

As a Confucian Dao Saint, he should act according to his inner thought; it is not that he should not fight, but that he should fight for the central principle.

To establish the heart for Heaven and Earth, to set destiny for the people, to inherit the lost teachings of past Saints, and to bring peace for ten thousand generations.

Not to vie for magical artifacts or rare elixirs, and then become stronger.

One must first solidify the Saint Path and firm the foundation before undertaking another matter.

Thus each step becomes a deep footprint.

The macro is determined by the micro.

If details are not handled well, the trouble encountered later will be a huge disaster, possibly because a single step was not firmly planted, causing total loss.

After realizing this point.

Gu Jin Nian felt much more at ease; he had previously hesitated about seizing those treasures, but now, having clearly realized, he sees no need to force it.

The Saint Path is Heaven's will.

If he were to scramble, he would fall to a lower rank.

Of course, he only refrains from fighting for now, handling some matters and stabilizing his realm; when the time comes, he will still fight.

The way of the inner Saint and outer King.

Gu Jin Nian paid special attention; today's duel with the Shangqing Daoist made him realize how strong the Martial Path is.

"The Martial Path, as a lineage, should be the strongest existence; although it is suppressed by the Immortal Path in early stages, its strength grows the later it progresses."

"With the fifth realm, I could suppress the Shangqing Daoist, rendering him immobile; though it was the Saint Path's power augmenting the Martial Path, it still shows the Martial Path's great strength."

"The Martial Path has seven great realms; I practice the Pan‑Wu Supreme Technique, reaching the fifth realm, and because I lack a physical body, I possess the combat power of the sixth realm."

"If I entered the sixth realm earlier, my strength could increase severalfold."

"A further battle with the Shangqing Daoist would at least wound him, not be this simple."

"If my Martial Path reaches the seventh realm, I would truly be an inner Saint, outer King."

"When the Martial Path and Saint Path perfectly fuse, power increases by at least a hundredfold."

"The Shangqing Daoist cannot last more than a single incense stick in my hand."

Gu Jin Nian thought inwardly.

Between the Martial Path and Saint Path, they can perfectly merge, complement each other, become one, with boundless power; though not the eighth realm, it certainly surpasses all seventh‑realm cultivators.

If this road is followed well, it will greatly benefit him.

"After comprehending the Saint Path."

"The great age conflict must also be joined promptly; not fighting is to solidify the Saint Path and act for ten thousand generations."

"Fighting is for one's own Martial Path, to stabilize the great future upheaval."

Gu Jin Nian thought.

He firmly decided.

Gu Jin Nian now had a clear path.

Of course, this is only a temporary notion; the specifics still depend on how the future unfolds.

To speak harshly,

If Pan Mountain or Tianqi Mountain harbors peerless divine relics, I cannot simply sit and await death.

It still depends on the specific circumstances.

At that moment, a figure appeared outside the study.

"Jin Nian."

It was the voice of his own father, Gu Qianzhou.

"Dad, what's wrong?"

Hearing his father's call, Gu Jin Nian walked out.

"A decree has come from the palace, asking you to go inside for a visit."

"His Majesty has left the pass."

Gu Qianzhou spoke, informing Gu Jin Nian of what had happened.

"Left the pass?"

Gu Jin Nian truly didn't know about this, but he didn't chatter and set off immediately.

"Those who left the pass today, I heard palace people say they wanted to call you, but considering you just returned home, they didn't call you."

"It's probably about the Alliance Society; you should go early."

Gu Qianzhou spoke again.

"Alright."

"Son, I will take my leave first."

Uncle has business, Gu Jin Nian did not hesitate.

To speak honestly, it's fortunate that he's Emperor Yong Sheng's nephew; without that familial tie, a Saint wouldn't be as close to the emperor.

Having reached the Saint realm, one stands on equal footing with the emperor; though lacking much authority, one's voice carries great weight.

"What? Do you think the Saint is challenging your imperial authority? Want to stir something?"

All the great dynasties of the world would love for you to cause trouble and drive the Saint away.

Normally, however, a Saint wouldn't interfere with imperial rule; the Saint seeks to spread his own ideas, akin to the Ministry of Rites listening to the Saint, so generally there's little problem.

