Chapter 241: The New Sun and Moon Have Already Risen

Above the Western Desert.

Gu Jin Nian was looking toward Guangyuan Buddha.

Suddenly, two terrifying auras appeared.

It was the power of the Seventh Realm.

Gu Jin Nian was extremely sensitive to this power; not only Gu Jin Nian, many others also sensed the dreadful Seventh Realm aura.

"Someone has become a Seventh Realm strongman at this moment?"

A Sixth Realm strongman spoke up, unable to hold back.

The world was shocked; at this critical juncture, how could someone suddenly step into the Seventh Realm? It was utterly strange.

Moreover, any breakthrough of the Seventh Realm should be accompanied by massive, unpredictable phenomena to announce it to the world, yet people only felt the Seventh Realm power and saw no sign at all—truly bizarre.

Above the heavens, Gu Jin Nian instantly grasped the qi, discerning who it was.

He turned his gaze.

Gu Jin Nian's expression changed involuntarily.

In a distant place, he saw a familiar figure—Chang Yun Tian—behind whom a massive abyssal maw appeared, devouring streams of white vapor.

The realms of the two of them had just broken through to the Seventh Realm.

This was the main reason Gu Jin Nian's expression shifted.

Chang Yun Tian, whom he knew, was only at the Fifth Realm of Confucian Daoism, having never cultivated any immortal path, yet now he had instantly entered the Seventh Realm—far too strange.

"Are they cannibalizing deceased Seventh Realm strongmen, snatching some qi luck to break through the Seventh Realm themselves?"

In an instant, Gu Jin Nian realized what had happened; he leapt forward and stood directly before the two.

But upon arriving, he found that Chang Yun Tian and the other were merely phantoms—some strange secret technique.

Indeed, they were siphoning that qi luck.

"It's related to the ancient Five Tribes; they obtained an ancient secret technique—did the Seventh Realm strongmen I executed become their bride?"

Gu Jin Nian instantly grasped the situation, and his eyes turned ice‑cold; he fixed his gaze, and his aura surged upward.

His eyes snapped open, unleashing endless divine light, astonishingly wondrous.

At that moment, Gu Jin Nian did not pursue the Shangqing Daoist nor any other Seventh Realm strongmen.

Instead, he searched for Chang Yun Tian's and the other's aura, intending to locate them, capture them, and then interrogate them for the answers he sought.

The onlookers were curious and astonished, not knowing what Gu Jin Nian intended.

"He's searching for the new Seventh Realm aura—does he intend to slaughter them together?"

"Does Gu Jin Nian forbid anyone else from entering the Seventh Realm, wanting to kill them all at once?"

People, curious and puzzled, subconsciously assumed Gu Jin Nian wanted to exterminate every Seventh Realm strongman.

"You may be mistaken; the saint Jin Nian does not seek to kill all Seventh Realm strongmen, but the two newly emerged Seventh Realm strongmen who silently and mysteriously broke through—that alone is bizarre."

Someone spoke up, speculating a possibility, believing Gu Jin Nian's motives were not merely extermination.

Hearing this, the world was surprised, their faces full of doubt—some did not grasp the meaning, yet could understand parts.

"Stealing Heavenly Mechanism to break through realms by this means? Do they think this saint is absent?"

Gu Jin Nian's roar rang out, ice‑cold to the extreme; he had already located the place where Chang Yun Tian and the other were.

Without any waste of words, he grasped the Starry Ancient Tree, slashed down, unleashing hundreds of thousands of stellar sword qi that surged with endless light, appearing exceptionally extraordinary.

Compared with the Shangqing Daoist, Gu Jin Nian could better wield the Starry Ancient Tree's power.

Moreover, Gu Jin Nian has not yet fully merged with the Starry Ancient Tree; otherwise his power would be greater.

Boom! Countless stellar sword qi burst forth like a cascading waterfall, slashing toward the horizon ten thousand li away.

It was terrifying; the massive killing technique fell, piercing everything, hurtling toward Chang Yun Tian and the other.

Bang! Bang! Bang! A terrifying explosion roared, astonishingly remarkable.

Ten thousand li away, Chang Yun Tian and the other's faces changed dramatically, retreating hundreds of li; terror and anger flashed in their eyes.

"Gu Jin Nian, do you really intend to provoke all Seventh Realm strongmen?"

