Chapter 236: Climbing the Mountain, Gaining Destiny, Ascending the Martial Emperor, Realizing Peerless Divine Power, Shocking Heaven

Pan Mountain.

Shangqing Daoist, Zhang Zhenren, the Yin‑Yang Palm Sect Leader, plus two Buddhas, all stood atop Pan Mountain, their faces twisted to the extreme.

Ahead.

Meteors fell one after another.

Behind.

Above Gu Jin Nian's head floated a dark‑yellow bell and a Primordial Five‑Directions Banner; on his left and right were a mutton‑fat jade bottle and a five‑colored gourd, and behind him his bodhi prayer beads transformed into an ancient bodhi tree, reflecting the heavens.

A holy ruler and the Ancient Chronicles circled around him, along with a holy man's mat; he stood at the foot of Pan Mountain like an invincible deity, glaring at the Shangqing Daoists.

Boom—

Atop Pan Mountain, the humanoid ferocious beast struck the war drums directly.

Boom—

Boom—

Terrifying thunder exploded like shattering mercury, endless lightning turned into countless serpents, slanting straight down the mountain.

Like a galaxy, it annihilated all life.

The Yin‑Yang Palm Sect Leader felt a chilling numbness, as if pricked by needles; under such thunder they sensed an aura of annihilation, and the incessant meteors made them utterly miserable.

Boom—

Another thunder drum sounded, a massive explosion erupted, destroying heaven and earth; a startling bolt of thunder slashed down like a thunder sword, striking the Xuanhuang Tower.

Ding.

A crisp ringing shook the world; the Xuanhuang Tower burst into myriad rays, struck by thunder.

"Everyone, help me quickly, or I can't hold on; we'll all die."

The Shangqing Daoist roared, gathering the Xuanhuang Tower, gritting his teeth to persist; his hair stood on end, looking absurd.

The others, without hesitation, each acted to block the terrifying thunder power.

Boom! Boom! Boom! On Pan Mountain, war drum sounds rang out; the humanoid ferocious beast was truly ruthless, each strike leaving no mercy, repeatedly condensing thunder and slashing down, becoming an indestructible thunder sword.

Dong! Dong! Dong! Thunder and meteors fell; under the dual assault, the Shangqing Daoist cried out in pain, stumbling back, truly suffering.

Celestial artifacts perched on their heads, five of them staggered back, but the bell wave sounded; as the Xuanhuang Bell trembled, terrifying sound waves killed, shattering the void and invoking dreadful killing intent.

"Gu Sheng, why is this necessary?"

"Indeed, Gu Sheng, we truly erred before, though not gravely; we admit some targeting, but Gu Sheng, regardless, we never intended to kill you."

"Gu Sheng, trust us this time, and even if you step back, would you fully trust him? What if he only seeks to use you, sow discord between us, and when we're in trouble he comes to stop you—could you withstand it?"

"Amitabha, please, Gu Sheng, discern clearly."

Several voices rose, helpless and conflicted, hoping Gu Jin Nian would cease.

"Even if he schemes against me, so what? Compared to him, you all disgust me even more."

"If you die, I fear nothing."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, too lazy to bother them, even saying that even if he were schemed against, so what? At least it's better than cooperating with them.

These people truly deserve death; killing them pleases Gu Jin Nian, as they hinder his plans.

"Gu Sheng, don't think we truly fear you; the five of us together, you and he may not be able to slay us, and your actions are nothing but colluding with a tiger's skin—meaningless."

"Right, colluding with a tiger's skin; by doing this, any future targeting of you is self‑inflicted."

Several voices sounded again, clearly the weak trying to act tough—disgusting.

Gu Jin Nian snorted.

He wished those people would die here; at worst he simply wouldn't go up the mountain.

"Since that's the case, this saint will target them even more..."

"Brother, join forces to slay them; I'll go up again."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, and as he did, all celestial artifacts erupted; he grew ferocious, unleashing a God‑slaying Technique that manifested ten suns, a scene of ten suns blazing in the sky, illuminating everything.

Terrifying force slashed outward, streams of golden light spread, turning into golden daggers that struck them.

The Xuanhuang Bell trembled.

The Primordial Five‑Elements Banner further manifested five great divine beasts, lunging at them.

On the summit, thunder detonated again, shattering the void and exterminating all humans.

The world gasped, truly unable to believe.

"Do you really intend to kill?"

"If Gu Jin Nian truly cooperates with that humanoid ferocious beast to slay the Shangqing Daoists, the world would boil."

"Slaying five supreme masters of the Seventh Realm is something unimaginable."

"Haven't these people had enough punishment? Why must they provoke Gu Jin Nian? Now they're stuck—can't go up, can't go down."

"It's time to kill them; do they really think reaching the Seventh Realm lets them do whatever they want?"

