Chapter 242: then the translated title

The next day.

Gu Jin Nian's feat of slaying four Seventh Realm powerhouses has spread completely, causing an uproar worldwide; the news needs no deliberate spreading, people will naturally discuss it.

After all, this matter is indeed terrifying.

The Seventh Realm, even in the era of the Great Arrival, is an unsurpassed existence, the elite among elites.

Having four slain, it dealt a heavy blow to all forces of Da Xia.

What's more terrifying is that within the Eastern Wilderness, no one can any longer hinder the Da Xia Dynasty.

The Profound Heaven Immortal Sect, Great Jin Dynasty, Fuyu Dynasty, and Xiongnu State were all swept aside; under absolute power's suppression, none can block the Da Xia Dynasty's advance.

The pattern of the Eastern Wilderness will, in the near future, become thoroughly prosperous, reaching a state unseen before and unmatched thereafter.

But soon, a piece of news spread, shocking the Great Arrival.

Gu Jin Nian is to meet the emperor of Central Province.

This matter indeed stirred great controversy.

Now, with the Great Arrival and the Heaven's Mandate conflict, the ancient great clans are about to revive; in this situation, people of the present must inevitably join forces.

The Five Domains of the world.

Central Province, Eastern Wilderness, Southern Barbarians, Western Desert, and the Far North.

The Far North is unsuitable for human habitation; most are loose cultivators, the region's temperature is freezing, making survival difficult for anyone below Third Realm warriors, and resources are extremely scarce, so naturally no one gathers or lives there.

As for the Western Desert, it is itself a gathering place for the Buddhist sect, not a true dynasty, tied to faith, and its resources are also extremely scarce; after all, governing by religion brings greater problems.

Southern Barbarians have excellent resources, but the problem is that their land is crisscrossed with mountain paths, unsuitable for city construction; moreover, they esteem martial virtue, having no regard for benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom—this is why they are called uncivilized.

Therefore, among the Five Domains, the truly civilized geography, including the resource-rich kingdoms, is actually just the Eastern Wilderness and the Central Province Dynasty.

But the Eastern Wilderness remains divided and constantly fighting, never achieving great unification, whereas the Central Province Dynasty completed unification years ago.

In people's view, if Heaven's Mandate did not descend, the future struggle would surely be the Eastern Wilderness Dynasty uniting to fight the Central Province Dynasty, ultimately deciding the strongest.

But now, with Heaven's Mandate arriving and the legendary ancient clans surviving to this day, the Central Province Dynasty and the Eastern Wilderness Dynasty are very likely to join forces against the future Great Arrival.

If that is indeed the case, then it is truly a good thing.

Since people learned that ancient clans still exist, their hearts inevitably feel heavier; regarding antiquity, people know somewhat that that era was heard to be dark, a time of slaughter and strife, with no victors.

No one knows the exact reason, but everyone knows the law of the jungle; with the Great Arrival, treasures are everywhere—will the ancient powerhouses endure? Will they yield these treasures?

The answer is obvious: they will certainly not surrender these treasures meekly, and may even kill others to prevent anyone from seizing them.

Especially the conversation between Gu Jin Nian and the ancient human clan.

Three-six-nine ranks.

Grant first-class status?

After these words spread, they invited much speculation; many began studying the ancient human clan, eventually deriving some frightening news.

In ancient times, humanity was divided into ranks one through nine; the ninth rank were extremely lowly, though human, they could be called slaves—kill them at will; higher ranks held the power of life and death over lower ranks, and surpassing three ranks allowed one to slaughter at will.

Whether you acted rightly or wrongly.

Only those of the third rank are exempt from this life-and-death authority, for reaching the third rank makes one an elite among humanity, the best of the best.

Moreover, the ancient human clan is not a faction but a race, comprising cultivators and warriors, who even come from different nations, yet they strongly accept this order.

Furthermore, the ancient human clan possesses nine great royal houses, which are the truly supreme existence; these nine great royal houses hold all privileges, and if you, as a low-ranking person, obtain treasures, you must tribute them to the nine great royal houses.