"Aren't you afraid that one day you'll pay a grievous price for this?"

A terrifying voice sounded; Chang Yun Tian kept a composed face, somewhat angry.

He thought Gu Jin Nian's current actions meant to cut down all Seventh Realm cultivators.

"Then I'll see just how painful it is."

Gu Jin Nian's voice rang out; he spread his hands, invoking the Divine Slashing Art to summon countless auspicious beasts, charging at the two—ferocious, like an ancient deity, shocking and terrifying.

Seeing the unfavorable situation, the two did not resist hard; they turned and fled, leaping away to escape.

Their speed was swift; they had already reached the Seventh Realm, naturally impressive.

However, Gu Jin Nian possessed the Heaven's Mandate divine skill, which includes divine swiftness; his speed surpassed all, and in an instant he was about to catch up.

But the two had inexplicable means; otherwise they would not dare directly snatch qi luck.

The next moment.

The two's figures vanished on the spot, the space around them warping in an especially uncanny way.

Yet Gu Jin Nian could still track them; he followed their aura, pursuing them onward.

Until he reached a valley.

The two's aura completely vanished.

It was very strange.

Gu Jin Nian stood atop the valley, gazing calmly; his eyes swept ten thousand li around, keenly noticing something amiss.

The valley was eerie, its eeriness lying in its ordinariness.

It was like an ordinary valley, but the fact that the two's aura disappeared here was enough to prove everything.

"There's something inexplicable hidden here, perhaps related to the ancient five clans."

Gu Jin Nian had some conjectures in his mind.

At that moment, he raised his hand, again manifested the illusory shadow of the Tree of All Beings, and slammed it down into the valley.

In an instant, feedback appeared; a peerless great formation was within.

The space of this valley indeed seemed extraordinarily strange; this was highly unusual.

"Since we're here, let's settle this once and for all."

In just a heartbeat, Gu Jin Nian made his decision.

Boom! He struck, his fist aura like a dragon. Though he didn't know that particular space, Gu Jin Nian chose the simplest and most direct method, pushing horizontally one after another, destroying the space here, always able to locate the irregular spots.

As Gu Jin Nian acted, this realm twisted completely, shattered by his fist aura.

Indeed, this method is commonplace, but it is currently the most effective and direct formation; under these circumstances, given enough time, Gu Jin Nian can certainly locate the spatial nodes.

As time passed bit by bit, abruptly a vibration rang out.

This was a collision with Gu Jin Nian's primordial spirit power.

Boom.

Like a mountain crashing down, Gu Jin Nian's primordial spirit trembled; although he was prepared and on guard, the force remained terrifying.

Had Gu Jin Nian's primordial spirit not been immensely powerful, he would have been nearly overwhelmed.

"This is not an individual's power; it is a formidable force."

At this moment, Gu Jin Nian began to grasp how mighty the ancient five great clans are; merely a spatial node nearly affected his primordial spirit, so within that clan must hide an extremely powerful being.

"When the great era truly arrives, if they emerge, it will inevitably bring blood rain and carnage; wouldn't it be better to exterminate them cleanly now?"

Gu Jin Nian thought silently.

Although his primordial spirit was somewhat affected, it wasn't a major issue; Gu Jin Nian continued to act, aiming to root them out completely and erase them before they could emerge.

But at that instant, a sudden voice rang out.

"Can we negotiate?"

The voice sounded, bearing a question.

The suddenly appearing questioning voice startled countless people; the world turned its gaze, having never known what Gu Jin Nian intended. Earlier, Gu Jin Nian and eight strong individuals had calmly set aside their affairs and abruptly arrived here.

Then the unexpected voice left everyone completely baffled; the world didn't know what was happening nor why such a voice arose.

Negotiation?

Who is speaking?

Negotiation about what? It was bewildering.

"Negotiation?"

"How can there be a negotiation?"

Above the valley, Gu Jin Nian spoke, but he was brewing a killing move that required time; he used their talk to stall, then would strike directly for a one‑stroke finish.

"We are the ancient human clan, born lofty. Join us, and we shall grant you ancient true blood, bestow the title of First‑class Human. When you help our clan ascend, you will be credited with great merit; if you truly serve the ancient human clan and we eventually ascend, we may consider granting you a kingly title, sharing the fruit of attaining Dao and becoming immortal. How does that sound?"