"Easy kill."

"Perhaps the strong ones on the mountain truly have ill intent, deliberately allying with Gu Jin Nian to slay them for their own gain."

"That possibility exists; if the Shangqing Daoists truly fell here, it may not be good."

Voices of debate rose; some argued the Shangqing Daoists should be killed, as they'd been tyrannical, looting all treasures.

Now Gu Jin Nian intervenes, stopping them here, which is a good thing.

But some worry this is a trap set by the humanoid ferocious beast on the mountain, knowing Gu Jin Nian bears a grudge, using that hatred to sow discord for its own benefit.

Regardless, the situation is tense now.

Bang bang bang! The Xuanhuang Tower, Yin‑Yang Celestial Mirror, and Dragon‑Tiger Treasure Furnace burst with dazzling light, blocking the assaults.

The world watches, awaiting the final outcome.

Crack!

Lightning strikes down, the Xuanhuang Tower grows dim and lifeless; this is terrifying. If it continues, the Shangqing Daoist and his companions are likely doomed.

"Gu Sheng, there's no need to go this far."

"You and I are ultimately humans; they are ferocious beasts of unknown origin. If this is truly the case, what meaning does it hold for you?"

The Shangqing Daoist's face turned ashen, still hoping Gu Jin Nian would stand down.

"Shut up."

"Today you shall be buried here."

Gu Jin Nian said nothing; at the crucial moment, his God‑slaying Technique evolved into a furnace, thrust forward directly. Wherever it reached, space collapsed, mountains and rivers cracked inch by inch, and the entire Mount Pan rang with thunder.

Such domineering power shocked everyone, seeming unbelievable.

Honestly, people even thought that even without the strong ones on Mount Pan, Gu Jin Nian could take on five opponents alone.

Of course that's an illusion; if Gu Jin Nian truly faced five alone, he would be the one to lose.

At this level, the strength gap is small; only by advancing another tier, even a single step, would make a difference.

Boom—

The Xuanhuang Tower trembles, its light dimming; a few more brutal strikes, and perhaps a serious problem will truly arise.

"Follow me and slash out!"

At the critical moment, the Shangqing Daoist inhaled deeply, summoned the celestial ancient tree, scattering myriad beams of starlight, which merged into the tree's body.

Then, the Xuanhuang Tower burst forth with endless light, blocking all murderous intent.

Zhang Zhenren and the Yinyang Sect Leader also realized they could not act recklessly; they must cooperate, or truly fall here.

The five great masters struck together, stubbornly bearing thunder and meteors, marching toward the foot of the mountain.

"Think you can leave?"

"Not that easy."

At the foot of the mountain.

Gu Jin Nian grew even more ferocious; with a raised hand, phantom silhouettes of the Tree of All Beings appeared, he swung down fiercely, unleashing a million sword‑qi strikes that pierced the void, directly slashing at the three celestial artifacts.

Boom! Boom! Boom! The three celestial artifacts trembled, their light growing dimmer. The Shangqing Daoist, Zhang Zhenren, the Yinyang Sect Leader, and two Buddhas trembled all over, as if struck hard; their faces flushed crimson, clearly in great pain.

It was a terrifying pressure.

It almost suffocated them.

"Run quickly."

The Shangqing Daoist understood that lingering would certainly cause disaster; now, a desperate escape was still possible.

Crack.

A bolt of lightning struck down, directly hitting the celestial artifacts; some lightning pierced the artifacts and fell upon them.

"Ah!"

The Yinyang Sect Leader roared to the heavens, struck by a bolt; his flesh was shrouded in white mist, pain driving him mad, his muscles shattered, a layer of skin burned away.

Streams of Yin‑Yang energy seeped from his body, forcibly healing him.

Swish.

The Tree of All Beings slashed again, the Xuanhuang Tower quivered continuously; the Shangqing Daoist, Yinyang Sect Leader, Zhang Zhenren, and the two great Nirvana‑realm masters of the Buddhist sect spat blood.

They bore Gu Jin Nian's mad onslaught while withstanding the punishment of thunder and the assault of meteors from the heavens.

It truly was a clash of mind and spirit.

Nevertheless, their method was indeed correct; the Shangqing Daoist carved a bloody path, descending from Mount Pan and escaping from another point.

"Don't even think of running!"

"" Death.

At this moment, Gu Jin Nian truly harbored murderous intent; he would not let these people go. The Tree of All Beings evolved chaotic qi, unleashing chaotic sword‑qi that pierced the Xuanhuang Tower.

People were utterly shocked—one celestial artifact actually pierced by Gu Jin Nian?

But soon, the Xuanhuang Tower self‑healed, repairing its wounds; after all, it is a celestial artifact and cannot lack self‑regeneration.