At the same time, the Saint has his own thoughts; the emperor may do anything that doesn't violate Heaven's principles, and if war truly breaks out, the Saint cannot say much.

Unless the nation is in dire decline and the people are destitute, at that point, wanting to wage war would certainly be impossible.

To put it bluntly, don't be too ruthless; the issues aren't serious and actually complement each other.

However, now that Gu Jin Nian has become a Saint, he can completely dispel everyone's doubts and concerns.

Before, some people spread rumors that the Gu Family was usurping the throne; such gossip can now be eradicated.

Thus.

Da Xia Imperial Palace.

Inside the Yangxin Hall.

At this moment, Emperor Yong Sheng frowned, not because anything had happened in Da Xia, but mainly due to being tangled over how to address someone.

Gu Jin Nian has become a Saint.

He didn't know how to address Gu Jin Nian—whether to continue calling him nephew or to honor him as Saint? The seventh realm of Confucian Daoist appears only once every few hundred years; people universally revere Saints, and at this level, conventional ethics cannot be applied.

"Alas."

"Wei Xian, when Jin Nian arrives later, should I call him Saint Jin Nian, or as usual, call him nephew?"

Emperor Yong Sheng spoke, his expression full of worry.

He hadn't expected that one day he would be tangled over such a question.

But before Wei Xian could answer,

Gu Jin Nian's voice rang from outside the hall.

"Uncle."

Gu Jin Nian's voice echoed, bringing a delighted smile to Emperor Yong Sheng inside the hall.

He was still wrestling with how to address him, yet Gu Jin Nian still called him as before.

That nephew wasn't raised in vain.

Emperor Yong Sheng beamed.

"Jin Nian, good nephew."

At that moment, Emperor Yong Sheng, smiling broadly, stepped forward, looking at Gu Jin Nian with eyes full of joy.

"Uncle."

"Is there any matter with the court again?"

Now that he's a Saint, Gu Jin Nian is no longer so restrained; he speaks his mind freely.

"Good nephew."

"Uncle, there are four matters I'd like to discuss with you."

"First, the ten thousand golden armor has already been forged."

"Second, the matter of the Alliance Society."

"What's your view?"

Emperor Yong Sheng spoke, his face still smiling; previously he had a hint of formality, referring to himself as 'I', but now, with Gu Jin Nian a Saint, he enthusiastically calls him uncle; if he were still to call himself 'I', it would feel somewhat cold.

"And there are two more matters left?"

Gu Jin Nian was curious; wasn't it four matters? Why only two now?

"The remaining two matters will be discussed later."

"First discuss these two, what do you think?"

Emperor Yong Sheng waved his hand and said.

Hearing that, Gu Jin Nian couldn't help but ask, "The golden armor is forged?"

"Uncle, has there been any testing?"

Gu Jin Nian asked.

Measured, it's very strong.

Emperor Yong Sheng opened his mouth and said, with utmost seriousness.

Specifically?

Gu Jin Nian wanted to confront the situation directly.

Hearing that, Emperor Yong Sheng fell silent for a moment, then thought for a while before speaking.

Let's put it that way.

The Da Xia Dynasty's war swords are not even one‑hundredth of it.

A war sword forged from Heaven‑Fallen Meteoric Gold can easily cut our Da Xia war swords in half.

In front of a Meteoric Gold war sword, Da Xia war swords are like tofu.

If it weren't for Lao Jiu testing it himself, to be honest, Lao Jiu himself wouldn't believe it's that strong.

And do you know what's even scarier? Upon mentioning the Meteoric Gold war sword, Emperor Yong Sheng couldn't hide his shocked expression.

What is it?

Gu Jin Nian asked curiously.

This Heaven‑Fallen Meteoric Gold can absorb martial true qi, infuse it into the sword, making the war sword sharper and amplifying the power of martial true qi.

Let me put it this way: our Da Xia soldiers, if not cavalry, are just ordinary infantry.

Da Xia elite rank third in the entire Eastern Wilderness, with Great Jin Dynasty first; the gap lies in armored war swords. Compared with the Xiongnu Nation, it's about physique and armor, especially since the Great Jin Dynasty has secretly supplied many armors to the Fuyu Dynasty.