If the nine great royal houses are satisfied and accept your tribute, they will also bestow gifts upon you.

In other words, the rank system is extremely strict, and no one dares to cross the thunder pool.

Therefore, when the ancient human clan initially granted Gu Jin Nian the status of first-rank human, it was indeed a gesture of goodwill and recruitment, because to become first-rank human one needed three generations of ancestors to have built great merit, and within those three generations there must have been a Seventh Realm powerhouse who fought for the benefit of the ancient human clan.

Only then could one advance to first-rank human.

As more and more ancient information surfaced, people's worries, fears, and uncertainty about the future all felt deeply terrifying.

They simply could not imagine that antiquity was actually like this.

It is far more terrifying than they imagined.

Moreover, the most terrifying fact is that in antiquity humanity was not the strongest race; by numbers, the sea tribe and the demon tribe vastly outnumbered humans.

If comparing individual strength, the divine tribe and the demon tribe are not inferior to humanity.

However, later the demon tribe was purged.

An extremely terrifying bloodbath is about to begin; people feel uneasy, and many place their hopes for the future on Gu Jin Nian.

There's nothing to be done about it.

Therefore, regarding the great unification of the Eastern Wilderness, people accept and are willing to accept; facing a new enemy, everyone still hopes to sit down for peaceful talks, also hopes there will be no internal discord, presenting a united front—otherwise, what awaits them is a fate worse than death.

And Gu Jin Nian also waited in Coiled Mountain for three days.

People know that Gu Jin Nian went to Coiled Mountain to learn some matters concerning the ancient clans.

They anticipate, hoping Gu Jin Nian will bring good news.

Meanwhile, in Coiled Mountain.

Gu Jin Nian sat silently on a boulder, the three great elders of the Thunder Clan facing him, while behind the three great elders stood Lei Yuan and others, also silent.

"May I ask, esteemed elders?"

"Just how brutal will the future Great Arrival be?"

"Please, three elders, speak the worst-case scenario; I can bear it."

Gu Jin Nian spoke; he had previously come to Coiled Mountain and also heard these elders speak about the ancient five clans, but Gu Jin Nian understood that their words were still somewhat reserved, and today he wanted the Thunder Clan people to lay out the concrete situation of the ancient five clans.

Hearing this, the three let out a faint sigh, after which the Grand Elder looked at Gu Jin Nian and said.

"If the five clans emerge, war will inevitably erupt; the blood and tears of antiquity will reenact, unstoppable."

"Unless Jin Nian the Sage can reach the Eighth Realm."

He spoke, informing Gu Jin Nian.

"Can't stop it unless we reach the Eighth Realm?"

At this moment, Gu Jin Nian placed enormous pressure on the Eighth Realm, almost exhausting himself; he was only at the Third Heaven, with six more Heavens ahead, each step terrifying and hard to ascend.

"Mm."

The Grand Elder nodded and directly approved Gu Jin Nian's words.

"What if the Five Tribes revive and the Da Xia Dynasty joins forces with the Zhongzhou Dynasty?"

"Could we resist?"

"How great is the hope?"

Gu Jin Nian asked, having shifted his thinking to rely not on his own power but on the strength of the masses.

"One percent!"

"Moreover, the greatest hope still lies with you."

"Saint Jin Nian, this is why we previously asked you to step forward, to unite some strong ones unwilling to continue the campaigns, and resist together."

"You are a saint; all the major tribes actually trust you. After the Ancient Great War, many races include those unwilling to wage war again and some weaker factions that do not wish to continue the campaigns. If these people unite, there is a one percent chance to block the disaster."

The latter spoke, telling Gu Jin Nian a cold number.

One percent.

There is only a one percent hope, and it still requires uniting some unwilling war‑makers, plus the Da Xia Dynasty and the Zhongzhou Dynasty.

Hearing this, Gu Jin Nian felt an extreme heaviness; he hadn't expected the probability to be so large.