Yet after self‑healing, the Xuanhuang Tower's function was limited, having completely lost its spirit, requiring time to mend.

"Focus your power, kill."

The Shangqing Daoist roared, casting a celestial treasure seal toward Gu Jin Nian.

Swish.

Gu Jin Nian's figure vanished, fleeing at lightning speed; the area within ten li collapsed instantly, turning into a wasteland—truly astonishing.

Crack.

Another thunderclap struck straight through; seizing the gap, the presence atop Mount Pan showed no chivalry—striking when needed, showing no mercy.

Puff.

All five spat fresh blood, especially the Yinyang Sect Leader, who directly fainted to death.

"Go!"

Leaving the Mount Pan area, the Shangqing Daoist crushed a talisman, then space warped, and the five vanished on the spot.

Under the protection of the three celestial artifacts, they carved out a sliver of life.

Escaping this place.

However, they were gravely wounded, needing at least several months to recover their vigor.

"Gu Jin Nian!"

"You allied with these unknown ferocious beasts; we will remember this grudge."

"One day, we will avenge and erase this hatred."

They vanished, but the Shangqing Daoist's voice remained.

He issued a stern warning.

"Did you think you could run away?"

A cold voice rang out; Gu Jin Nian raised his hand, the Primordial Five Elements Banner activated, and five divine beasts plunged directly into the void, chasing them.

The void trembled, the five's faces changed dramatically, especially the two Buddha in the west, who were extremely depressed.

"Stop provoking him any further."

Guangyuan Buddha was about to cry; he hoped the Shangqing Daoist would shut up.

The others felt the same; at this point there was no need for this, and if they kept being stubborn, even though they wouldn't die, Gu Jin Nian's relentless pursuit was maddening.

At that moment, the Shangqing Daoist fell silent, having nothing more to say, feeling somewhat bitter.

So angry.

Really angry.

The five fled, each disappearing into the void.

Below Pan Mountain.

Gu Jin Nian felt a bit disappointed.

"If my martial path reaches the Seventh Realm, I could truly execute them here."

He muttered to himself, feeling disappointed.

His own strength was not lacking, plus so many celestial artifacts, and the humanoid fierce beasts atop Pan Mountain assisting him; this time, if prepared, he could at least not just kill them.

But at least he could cause them heavy losses.

What a pity.

Too much of a pity.

Gu Jin Nian stroked his chin, feeling regret.

It really is quite a pity.

Who could have thought that the beasts on Pan Mountain would have an inexplicable fondness for him? Had he known, he would have brought a thousand rounds of ammunition and blasted them dead.

Gu Jin Nian was pondering.

In the great world, many forces watching him felt a chill.

"It seems Gu Jin Nian still feels a bit regretful; the five great strongmen almost perished here, reaped such great benefit, yet still feel regret?"

"It looks like Gu Sheng truly wants to execute the Shangqing Daoist and his group, but alas, they were indeed close…"

"Who could have expected that the humanoid beasts on Pan Mountain would assist Gu Jin Nian?"

Voices rose, people felt a chill, an indescribable feeling in their hearts; after all, having gained such a huge advantage, Gu Jin Nian was still unsatisfied.

However, at that moment, a voice from Pan Mountain sounded again.

"Saint, could you come up for a gathering?"

The humanoid beast spoke again, inviting Gu Jin Nian to ascend the mountain.

Hearing this, the world watched again; honestly, most people have a certain resistance to the existence on Pan Mountain, since their origin is unknown, and no one knows where they came from.

Although they have always been connected with the Saint, who can say who might be deceiving Gu Jin Nian?

The beings on Pan Mountain are formidable; Gu Jin Nian might not be able to protect himself, and if he were blocked up there, it would not be a trivial matter.

People were curious, speculating whether Gu Jin Nian would climb the mountain.

Below Pan Mountain, Gu Jin Nian's voice slowly rose.

"If climbing the mountain is out of the question, we can just speak here; I just finished a great battle and I'm a bit tired, can't climb the mountain."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, his smile gentle.

Obviously, Gu Jin Nian harbored resistance and caution.

Who knows if the beings on this mountain will strike him?

Gu Jin Nian was unafraid of them, but wouldn't foolishly go up; mainly because Pan Mountain has mysterious formations, very strange, and he might not be able to withstand them.

People were speechless; Gu Jin Nian's words seemed too false.

As a Seventh Realm strongman, still afraid of climbing? Even ten thousand mountains, Gu Jin Nian could reach them in a single thought.

"Saint, rest assured, I truly bear no hostility; the opportunities on this mountain can be given to you, my clan has a request."

The latter spoke, then created a rainbow bridge to guide Gu Jin Nian up the mountain.

Seeing this, many exclaimed, the five great strongmen, even fighting to death, could not climb the mountain.