The other side spoke, their voice sincere; they indeed wished to win over Gu Jin Nian.

They were willing to grant the First‑class Human title, even offering a so‑called kingly title as a bargaining chip; of course, it's merely a consideration, and no one knows how it would truly turn out.

Hearing this, Gu Jin Nian couldn't help but sneer and stepped forward.

"First‑class Human?"

"How lofty indeed?"

"Who gave you that confidence? To divide humanity into first, second, third classes?"

"We are born free; who dares to be lofty?"

Gu Jin Nian spoke, his words domineering; hearing what they said, he couldn't help but find it laughable.

If it were other races, dividing them into first, second, third classes, Gu Jin Nian would have nothing to say, after all the races differ.

But clearly they are humans, yet they split into first‑class and second‑class; such thinking is fundamentally unacceptable.

"You are too young."

A sigh sounded.

"Though you are a saint of later ages, with unparalleled talent, you fundamentally do not grasp the might of our ancient human clan."

"We are the original masters of this world."

"We inquire of you out of appreciation for talent, not because we need your aid."

"But our ancient human clan gives you only one chance."

"If you refuse, there will be no further opportunities."

The latter spoke; aside from an initial trace of regret, the rest was indifference. It was evident they had been arrogant for too long; even today they remain proud, believing that courting them is the greatest boon.

But as the words fell, a terrifying force pressed down; the space around Gu Jin Nian seemed squeezed, shattering outright and causing a massive tremor.

"If I refuse, must I die?"

"Is this the ancient human clan? Their methods are truly ancient enough."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, stepping forward; his vital blood roared, blocking the force, and he once again entered the Saint King's ultimate realm to confront it.

"It's not that refusing leads to death, but because of your arrogance."

The latter's voice rang out, stating the reason.

"Because of arrogance?"

"I think that's merely your excuse; the real reason is simply fear."

"You fear me."

"You dread me."

Gu Jin Nian resisted this force; outwardly he remained calm, displaying his strength and confidence.

There is no other reason.

Gu Jin Nian understood that the ancient human race was powerful, but he understood even more that he was almost the entire race's hope, the hope of all people of this era.

If he were to act too weakly, when the five races descend in the future it would inevitably affect the morale of all under heaven.

"Afraid?"

"Fear?"

"You really are overthinking; if our clan fully revives, exterminating you would be too easy."

The voice sounded again, expressing disdain, clearly finding Gu Jin Nian's confidence laughable.

"Then reveal yourself to the world."

"In the ancient age you ought to have perished; those who survive to this day are nothing but scroungers clinging to life?"

"This era has its own brilliance."

"The new sun and moon have already risen."

Gu Jin Nian spoke; his words were inspiring, but once he finished, they truly provoked a world‑shaking uproar.

"What? They come from the ancient age?"

"From the ancient age?"

"Is Gu Jin Nian battling a group of ancient‑era strongmen?"

"That's terrifying, isn't it?"

"Invincible in this age, yet declares war on the ancient?"

"The ancient era is at least tens of thousands of years away, perhaps even a hundred thousand; how can these beings have survived to the present?"

Some voices rose; the majority of the world would not know this matter, and now that Gu Jin Nian has spoken it outright, it naturally sparks controversy and panic.

"Well said, the new sun and moon have risen; my ancient human clan has always been the sun and moon between heaven and earth, and whether you are the sun and moon of the new era, we shall watch with anticipation."

"Now, I give you ample time to see whether your sun and moon will truly rise."

The voice of the ancient human clan sounded.

At this moment, all pressure completely dissipated; they did not choose to attack, for reasons unknown—perhaps they wanted to wait until after emergence to let Gu Jin Nian witness their astonishing methods.

Or perhaps they were simply powerless, unable to exterminate Gu Jin Nian.

Nevertheless, they chose to stand down.

As the pressure vanished, the spatial node disappeared, and the little world they occupied vanished within this valley.

They fled.

Above the valley.

Gu Jin Nian watched all this quietly; it was not that he did not wish to act, but he realized that even if he went all out, he would likely still be unable to keep them; the two sides' powers differed greatly.

Having survived from the ancient age to the present, Gu Jin Nian does not believe they possess no ability at all.