One Great Jin infantryman equals four Da Xia infantrymen.

One Xiongnu infantryman equals two Da Xia infantrymen.

Now, if our Da Xia soldiers possessed such battle armor, without any mishap, a single Da Xia infantryman would surpass dozens of Great Jin infantrymen and hundreds of Xiongnu infantrymen.

Emperor Yong Sheng spoke, describing the power of the battle armor.

Is it really that exaggerated?

Gu Jin Nian clicked his tongue in surprise; he knew Heaven‑Fallen Meteoric Gold was powerful—a reform of weapon material—and truly hadn't expected it to be enhanced by several hundred times.

The weapon suppression is overwhelming; a hundred Xiongnu soldiers before it, at the same realm, cannot pierce the opponent's blades. When swords clash, they cut iron like mud, making killing effortless.

Even Lao Jiu is being conservative; on an actual battlefield, a soldier clad in golden battle armor could slay four or five hundred foes with ease.

Emperor Yong Sheng said excitedly.

While speaking, he drew the war sword.

A fully golden war sword appeared in Emperor Yong Sheng's hand; the sword gleamed, surrounded by strands of golden light. Though it seemed weak, for an ordinary war sword it was extraordinarily remarkable.

Gu Jin Nian grasped the war sword and infused martial true qi into it.

He was testing how much true qi the war sword could endure.

The final test showed it reached the fourth martial realm, the Divine Skill realm.

The Divine Skill realm is at its limit; however, War King qi can also be infused, though it would damage the sword's quality, causing it to burst after a few uses.

And as martial true qi continued to be infused.

In an instant, the war sword buzzed, and Gu Jin Nian stepped out of the hall, delivering a slash.

He did not employ excessive force,

Boom.

A blade aura a hundred zhang long sliced through the heavens.

In that moment, Gu Jin Nian and Emperor Yong Sheng both clicked their tongues in amazement.

"At its limit, it can bear War King qi."

"But it's better to use the true qi of a Divine Skill cultivator."

"A Divine Skill cultivator wielding such a war sword can unleash near‑War King combat power."

"Indeed strong."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, instantly realizing how powerful this thing was.

"What about the battle armor? Lao Jiu?"

Gu Jin Nian asked, prompting Emperor Yong Sheng to produce the battle armor.

"Here, here."

Emperor Yong Sheng immediately took out the battle armor.

At once, Gu Jin Nian tested the armor's endurance.

Soon, the results came.

The War King must strike three times at full force to damage the armor, and to completely destroy it requires at least five blows.

Result obtained.

The two stared at each other wide‑eyed.

They were truly shocked.

"Damn it."

"Ten thousand infantry, each with these ten thousand war swords and battle armor, equal ten thousand near‑War King strongmen."

"Forget the Xiongnu Nation; the Fuyu Dynasty and Great Jin Dynasty could even clash together."

Emperor Yong Sheng, truly a ruler of the present, upon seeing such powerful equipment, immediately thought of unifying the Eastern Wilderness.

"We would need ten thousand Divine Skill cultivators to form such a squad; the squad itself would already be strong."

"But encountering even a single peak‑of‑sixth‑realm cultivator would still be insufficient."

Gu Jin Nian instantly poured cold water on the idea.

The idea is good, but the problem is they're not stupid; they might fall for it in the first round, but in the second round they certainly won't send equally strong soldiers, instead they will definitely call a sixth‑realm peak cultivator to take the lead.

"Then continue forging."

"Create a million sets of battle armor, form an invincible army, and even reach the pinnacle of the Sixth Realm—what of that? Da Xia certainly isn't lacking."

Emperor Yong Sheng shook his head, deciding everything by numbers.

That idea is good.

But Gu Jin Nian still shook his head.

"Lao Jiu."

"Did you forget?"

"The true purpose of this Heavenly Meteoric Gold isn't this trinket."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, reminding Emperor Yong Sheng of the function of Heavenly Meteoric Gold.

Upon hearing this, Emperor Yong Sheng suddenly understood.

"Right, right, right."

"It's Lao Jiu who's confused."

Emperor Yong Sheng spoke; he hadn't forgotten Gu Jin Nian's earlier proposal of the Heavenly Dome Dragon Boat and the Oceanic Treasure Ship.