But they didn't expect the strongmen on Pan Mountain to voluntarily guide Gu Jin Nian and give him opportunities; it's truly absurd.

However, some strongmen couldn't help but frown.

"My clan? Is this a great clan?"

"Is this not a single person, are there strongmen behind?"

Some voices of doubt rose, but they could say nothing.

Facing the rainbow bridge.

Gu Jin Nian was indeed a bit silent; although cautious, the mountain truly held great benefits, the Thunder Pool Liquid thing, Gu Jin Nian couldn't help but be intrigued.

But claiming no caution is impossible.

A bit awkward.

"Please, Saint, rest assured."

"As long as the Saint harbors no ill will, my clan will certainly not initiate an attack."

He spoke again, his tone sincere.

As a Saint, Gu Jin Nian sensed that there was truly no malicious intent in the other's words.

It has come to this point.

Gu Jin Nian ultimately could not resist the temptation of the thunder pool liquid; he nodded, though six magic treasures entwined around his body, and he had even secretly sent a message to his teacher, informing that at a critical moment, if he encountered danger, he would be rescued immediately.

Make all preparations.

Gu Jin Nian stepped onto the mountain path.

"Gu Saint, be careful."

"Gu Saint, it is ultimately not human; you must be careful."

"Beware of deceit."

Some voices sounded; they were kind, reminding Gu Jin Nian.

But Gu Jin Nian said nothing more, stepped onto the rainbow bridge, and went up directly.

In an instant.

Gu Jin Nian arrived at Coiling Mountain.

At the mountaintop, the mist grew thicker, concealing all qi; even a Seventh Realm expert could not glimpse the scenery of Coiling Mountain.

And upon arriving at Coiling Mountain.

Gu Jin Nian also finally saw clearly the person in the mist, what his appearance was.

It was a humanoid, but covered all over in pale gold fur, with a thunder god's mouth, no hair on the face, face like indigo, hair like vermilion, eyes bulging, teeth growing sideways, plus a pair of wings, a thunder drum tied at the waist, looking indeed strange,

Similar to the Lei Zhenzi of ancient myth.

"I have seen the Saint."

"This humble one is Lei Yuan."

Upon seeing Gu Jin Nian again, the latter immediately bowed to Gu Jin Nian.

He communicated via mental transmission, not speech.

"You are courteous."

"May I ask, what important matter do you have?"

Gu Jin Nian spoke, looking at the other party, who had no strange appearance, and he felt disgust.

"The Saint has reached the Seventh Realm of Confucian Dao and should know of the great change to come in the world."

"Today I invite the Saint up the mountain: first to make acquaintance, second to make a request, hoping the Saint can protect my tribe."

Lei Yuan spoke, stating his intention.

"Protection?"

Gu Jin Nian frowned slightly, somewhat puzzled, looking at the other party.

"Brother Lei, your strength is not ordinary; you have probably already reached the Seventh Realm, plus you are naturally extraordinary and have an immortal artifact protecting your body—why would you need my protection?"

This is Gu Jin Nian's doubt.

The other party's strength is certainly not lacking; at least not inferior to mine, especially in Coiling Mountain, combined with this thunder drum; to put it bluntly, even if I were to attack forcefully, I might not achieve any good result.

"The Saint's words are weighty."

"The future great change is not something my tribe can resist."

"My tribe is the ancient thunder tribe, having survived the ancient chaotic wars; the remaining part sealed itself within Thunder Mountain; now the great age descends again, and the ancient chaos may well arise again."

"My tribe has experienced warfare, harboring no desire for conflict, only wishing to obtain peace."

"Since Thunder Mountain's revival, my tribe has been observing the world's powerhouses, discovering that many of them are extremely greedy; only the Venerable, who is compassionate and is a Confucian Dao Saint, stands apart."

"My tribe has unanimously decided to befriend the Venerable, to ally in the chaotic age; if the Venerable ever needs our assistance, we will comply; but if our tribe encounters any trouble, we hope the Venerable will lend a hand."

The other party spoke, briefly explaining the situation.

As for the Thunder Mountain he mentioned, it is this very mountain; after countless years, people now call it Coiling Mountain.

"How great is the change of the future chaotic age?"

Gu Jin Nian did not directly agree, but asked curiously; after all, he was not entirely clear about the future chaotic age, and he wanted to learn more secrets to facilitate his planning and preparation.

After all, knowing oneself and the enemy ensures victory in a hundred battles.

"A sea of blood spreads, corpses pile like mountains, the great age shatters, the path to immortality appears."

Lei Yuan sighed and uttered these words.

"Is it so terrifying?"

Gu Jin Nian furrowed his brows tightly.

Although the great age has descended, Seventh Realm experts emerge as if they were free, yet Gu Jin Nian feels that everything remains under control.