"I will be invincible."

Gu Jin Nian spoke; he voiced his inner thoughts and affirmed his stance.

In the great contest of the world, he seeks to carve an invincible path, bringing peace for ten thousand generations.

When the voice fell, boundless light radiated from Gu Jin Nian, illuminating heaven and earth, bringing immense hope to the world.

About half an hour later.

Gu Jin Nian withdrew his spirit, scanning the scene; now eight Seventh Realm strongmen, in the Western Desert two were dead, Hui Jue Buddha and the abbot of Xiao Yuan Temple.

Two from the Immortal Gate perished: the Dragon‑Tiger Patriarch and the Patriarch of the Great Profound Immortal Sect.

As for the Shangqing Daoist, he is currently severely wounded; though not dead, he can no longer stir up any waves.

Four of the eight have died; this number is already considerable, leaving mouths agape.

The surviving Seventh Realm strongmen now consist only of the Western Desert Guang Yuan Buddha, the abbot of Da Yin Temple, the half‑dead Shangqing Daoist, and the Yin‑Yang Patriarch.

Each possesses a supreme artifact, but now that they have vanished and fled, there is little need to continue the pursuit.

From start to finish, they were never his enemies; Gu Jin Nian was fully aware of this, and he did not regard this group as foes—the true enemy hides in the shadows.

Dealing with them was merely to sweep away some unruly elements.

Stabilize the realm's peace.

Realizing this, Gu Jin Nian stopped rambling and began to lay out his plan.

"From this day forward."

"Anyone daring to harm Da Xia shall be slain without mercy."

Gu Jin Nian spoke; this sentence signified the end, the conclusion of the great war.

First came an inconceivable war, then Gu Jin Nian, one against eight, slaying four, brought the great battle to a definitive close.

Soon.

Voices rose one after another.

"The Xiongnu Nation wishes to initiate a peace treaty, requesting the Da Xia Dynasty to lift the punishment."

"The Fuyu Dynasty wishes to initiate a peace treaty."

"The Great Jin Dynasty wishes to initiate a peace treaty."

Several voices sounded; the nations of the Eastern Wilderness echoed with voices, the utterances of various sovereigns.

With the great war ended, the next phase is the grand reckoning; they know that in this struggle, the Da Xia Dynasty once again achieved total victory, this time subduing the entire Eastern Wilderness.

At this very moment.

The Xiongnu Nation, from top to bottom, was shaken, utterly terrified and fearful.

This time, the most belligerent was the Xiongnu Nation.

Not even one.

They sent a half‑million‑strong army to support King Ning, hoping to gamble on success, expecting King Ning's rebellion to succeed and establish the New Summer Dynasty; thus the Xiongnu Nation, by leveraging the New Summer Dynasty, could reap many benefits.

But now all beautiful dreams have been shattered, and what lies ahead is the wrath of the Da Xia Dynasty.

A raging, sky‑high fury.

"Xiongnu King, all royal family members, and the commanding generals who took part in the Border Twelve Cities affair, must all commit suicide in atonement."

"I, the Saint, may pardon the crimes of the Xiongnu Nation."

"Otherwise, immediately, horses will trample the royal court, and no opportunity for explanation will be given."

As a cold voice sounded, this is the punishment bestowed upon the Xiongnu Nation.

There is no other reason: what the Xiongnu Nation has done, in principle, does not make annihilating a nation overly excessive, but Gu Jin Nian is a saint; he does not wish to involve innocent people.

From a petty perspective, as a Da Xia citizen, one should repay national grudges tenfold; that is not excessive at all.

But from a grander view, as a saint, every nation has good and bad people; although the hatred of a national enemy is deeply engraved, not everyone is an executioner.

If he were not a saint, Gu Jin Nian would certainly pursue total annihilation.

If he is a saint, Gu Jin Nian must understand Heaven's will; he orders the Xiongnu King, the imperial lineage, the royal lineage, and even the soldiers who once fought in the Border Twelve Cities battle to all commit suicide in atonement.

None of these people are innocent; even some royals who did not take part in the war are beneficiaries—without the Xiongnu Nation's invasion, they would not have such good lives.

Having enjoyed the spoils, they must reap the bitter consequences.

Hearing this, within the Xiongnu royal court, the Xiongnu King's face turned instantly death‑pale; he stared at Gu Jin Nian, knelt on the ground, and cried out pleadingly.