"However, the refining process of this meteorite gold is too torturous."

"To be frank, a set of battle armor weighs a hundred jin, plus a warhorse brings it to about three hundred jin, and a battle sword adds fifty jin—roughly five hundred jin per person."

"The time required to forge it is very long."

"If it's a Heavenly Dome Dragon Boat, it would need at least two thousand jin of Heavenly Meteoric Gold, right?"

Emperor Yong Sheng spoke again.

It's not that he looks down on the Heavenly Dome Dragon Boat; the issue is that the Heavenly Meteoric Gold required for Gu Jin Nian's proposal is not only astronomically large, but the refining itself is troublesome.

The meteorite gold is easy to source; Da Xia Dynasty has abundant meteorite gold. Gu Jin Nian previously handled a massive amount—at least a hundred million jin—more than enough.

Not to mention Gu Jin Nian has now become a saint; acquiring some meteorite gold is no big issue.

"Refining trouble?"

Gu Jin Nian frowned slightly, then looked at his Lao Jiu.

"Lao Jiu, do you believe me?"

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

In the great future era, massive changes are inevitable; bluntly put, relying on ordinary conventional warfare will be essentially useless.

Take the current situation: Shangqing Daoist has already broken through the Seventh Realm, and it's believed that soon many cultivators will also breach the Seventh Realm.

In such a case, even with a million‑strong army equipped with battle armor and swords forged from Heavenly Meteoric Gold,

To put it bluntly, a single palm from the Shangqing Daoist

could wipe them out.

Because the Seventh Realm is incomprehensible.

Gu Jin Nian could oppose it, but the problem is that if the opponent is determined to eradicate the million‑strong army, Gu Jin Nian truly can't stop it.

At worst, he'd take a palm from himself, or endure an entire fist technique.

But what of that? He still can't kill the Shangqing Daoist.

At most it's a severe wound; the other can gather a bit of stellar power and recover quickly.

And you? If the million army is annihilated, the value is incalculable; the people die, and that Heavenly Meteoric Gold would be destroyed.

Therefore.

"Heavenly Dome Dragon Boat."

"Oceanic Treasure Ship."

"And the war killing device, namely the tank, must be produced as soon as possible."

With these, even if the Shangqing Daoist intends, he'll be powerless.

"Do you really dare to act?"

Gu Jin Nian has seized more than three chances; there's no way he can fail to kill the Shangqing Daoist.

"What words?"

"What do you call this?"

"Jin Nian."

"What do you think of your Lao Jiu?"

"Look at what you said, what is this called?"

"Would Lao Jiu not trust you?"

"In this world, who else makes Lao Jiu trust them more than you?"

"Your words chill Lao Jiu's heart."

Upon hearing Gu Jin Nian speak that way, Emperor Yong Sheng instantly rose, pointing at Gu Jin Nian, his emotions wildly fluctuating.

Although Gu Jin Nian didn't understand why his Lao Jiu was so sensitive.

But hearing that, Gu Jin Nian felt a warm surge in his heart.

"Lao Jiu."

"I don't mean that; I have an idea."

"During this period I will comprehend the Saint Path."

"About three to four months."

"If you trust me, I will take charge of the Li Yang Cauldron, hammer the Heavenly Meteoric Gold, and forge the Heavenly Dome War Machine."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, voicing his idea.

"Sky Dome War Machine?"

"That name sounds nice, even nicer than the Sky Dome Dragon Boat."

"But, Gu Jin Nian, this refining process is very complicated and extremely exhausting—not that Uncle doesn't trust you."

"Three months, I'm only afraid you won't be able to refine it."

"If you have confidence, Uncle can directly let you wield the Li Yang Cauldron; you already possess Da Xia's national destiny, so why would Uncle still fear you?"

Emperor Yongsheng truly has no guard at all against Gu Jin Nian; he just needs to give two reminders.

"Has he been forging for half a year or not?"

"Ten thousand sets of battle armor, still at a slightly reduced scale; if we followed Gu Jin Nian's idea before, it would have taken about a year of forging."

"It's not that the Li Yang Cauldron is the issue, it's that he can't do it."