"I wonder if the Saint knows of the ancient five tribes?"

Lei Yuan spoke, asking Gu Jin Nian.

"I know part of it."

"They should also have been sealed in ancient times and now seek to emerge, is that not so?"

Gu Jin Nian nodded and said.

"Mm."

Lei Yuan nodded. "Since that is the case, why worry? They have been sealed until now, with no Eighth Realm expert; this world will not fall into chaos."

Having received the answer, Gu Jin Nian spoke directly, appearing especially domineering.

But upon hearing these words, Lei Yuan couldn't help but wryly smile.

"Saint, you are a later-generation person; you may not understand."

"These ancient five tribes are all ruthless, especially the Sea Tribe, which is innately bloodthirsty; moreover, Saint, do you know whether Heaven's Mandate leans toward public opinion?"

Lei Yuan spoke.

"I know this."

Gu Jin Nian nodded; he already knew this matter—the great era's struggle is over public sentiment.

"Actually, this is just a superficial understanding; in fact, Heaven and Earth disseminate the opportunity of Heaven's Mandate among all living beings in the world, especially humanity."

"Therefore, to the Sea Clan, Monster Clan, and Demon Clan, humanity is a precious medicine; an ordinary martial artist, upon reaching the first level, needs to temper their body for ten days, whereas for these three great clans, they need only swallow ten people to break through to that level. The Sage wonders whether there will be turmoil in the future."

Lei Yuan explained, conveying this secret to Gu Jin Nian.

Upon hearing this, Gu Jin Nian's expression changed.

This is too exaggerated.

It's even somewhat absurd.

If an ordinary martial artist trains and reaches the first level, tempering for ten days is certainly insufficient; Lei Yuan's thinking remains stuck in antiquity, but nowadays at least a year is needed. However, with the changes of Heaven and Earth and abundant spiritual energy, about a hundred days suffices—unless one has some talent, otherwise achieving it in ten days is impossible.

Who would have thought that, for the ancient five clans, swallowing and killing ten humans allows a breakthrough? This is too exaggerated.

If this is indeed the case, future upheavals will be especially terrifying.

One might ask, after painstakingly training for a hundred days to break through a level, killing ten people achieves the same—who wouldn't do it? Especially the Sea Clan, Monster Clan, and Demon Clan, who are not human themselves; thus, for humanity, eating ten fish would allow a breakthrough to the first level—who wouldn't do it? Observing Gu Jin Nian's change in expression, Lei Yuan continued speaking.

"The future upheaval cannot be changed by a single clan; only those who have reached the Eight Boundary and truly obtained Heaven's Mandate can quell this turmoil."

"My Thunder Clan has endured hardship and survived to this point, no longer harboring hegemonic ambitions; therefore, I sincerely hope to cooperate with the Sage."

The other party continued speaking, still hoping for an alliance.

On Coiled Mountain.

Gu Jin Nian actually understood Lei Yuan's meaning; war-weariness is surely a pretense, mainly because he knows he cannot participate in this struggle—he participated in the ancient era, suffered a devastating defeat, and only a few survived by luck; they should settle grudges, but now the great era arrives, and they will face reckoning, whether from enemies or from the Sea Clan themselves.

Ultimately, they face great pressure.

Thus they wish to place their hopes on him, hoping to rely on his strength to protect their safety.

A moment of silence.

Gu Jin Nian looked toward Lei Yuan again.

"Among the five clans, are there any Eight Boundary experts?"

Gu Jin Nian spoke again, asking the other party.

"None."

"But they possess an Eight Boundary Altar."

Lei Yuan answered directly, but then added a sentence.

"An Eight Boundary Altar?"

Gu Jin Nian frowned tightly, somewhat incomprehending.

"Since ancient times, those of the Eight Boundary have been supreme beings, having obtained Heaven's Mandate, they evolved the great clans, endless and perpetual."

"When an Eight Boundary expert nears death, they leave behind an ancient altar; later clan members, if they inherit the will, can obtain Eight Boundary power, but doing so damages their lifespan and fortune."

"Moreover, the conditions are extremely harsh; unless faced with a life-or-death crisis, no one would do this—at least half of a great clan must sacrifice to obtain the Eight Boundary's supreme power."

"Furthermore, the greatest obstacle is not the sacrifice, but that the altar is unknown, history has a gap, and the aura of Heaven's Mandate experts is unknown."

"Humanity has four Heaven's Mandate Sages; may I ask, venerable one, do you know where the Heaven's Mandate Altar is located?"

Lei Yuan asked.

"I don't know."

Gu Jin Nian nodded; he truly did not know such a thing.

"All clans are like this, but among the ancient five clans, only the Demon Clan lacks a Heaven's Mandate existence."