"The saint is above all." "I, the little king, am indeed somewhat foolish, which is why I am like this. I understand that what I have done has angered the Da Xia Dynasty, but I beg the saint's mercy, spare me; I am willing to cede half the land, please raise your noble hand, and I will abdicate at once."

The Xiongnu King no longer stands aloft as before.

Within the Eastern Wilderness, the Xiongnu Nation's position is extremely awkward; in terms of military strength, it ranks just below the three great dynasties, yet for various reasons it can only become stronger by relying on other dynasties.

Thus the Xiongnu Nation has become a blade wielded by the Great Jin Dynasty and the Fuyu Dynasty against Da Xia.

Precisely because of this, the Xiongnu Nation has long harbored enmity toward the Da Xia Dynasty.

Now, the Da Xia Dynasty has produced a monster like Gu Jin Nian, leaving them at a loss for words.

Facing the Xiongnu King's query, high above the heavens, Gu Jin Nian's face is icy; he looks down at everything, gazes at the Xiongnu King, appearing especially calm.

"Not permitted."

Gu Jin Nian speaks; this is his answer, and also his attitude.

In this great war, victory or defeat decides everything; Gu Jin Nian gives them no chance to resist.

So as to prevent any future turmoil.

Some matters now need to be concluded.

Hearing Gu Jin Nian's voice, the Xiongnu King's eyes turn completely ash‑gray; he knows he cannot resist, even if he wishes to fight to the death—so what good would that be?

The Da Xia Dragon Boat watches from the heavens, gazing upon everything.

As soon as the Da Xia Emperor gives a single command, the Xiongnu Nation will instantly become scorched earth; no one can help, the former alliance is gone, and now nothing remains.

Even without Gu Jin Nian intervening, the situation is dire; if he does intervene, it would be even worse—who in the world can stand against Gu Jin Nian?

Within the royal court.

The Xiongnu King trembles; he truly does not want to die. He barely managed to become the Xiongnu King, and barely waited for the Great Era to arrive.

He never imagined he would reach this point now.

He is unwilling to accept it.

But what he knows is that his present self cannot resist at all, nor has the strength to fight.

He even wants to shout a curse at Gu Jin Nian.

However, he cannot utter it; if he curses Gu Jin Nian, all the resulting repercussions would fall on him, and when the Da Xia Dynasty takes any harsh measures, the people will only hate him.

For a monarch, he understands all too well what a history book means.

People will not remember this history; they will only know the evil they have done.

"May the saint spare the Xiongnu Nation's people; the little king is willing to die."

The Xiongnu King speaks; before his death, he utters a benevolent phrase.

But as soon as he says it, Gu Jin Nian's cold sneer rings out.

"Stop the pretentiousness here; if you truly cared for the Xiongnu people, why did you initially take the initiative to invade the Border Twelve Cities?"

"Speaking ridiculous words here, and before death, you begin to pity the world?"

"The kindness in your heart stems from fear of death's kindness, not from genuine benevolence."

"Hurry and die."

Gu Jin Nian's expression is icy, ordering him to die.

Upon hearing this, the Xiongnu King dares not utter a single word, can only bow his head; anything he says now seems laughable.

"Ah!"

A wail sounds; the Xiongnu King draws his side sword and commits suicide on the spot.

No more fantasies or hesitation remain.

He is dead.

The Xiongnu King has slain himself.

Within the royal court.

All civil and military officials of the court wail loudly, not because of the Xiongnu King's death but because of themselves.

All the kings are dead.

Gu Jin Nian cannot possibly spare them; moreover, after the Border War, their figures have not ceased to appear.

Naturally, they feel sorrow, crying and shouting here.

As the monarch slit his own throat, Gu Jin Nian did not waste words and directly turned his gaze toward the Fuyu Dynasty and the Great Jin Dynasty.

The Xiongnu state has been dealt with; what's left are these people.

"The Da Xia internal chaos, Prince Ning's rebellion, the Eastern Wilderness nations, together with the Great Jin Dynasty and the Fuyu Dynasty, all assist Prince Ning, aiding Zhou in his cruelty."

"If it were not for this holy one's remembrance that Heaven has benevolent virtue, I would have already acted, wiping out the nations."