"I've become a saint; the problem should be minor."

"Shall we give it a try?"

Gu Jin Nian spoke up, having little confidence in this matter; after all, refining the Li Yang Cauldron requires a Celestial Dao realm, not a Confucian Dao.

"It's just that reaching the Seventh Realm still makes one somewhat stronger."

"We can try."

Emperor Yongsheng nodded and said,

"Then what about the Alliance matter?"

Emperor Yongsheng asked curiously.

Once this issue is resolved, the next is the second matter.

"Fight, then."

"What else can we say?"

"But fighting is a minor matter; the key is to showcase the equipment and weapons."

"Uncle, select ten thousand soldiers, the elite of the elite, forge a ten-thousand-strong Golden Iron Cavalry, then fight the Xiongnu Nation at the border."

"Declare to the world that the Six Realms and Seven Realms may not intervene; this is a war purely between dynasties."

"Da Xia Dynasty's revenge."

"If the Six Realms or Seven Realms dare to meddle, I will step in directly."

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

Although he has become a saint, the nation's economy remains what Gu Jin Nian values most.

Economy is always the most important matter; without concerning the world at large, we only speak of Da Xia commoners.

Having become a saint, Da Xia's people are indeed happy, but that happiness only lasts a while as normal life resumes; to truly make the people happy, they must be allowed to enjoy fine food and drink.

Developing the economy is the true royal path.

Public opinion.

Is very important.

When he attained sainthood, Gu Jin Nian sensed that the future Heaven's Mandate is closely tied to public opinion.

Thus this explains why Heaven's Mandate leans toward Confucian Dao.

Because Confucian Dao can truly rescue the masses from fire and water.

The gold standard is about to be brought out now.

A war with the Xiongnu Nation is the best moment for the gold standard to manifest.

"Alright."

"Then Uncle, handle this matter by tomorrow."

Emperor Yongsheng may not know what elixir Gu Jin Nian is selling in his gourd, but he is eager for war.

Especially since the equipment gains a hundredfold boost; if we don't go out and fight, it would be truly pointless.

"Fine, then no more chatter, Uncle, I'll start refining the war machine now to see."

"Other matters, we'll discuss later."

Gu Jin Nian said.

"Alright, other matters later."

Emperor Yongsheng nodded, then raised his hand and gathered an ancient command.

"Gu Jin Nian, holding this token allows entry into the Grand Temple space."

"But don't overexert yourself; a moderate effort is enough. If the forging gets too tiring, just wait a bit; no need to rush."

"Moreover, with the Great World Struggle beginning, don't waste too much time on this."

Emperor Yongsheng remains somewhat concerned.

Fearing Gu Jin Nian will spend too much time, affecting the Great World Struggle.

"Once this is settled, the Great World Struggle won't be a concern."

"By the way, Uncle, you also need to start handling the New Army matter."

"Don't let it happen that the Sky Dome War Machine and the oceanic treasure ship are ready but no one can operate them; that would be troublesome."

Gu Jin Nian said.

"The Ministry of War has already expanded the army; Uncle, refine the allocations tomorrow."

Emperor Yongsheng nodded.

"Yes, this is the corresponding military plan; the location and even the nephew have been selected."

"Uncle, just take a look; if there are issues, mark them, and after I finish refining the war machine, we'll compare again."

Gu Jin Nian said.

Before encountering difficulties, when he was comprehending the Holy Dao, Gu Jin Nian took out several days' time and had already deployed the new army.

For the navy, army, and air force, Gu Jin Nian had made detailed plans, including locations, how to train, training methods, etc., all of which were included.

"It's really great that our Old Li family has you."

Emperor Yong Sheng was all smiles; he received this military strategy and showed extreme delight.

Normally, this would definitely take a lot of time.

He put 120 hearts into what Gu Jin Nian wrote.

"By the way, old uncle, what are the remaining two matters?"

After saying everything, Gu Jin Nian was a bit curious.

My old uncle just said there were four matters.

What about the remaining two? Upon hearing this, Emperor Yong Sheng's face immediately turned solemn.

"Jinian."

"For the third matter, answer truthfully."

"Is your chess way learned from your old uncle?"

Emperor Yong Sheng was extremely serious and solemn.