"The others all have it, except that aside from the God Clan, the remaining three clans have yet to find the Heaven's Mandate Altar; otherwise, the ancient war would have ended long ago."

Lei Yuan stated firmly.

These words relieved Gu Jin Nian; if they truly possessed Eight Boundary's supreme power, he would be in trouble—even if he were strong, he could not surpass their Eight Boundary.

Better not to have it.

However, this matter also made Gu Jin Nian realize he should learn more about ancient affairs, especially the altars of the four Heaven's Mandate Sages; he must find them early, just in case.

"Like this."

"We have no grudge; chaos is imminent. I can protect the Thunder Clan, but Gu, as a Confucian Dao Sage, must set three rules. If you agree, we will ally, and thereafter we can protect."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, saying seriously.

With turmoil approaching, Gu Jin Nian indeed took precautions; if he could cooperate with the other party, that would naturally be best—at the very least they would look after each other and gain an early advantage in the future.

However, as a Sage, there are things he can do and things he cannot.

The core of unity of knowledge and action is still to cultivate innate goodness.

He can employ any means for some tasks, not caring about reputation or others' opinions, but the process must not harm too many innocents; otherwise, what kind of Sage would he be? "Please, venerable one, speak."

Lei Yuan showed no emotion, merely asking Gu Jin Nian what the conditions were.

"First, regardless of new or old grudges, the Thunder Clan must be in the right; if they fight, it doesn't matter, but if the Thunder Clan is at fault first, I will not assist—including in the future, if the Thunder Clan, for any purpose, oppresses the weak and harms living beings, this Sage will not intervene."

"Second, one must uphold their heart and intentions; whether in turmoil or in the great era, all treasures and divine objects must be obtained virtuously—one must not knowingly do what ought not be done."

"Third, all matters should be discussed; discussion should be primary, using reason to convince others, and if that fails, then using strength."

Gu Jin Nian stated his three conditions; he does not wish for the Thunder Clan, after allying, to act recklessly relying on him—what would be the point?

This is just like the Supreme Mystery Immortal Sect—initially his relationship with it was good, but later, for profit, the sect disregarded the common people, causing both sides to stand opposed.

Therefore, he does not wish for the same thing to happen a second time.

Upon hearing this, Lei Yuan fell silent—not that he refused to answer, but Gu Jin Nian could see he was communicating with his clansmen.

Gu Jin Nian did not urge him, but stood aside, quietly observing the surroundings.

Meanwhile,

Some sounds arose—it was the Thunder Clan's own communication.

"These three conditions, I see no problem; I can agree."

"Hmm, the Saint truly lives up to the title; though there are many rules, this also proves that he has a broad mind, possessing a genuine Saint's magnanimity."

"Being able to set such rules means he can fulfill them himself; that's fine, and working with him, my Thunder Clan has no worries."

The Thunder Clan's voices rang out, unanimously agreeing with Gu Jin Nian's words and offering high praise.

At that moment, Lei Yuan received the confirmed news and couldn't help but smile broadly.

"Venerable, my clan agrees."

"Our clan has always been linked to the Saint; we once protected a Saint's path, and the relationship was excellent. In the upcoming Great Era, we ask the Venerable to look after us generously."

Lei Yuan spoke, appearing very delighted.

However, his facial expression when smiling was somewhat odd.

"You're welcome."

"Since that is so, let us seal an alliance."

Gu Jin Nian smiled faintly and, between words, forced out a drop of Saint's essence blood, while the other did not waste words and forced out a drop of his own essence blood.

The two strands of essence blood merged, forming a seal that each absorbed into their bodies.

This signifies an alliance—the highest form; if either side betrays the other, they will incur terrible heavenly punishment.

Of course, only a Saint can forge such an oath; others cannot.

After the alliance.

In an instant, several Thunder Clan strongmen appeared, their appearances almost identical, though some were a bit older and some a bit younger.

"We have met the Venerable."

The group spoke, bowing toward Gu Jin Nian with a smile.

"I have met all of you, seniors."

Gu Jin Nian immediately returned the courtesy, not daring to overstep.

"Venerable, these three are my Thunder Clan elders; if we had sealed earlier, these three elders could have acted together, activating our clan's holy artifact, allowing only five of us to slay them down."

Lei Yuan said cheerfully, introducing Gu Jin Nian.

Upon hearing this, the three elders felt a bit awkward and looked at Gu Jin Nian, saying.

"Venerable, it is not that we refuse to act; the Great Era has not yet manifested, and it is not appropriate to act now. Please forgive us, Venerable."

The Great Elder spoke, with some apology.

"Seniors, please do not be like that; the junior understands that, both in sentiment and reason, even a junior would not act."

Gu Jin Nian understood that they could not yet tell friend from foe, and wondered whether such assistance was truly beneficial.