"Today, the nations are given twelve hours to consider clearly; to prevent chaos in the world, this holy one has ten major treaties. If they agree, after twelve hours the monarch will personally go to the Da Xia Dynasty capital to sign a peace accord."

Gu Jin Nian spoke; using this opportunity, he intends to completely resolve the Eastern Wilderness dynasty's affairs.

And as Gu Jin Nian spoke thus, the nations couldn't help but sigh in relief; after all, at least Gu Jin Nian still gave them a chance. They truly feared that Gu Jin Nian might be ruthless and annihilate them all.

Now they only need to agree to ten conditions.

At least it's far better than they had imagined.

"Please, holy one, speak."

The Great Jin monarch spoke; the ten conditions made him let out a long sigh, after all this outcome was still acceptable to him.

"First, all nations may issue treasure notes, but the Da Xia Dynasty will uniformly assign their values, with the Da Xia treasure notes as the standard. Da Xia treasure notes can be directly exchanged at money houses for equivalent gold and silver; Da Xia dragon rice, including heavenly fallen gold, must be recognized by all Eastern Wilderness nations. Those who violate the decree shall be destroyed by the nations."

"Second, for all Eastern Wilderness nations, all seas shall be controlled by the Da Xia Dynasty, and the skies must also be under Da Xia's control; any violator shall be destroyed by the nations."

"Third, the Da Xia sleepless city shall be established among the nations; all costs are borne by the nations, but twenty percent of the revenue shall be paid as tax, confiscated into the state treasury, with full protection provided."

"Fourth, all nations shall establish an Eastern Wilderness Great Justice Temple; whenever a foreigner encounters a problem, the Eastern Wilderness Great Justice Temple shall handle it. The officials of the Eastern Wilderness Great Justice Temple must be appointed from Da Xia Dynasty officials and shall have authority to mobilize the criminal departments of the nations."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, reciting each clause of the accord.

Gu Jin Nian did not demand land, did not ask for compensation, and did not even request that they hand over any people.

Instead, he put forward some demands.

For the world, they thought these demands seemed rather odd and strange.

Most thought, wouldn't it be better to simply have them cede land? To purchase the land, then let their own people take control, making the other nation's people slaves—wouldn't that be the most direct way? But for some truly clever individuals, they almost instantly understood what Gu Jin Nian was doing.

Gu Jin Nian was using another method to control the nations.

The core of the control method is nothing but military force and money.

The Dragon boat air superiority, appearing as patrol authority, is actually surveillance, including future strategic deployments; if any problem is detected, they will immediately launch a thunderstorm bomb at you.

They do not understand sea control, but knowing it comes from Gu Jin Nian, they are sure there are other hidden secrets.

Moreover, think carefully about the meaning of ceding land: if you truly give them a piece of territory, will you relocate the populace? Relocating incurs huge national resource costs, and how many are willing to leave their homes? It requires a great amount of time.

Keeping the population, however, makes governance difficult; each region has its own customs.

Forceful conquest easily brings trouble and disputes.

Throughout history, such events have indeed occurred.

It happens to be just right now.

Resolving these issues with money and silver, whether the great world contest arrives or not, has a huge impact on ordinary people, but ultimately it still revolves around the four points of having enough to eat and drink.

The majority of common folk spend their lives pursuing just that—being fed and watered; those slightly above average enjoy a better life, and otherwise there is little change.

The true impact lies with those above, the higher echelons, who are the core figures of the great world contest.

This move by Gu Jin Nian not only can make the Da Xia Dynasty the strongest among the Eastern Wilderness dynasties, but also can tightly and firmly control the other dynasties.

The world bustlingly comes for profit.

All the world hustles and bustles for profit.

This sentence must be correct.

Without using force, conquering the Eastern Wilderness populace with the most practical and cost‑effective means, this method is brilliant.

This way will not spark conflict; after all, why did the former Ten Kingdoms experience repeated wars? It was simply that one country defeated another, then realized it could not control it, so it chose to annihilate, only to find the common folk rising in rebellion.

Subsequently, more and more people joined the uprising, and eventually under someone's leadership, they unified the nations and founded a new dynasty.

Later, as that nation gradually decayed, the same events would replay a second time, merely with a different protagonist.

This is the evil consequence of rule by force.