Gu Jin Nian: ""

Just that?

"What about the fourth matter?"

Gu Jin Nian was somewhat helpless; he directly asked about the fourth matter.

"You answer first, is it?"

Emperor Yong Sheng's face was full of anticipation.

"Yes yes yes."

Gu Jin Nian nodded.

"Hey, I just said, how did your chess way suddenly become so good, surpassing the teacher?"

"Hahahaha."

Emperor Yong Sheng was greatly pleased; as for other matters, he knew he was just getting a free ride.

But this matter really isn't freeloading.

"The fourth matter isn't really a big deal; later, in the great world contention, find some good stuff for your old uncle; actually, your old uncle also wants to feel how strong the Seven Realms are."

"Of course, no pressure."

"It's up to you."

Emperor Yong Sheng said shamelessly.

Gu Jin Nian: ""

"Old uncle, it's not early; go wash up and sleep."

"I'm leaving."

Thus.

Gu Jin Nian didn't linger, directly heading to Meteor Gold Mountain.

Watching Gu Jin Nian leave, Emperor Yong Sheng felt somewhat helpless; but after a while, he looked at the war sword in his hand and muttered to himself.

"This time I go on campaign, I will definitely let everyone know what the Da Xia Iron Cavalry is!"

After saying this, Emperor Yong Sheng's smile grew even wider.

Soon, Emperor Yong Sheng walked toward the Hall of Nurturing the Heart.

He directly spoke.

"Wei Xian, issue a secret order for the Prince Guardian of the State to return."

"This time I go on campaign, there will certainly be ministers in court who disagree, blocking my personal leadership of the army."

"Let the duke come; with the duke's support, see who still dares to obstruct my personal leadership of the army."

Emperor Yong Sheng spoke.

About to personally lead the campaign, he immediately thought of the Prince Guardian of the State.

We need to have the Prince Guardian of the State return quickly to shock the court's military officers; first, it can help me eliminate rivals; second, it can stabilize the court situation.

Let the Crown Prince oversee the state, and the Prince Guardian of the State assist; then I can go to war with peace of mind.

Thinking of this, Emperor Yong Sheng couldn't help but laugh out loud.

Especially thinking that in a few days, I will lead the great army on campaign; just thinking about it feels wonderful.

"Hmph, want to obstruct my personal leadership of the army? Wait until I summon the duke, and let you suffer bitterly."

"Ah, I'm really clever; once the duke arrives, who dares to obstruct me?"

Inside the Hall of Nurturing the Heart.

Emperor Yong Sheng's face was full of blooming joy.

Meanwhile.

Gu Jin Nian had already arrived at Meteor Gold Mountain.

Directly using the Saint's Great Divine Ability, he moved ten trillion catties of extraterrestrial meteor gold, then proceeded to the Imperial Ancestral Temple.

Using the power of national fortune and the Saint's power, he activated the Li Yang Cauldron.

Boom! After infusing the Saint's power, the Li Yang Cauldron instantly increased a hundredfold, turning into a terrifying brazier.

Gu Jin Nian also didn't waste words; he cut down a hundred thousand catties of extraterrestrial meteor gold and began to forge the Heaven's Dome War Machine.

Meanwhile.

In the imperial palace.

Orders were issued one after another.

The Minister of War rushed to the palace immediately.

Until the Yin hour.

Military orders were issued from the Ministry of War.

Moreover, batches of armor and weapons were also secretly escorted by dragon boats.

Sent to the borderlands.

At the same time, the matter of Da Xia's military expansion began again, and the entire court instantly became busy.

Three days later.

Various intelligence reports also spread throughout the Eastern Wilderness dynasty.

Da Xia intends to go to war.

It has become the focus of everyone in the Eastern Wilderness.

But for the Xiongnu State,

This news.

It left them with no choice but to be terrified. —Recommend a good book《Shadow Emperor: I Extract Skills in Movies》, if it's not good I won't take money.

I usually like to read some entertainment fiction; this book is quite interesting.

Everyone can go support it~ not out of friendship, but because it's genuinely good; this is just a chapter recommendation.

No taking money!

Recommend a good book, sincere recommendation, the author guarantees it won't be abandoned!

(End of chapter)