Instead, if these people truly acted and killed the Shangqing Daoists, Gu Jin Nian would indeed not dare to ascend the mountain, because other possibilities exist.

"The Saint truly lives up to the title."

"The Saint is indeed extraordinary."

The crowd praised.

"Everyone, since we are allies, there is no need to call me Saint; just call me 'Jin Nian, little friend', or, being of the same age, call me 'Gu brother'."

Gu Jin Nian proactively showed goodwill by changing the address, which would bring the relationship closer.

Indeed, upon hearing this, Lei Yuan was the first to speak.

"Look, the Saint is still different; Jin Nian, little brother, I am a bit older than you, so I'll call you 'little brother'."

"After the Pan Mountain seal is lifted, elder brother will go out with you, campaign across the lands; those few things, the two of us together will slay everything."

Lei Yuan said with a smile.

"Good!"

Gu Jin Nian smiled and nodded.

And the Great Elder's voice continued to echo.

"Jin Nian, little friend."

"This Thunder Pool Liquid contains the power of heaven and earth's thunder and holds terrifying vitality. I, an elder, see that in your cultivation of the martial path, this liquid is of great significance to you; entering it for practice can usher you into the Seventh Realm of the martial path."

The Great Elder pointed at the Thunder Pool and said thus.

Hearing this, Gu Jin Nian indeed felt a bit awkward; after all, this thing is clearly valuable, and being given directly to oneself is somewhat embarrassing.

It seemed to read Gu Jin Nian's thoughts.

The Great Elder couldn't help but smile.

"Jin Nian, little friend."

"We are all Thunder Bodies; this Thunder Pool Liquid for us is merely something to heal injuries."

"But for you, it can temper the martial path, and perhaps you may comprehend our Thunder Clan's peerless divine skill."

"Furthermore, now that we have allied, we hope the Venerable quickly transforms and reaches the Eighth Realm soon, so that our clan may be safer."

"Moreover, if a great upheaval comes, the Venerable bringing a Thunder Clan divine beast to our clan would be a great grace."

The other's words reassured Gu Jin Nian.

Having spoken, Gu Jin Nian no longer hesitated, lest he appear pretentious.

"Thank you, everyone."

"In the future Great Era conflicts, if I can aid the Thunder Clan, the junior will certainly give his all."

Gu Jin Nian said no more; after finishing, he turned his gaze toward the Thunder Pool.

"Jump in directly?"

Gu Jin Nian asked.

"Hmm."

"Go straight in."

Brother Jin Nian, properly absorb this Thunder Pool liquid—don't think this pool is not much, but it has accumulated Thunder Pool liquid for a hundred thousand years.

You can absorb at most less than one hundred and one.

Just go ahead without worry.

Not bragging, but I, the elder brother, have once refined up to one hundred and two in this Thunder Pool liquid.

Lei Yuan said proudly.

Having received this answer, Gu Jin Nian stopped wasting words and stepped into the Thunder Pool in one stride.

He submerged into the Thunder Pool.

In an instant, terrifying lightning struck down, as if he stood amidst a heavenly tribulation.

His physical body burst apart on the spot.

Hiss.

Gu Jin Nian widened his eyes; this feeling was damn exhilarating, the heavenly tribulation is nothing compared to this lightning tribulation—it's too terrifying.

His physical body directly exploded.

Even his bones appeared.

Gu Jin Nian had never felt this much pain before; even when he previously faced calamities, it wasn't this unbearable.

But fortunately, his shattered flesh and muscles allowed strands of lightning tribulation aura to enter his body, quickly repairing his injuries, causing his aura to transform and his physical body to undergo a great change.

The improvement is terrifying.

To be honest, if it weren't for the healing of this lightning tribulation, Gu Jin Nian would really think these people were screwing him over.

Jin Nian.

Let go of everything, seek vitality amidst destruction.

Only then can one completely transform.

The voice sounded, letting Gu Jin Nian let go of everything.

Hearing these words, Gu Jin Nian took a deep breath, then gritted his teeth and let go completely.

Crack!

Crack!

Boom boom boom! Boom boom boom! Inside the Thunder Pool liquid, Gu Jin Nian was struck until tender inside and charred outside, giving off a rich meat aroma.

Gu Jin Nian went numb; he could even smell his own meat fragrance, which was truly eerie.

But one must admit, this lightning tribulation aura is healing his wounds, causing him to continually transform.

On the Thunder Pool liquid.

The Thunder Clan powerhouses each turned their gaze, looking at Gu Jin Nian, each astonished.

"A sage truly lives up to the title—can he even withstand this?"

"Yeah, let him let go of everything, and he truly does—this pain, I couldn't bear it if it were me."

"Truly a sage, impressive."