Killing never cleanses completely.

Nor can it be finished.

Economic domination, though not ideal, still leads to the poor dying in poverty and the rich dying in excess, yet it is far milder than forceful rule and highly controllable.

This is Gu Jin Nian's thinking.

The great world contest has already begun; today we executed four Seventh Realm strongmen, so some matters must be resolved completely.

The Eastern Wilderness cannot continue its chaos.

We cannot keep circling this path ourselves; delays are minor, but if the enemy seizes the chance, that becomes the real trouble.

As the ten clauses were spoken, most minor Eastern Wilderness monarchs promptly agreed not to cede land—surely that's a good thing?

Moreover, they have no voice, so they agreed without hesitation.

The biggest trouble for them is having to build their own sleepless city and pay a tribute every three years, but compared with the fate of the Xiongnu monarch, the current situation is far better.

However, the Great Jin monarch and the two Fuyu emperors couldn't help but furrow their brows.

In an instant they realized how terrifying Gu Jin Nian's clause was—it's like devouring a person without spitting out the bones.

If they agree, indeed there is no major issue; at least no bloodshed will occur, no conflict will arise, and if they truly agree, all nations will enter a peaceful era, after which the Eastern Wilderness will be immensely prosperous.

This is indeed a good thing.

Trade increases, there are no barriers between the nations, and any matter will have someone to mediate.

Yet the two monarchs also immediately realized how severe the consequences would be.

The Da Xia Dynasty will, by an unseen method, completely control the Eastern Wilderness nations; the stronger Eastern Wilderness becomes, the stronger the Da Xia Dynasty will be.

Gu Jin Nian's ten clauses are, in fact, not much different from those of the Alliance.

Establishing rules.

Divide the benefits.

Seize the initiative.

This is far more terrifying than ceding territory and paying reparations.

"Saint, could we try another approach? The Great Jin Dynasty is willing to cede territory and pay reparations, and also to compensate the Da Xia Dynasty for all losses."

The Great Jin Emperor spoke; although he was prepared for Gu Jin Nian to open his mouth like a roaring lion, these ten clauses still made them shudder.

Upon hearing this, Gu Jin Nian remained calm, merely looking at the Great Jin Emperor.

"A weak nation has no dispute."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, stating the core.

"In this civil war, our Da Xia Dynasty won by absolute force, not by relying on me."

"The battles among the Seven Realms, fundamentally, did not sway the final outcome; Da Xia relied on its own strength."

"Your defeat was at the hands of the Da Xia Dynasty, not me."

"Remember, the conditions I propose now have not been approved by the sovereign. I, Gu, as a saint, prioritize peace; you may refuse or bargain, but not with me—bargain with the Da Xia Dynasty instead."

Gu Jin Nian spoke up.

He laid out the core of the matter.

His words were correct; the Da Xia Dynasty is now powerful, and the target of Gu Jin Nian is the extraordinary power of the Seven Realms.

At that moment, the voice of the Yong Sheng Emperor rang out.

"I will grant the saint a face‑saving concession."

"We can agree."

"If the nations refuse."

"We will declare war outright; until blood flows like a river, I will never cease."

"Furthermore, I do not accept the twelve‑hour term—right now. The saint is merciful, but I, as the Da Xia Emperor, do not know how to be merciful outwardly."

The Yong Sheng Emperor promptly responded to Gu Jin Nian's words, yet he understood how to manipulate hearts even better; he would not grant any twelve‑hour or non‑twelve‑hour concession.

Now the advantage is ours; isn't that an outrageous demand? Anyway, refusal means death.

Let them choose as they wish.

Of course, Gu Jin Nian's actions are not out of mercy but what a saint must do; if Gu Jin Nian were to act for profit or benefit and thereby violate the saint's path, that would also be unacceptable.

The saint is watched by Heaven and Earth; every move is heard and seen by the heavens.

Upon hearing this, the emperors of the Great Jin Dynasty and the Fuyu Dynasty grew even heavier‑hearted.

Indeed, Gu Jin Nian's opening was acceptable; at least, being a saint, he does not act so bluntly.

His methods are gentle.

Following the Yong Sheng Emperor's approach, even harsh words need not lead to war; directly supporting another faction within their nation to ascend the throne surpasses everything.

Why does Luo Li chatter so much? Gu Jin Nian still leaves them some mercy.