The crowd discussed, while the Grand Elder couldn't help but speak.

"Only by enduring what ordinary people cannot can one gain extraordinary abilities."

The Grand Elder spoke, praising Gu Jin Nian's uniqueness.

But he couldn't help muttering to himself.

"He really let go of everything—he's truly fierce, fiercer than us."

He muttered to himself.

But soon, everyone's expressions changed.

"Did he let go of his primordial spirit?"

"Hiss, how did he let go of his primordial spirit?"

"Fierce, an unparalleled fierce man—he dares to let go of his primordial spirit?"

"The primordial spirit fears nothing more than lightning tribulation, yet Jin Nian dares to release even his primordial spirit."

"Fierce, fierce."

The crowd exclaimed; they, in the Thunder Pool liquid, merely resisted a bit, then walked out, coming out when the pain became almost unbearable.

But unexpectedly, Gu Jin Nian not only let go of his physical body's defenses, but even directly opened his primordial spirit—this is inconceivable.

It truly is inconceivable.

Inside the Thunder Pool liquid.

Gu Jin Nian released his primordial spirit; since he was already in unbearable pain, he might as well let go of everything and temper his primordial spirit together.

Ah!!!

Pain pierced to the heart.

Gu Jin Nian gritted his teeth, eyes nearly bursting, pain—too painful.

But the more it hurt, the more Gu Jin Nian wanted to let go of everything—not because of some resolve or lack thereof, but simply because he refused to yield.

Just like with gum inflammation, the more it hurts, the more one wants to bite.

Who fears whom?

See who can't take it first, then they won't accept it.

Click click click click click click.

Gu Jin Nian's physique continually transformed.

Once.

Ten times.

A hundred times.

The thunder pool liquid gradually dissipated.

One in a hundred.

One in ten.

After a full three days and three nights.

The thunder pool liquid was emptied; Gu Jin Nian's fleshly body radiated precious light, and even more so, strand after strand of tribulation thunder aura flooded the entire Pan Mountain.

Boom! In an instant.

Gu Jin Nian's martial dao realm, taking advantage of the situation, broke through to the seventh realm.

Martial Emperor aura.

Directly sweeping across the Divine Continent.

But a cry of alarm rose from Pan Mountain.

「Hiss, is Lord Gu comprehending our thunder clan's unparalleled divine ability? 」

「He has already transformed into an unparalleled tribulation thunder body! 」

「The accumulation of a hundred thousand years has all been refined by Lord Gu; Lord Gu is truly fierce, the ultimate fierce man among fierce men! 」

「The thunder pool liquid is not important; as long as Lord Gu can truly transform, that is the kingly way! 」

They exclaimed.

You say a word, I say a sentence.

And on Pan Mountain.

A tribulation thunder, covering the sky and earth, sweeping across hundreds of thousands of miles of mountains and rivers.

In Gu Jin Nian's mind.

On the nine-tiered ladder to heaven.

The golden primordial spirit figure took a step upward, reaching the second level.

At the same time.

Inside the body.

The All-Beings Tree absorbed endless lightning, condensed into a lightning seal, and sank into the body.

And Gu Jin Nian's aura was like that of an unparalleled ferocious beast.

The space around him directly twisted.

This is the Martial Emperor's aura! Martial Dao seventh realm.

But what is truly terrifying is not this, but the martial dao imprint and the saint imprint are merging into one.

This is the true great terror.

Way of the Sage King.

In a distant place.

Shangqing Daoist, Yin-Yang Sect Leader, and others all looked toward Pan Mountain; the five of them had their faces turn grim.

They felt this terrifying aura.

Martial Emperor's aura.

「As for this martial dao lineage, the physical body is invincible; in a sense, martial dao is the strongest among the seven systems. Henceforth, when dealing with Gu Jin Nian, we must keep our distance; otherwise, if we come within ten li, we will surely die. 」

「No, within a hundred li, if Gu Jin Nian gets close, we also cannot withstand it. 」

「We must quickly unseal the immortal artifact; otherwise, even if the five of us join forces, we may not be a match for Gu Jin Nian. 」

「If the immortal artifact cannot be unsealed, we must also quickly ascend to the second step of the heavenly ladder; Gu Jin Nian's aura has already entered the second step. 」

They discussed, their faces grim, their eyes full of envy.

They also carried some helplessness and depression.

Boom—

A shocking thunderbolt split the heavens.

And inside the thunder pool liquid.

Gu Jin Nian's eyes slowly opened. —Early October! First chapter uploaded! I'll continue writing later, though I don't know if I can finish it! Everyone, don't wait; if there is, I'll post it!!!!!!!! Ask for monthly tickets!! Ask for monthly tickets!!!! Ask for monthly tickets ah!!!!!!!! (End of chapter)