If we put ourselves in their shoes, they would likely act even more ruthlessly than Gu Jin Nian.

"Great Jin is willing to sign."

Under the Yong Sheng Emperor's pressure, the Great Jin Dynasty hesitated for the length of an incense stick before responding.

If they refuse, they will declare war now.

If they agree, it is at least a delaying tactic, buying time for other actions.

"Fuyu is willing to sign."

Seeing the Great Jin Dynasty's agreement, the Fuyu Dynasty no longer has much idle talk.

Hearing these replies.

Gu Jin Nian showed little expression; this was expected.

"Uncle, the remaining matters are yours."

"I have other matters to attend to."

Gu Jin Nian spoke; the matter was settled, and he intended to leave to find members of the Thunder Tribe for negotiations.

The strength of the Ancient Human Clan far exceeds one's imagination.

In the forthcoming great world conflicts, one can only fear that it will surpass one's comprehension.

Moreover, regarding the Five Ancient Clans, many doubts remain; he needs to ask the Thunder Tribe for answers.

Know yourself and know the enemy, and you can win a hundred battles.

Especially now, having offended the Ancient Human Clan, when the humans emerge, friction and conflict are inevitable.

The true blood‑rain and foul wind are feared to be imminent.

Gu Jin Nian understood this point.

"Good!"

"Jin Nian, inform Uncle directly about any matter."

"However, there is one thing Uncle wants to remind you of."

At this moment, the Yong Sheng Emperor was naturally overjoyed; after today's battle, the final contradiction of the Da Xia Dynasty was resolved, and he also used the momentum to press the other nations.

On the surface, Da Xia remains Da Xia, and the nations remain the nations.

In reality, from this moment onward, Eastern Wilderness has only one true dynasty: the Da Xia Dynasty.

As an emperor, how could the Yong Sheng Emperor not smile?

But he had another matter he intended to discuss with Gu Jin Nian.

"What matter?"

Gu Jin Nian responded plainly, asking the Yong Sheng Emperor what the matter was.

"Go to the Central Continent and have a talk with the Central Continent Emperor."

"He knows a lot."

"Moreover, the Central Continent Emperor is unlike others; old uncle has never admired anyone in his life, not even your grandfather or me, but this Central Continent Emperor is different, his future will change greatly, meeting him early isn't a bad thing."

"He also intends to meet you."

Yong Sheng Great Emperor spoke, informing him of this matter, which surprised Gu Jin Nian a bit.

He had heard that the Central Continent Emperor wanted to meet him, but recently there have been many affairs, and with the Great World Conflict approaching, Gu Jin Nian subconsciously thought that going to the Central Continent to see the Central Continent Great Emperor would only mean the other side wanted to win him over.

But hearing Yong Sheng Great Emperor speak like this today made Gu Jin Nian somewhat curious.

"Fine."

"But, old uncle, what has he done to earn your admiration so much?"

Gu Jin Nian said, showing a hint of curiosity.

My old uncle is the Da Xia Emperor; what else could make him feel respect and be shocked?

"This person is very different."

"I know him; back when I served under your grandfather, I met him on the battlefield. I was gravely wounded, and he took the form of a foot soldier. After learning my identity, he didn't choose to kill me but let me live."

"Not because he looked down on me, but because he didn't want to advance his rank through such means."

"Before the Central Continent Emperor ascended the throne, he waged war for ten years under an alias, gradually becoming a famed great general of the Central Continent, almost being ennobled, and later deceived the world by feigning death."

"Few people in the world know about this."

"You won't be wrong to go find him."

Yong Sheng Great Emperor spoke, very seriously and extremely solemn.

Hearing this, Gu Jin Nian was indeed somewhat surprised.

"Fine."

"In a few days, I will go."

Gu Jin Nian nodded, and his heart also grew a huge curiosity toward the Central Continent Emperor.

He also decided.

After finishing the trip to Pan Mountain, he will go to the Central Continent.

To see this Central Continent Emperor in person.

A legendary figure of the world. — Friendly recommendation: a book titled 'Super Species Player'! I calmly wrote a chapter.

Repeatedly deleting and revising.

I have seen many critical comments and will gradually improve.

But lately I've been feeling down~ not in good shape, sorry about that.

(End of chapter)