"If we cannot stop it, how many will die?"

Gu Jin Nian asked.

Upon hearing this, the Grand Elder looked up at the heavens, let out a long sigh, and said.

"In the last great war, someone gained benefits; although sealed until now, they undeniably received those benefits."

"Some ancient beings, whose lifespans were nearly exhausted, obtained tremendous benefits in that war, extending their lives and finding hope. If the great war erupts again, the world may cease to exist, and no one could survive."

"When the great age withers, the true winner may be only one."

The latter spoke again, and this answer made Gu Jin Nian's spirit even heavier.

Hearing this answer.

Gu Jin Nian fell into silence.

"When will they appear?"

Gu Jin Nian opened his mouth and asked.

"Unclear, but it's really close. A few days ago you fought them and sensed part of their aura; in about half a year they will fully emerge."

"We have even detected that the Sea Tribe and the Demon Tribe have manifested some presence."

The Thunder Tribe Grand Elder spoke, again mentioning something that weighed heavily on Gu Jin Nian.

"Actually, the most frightening thing is not their appearance."

Since the conversation had reached this point, the Thunder Tribe Grand Elder simply continued the discussion openly.

"Then what is the most frightening?"

Gu Jin Nian asked.

"They will emerge together."

The Thunder Tribe Grand Elder voiced the worst possibility.

Upon hearing this, Gu Jin Nian truly felt the pressure; even a single Ancient Human Race would be beyond his confidence to confront, let alone eradicate. It is likely that the strongest among the Ancient Humans could act at any moment.

None of them are forces he can withstand.

If they all appear, it would indeed be a cataclysmic blow.

Heavily.

Gu Jin Nian's mood at this moment was especially heavy.

The road ahead inexplicably turned bleak; anxiety and fear gradually enveloped, leaving a sense of despair.

It wasn't just him; all Thunder Tribe strong ones felt the same. In ancient times they ranked among the top twenty races, and now barely surviving, with fewer than three thousand remaining.

Gu Jin Nian fell silent.

His mood was especially heavy, and the Thunder Tribe Grand Elder's voice continued.

"Actually, the one percent hope is truthful; if we can win over two people, that becomes half the hope."

He spoke, presenting a possibility.

Hearing this, Gu Jin Nian instantly rallied, and his heart was also shocked.

Win over two people, and that gives half the hope?

Which people?

He felt shocked and somewhat surprised; the world situation, with the Zhongzhou Dynasty and the Da Xia Dynasty joining forces, plus himself and Su Wenjing, two saints, and some other Seventh Realm strongmen, together amounted to only a one percent hope.

Now two people could add four percent hope; isn't that a bit terrifying?

"Who?"

Gu Jin Nian asked.

"The Lord of West Zhou Mountain."

"The Divine King of the Divine Clan."

The Thunder Tribe Grand Elder revealed their identities, eliciting a gasp from Gu Jin Nian.

Especially the West Zhou Mountain; previously Su Rou of Tianqi Mountain had led him there, and now the Thunder Tribe Grand Elder also extols the Lord of West Zhou Mountain—how could Gu Jin Nian not be amazed?

As for the Divine King of the Divine Clan, it was the first time he had heard the name.

"The West Zhou Mountain Queen Mother?"

Gu Jin Nian asked, his eyes full of curiosity.

"No, the Queen Mother is merely a myth invented by your later generations. In the ancient age, Western Zhou Mountain was the foremost mountain under heaven, because there was an unparalleled female immortal. It is said she had already attained the Dao, the being closest to the realm of immortals."

"During the primordial great war, she did not take part. Someone harbored a wicked intention to attack Western Zhou Mountain, but the master of Western Zhou Mountain wiped them out outright."

The Thunder Tribe Grand Elder recounted this ancient history.

Even across a generation, when the master of Western Zhou Mountain is mentioned, they are also filled with reverence and dare not commit any desecration.

"Wiped out outright?"

Gu Jin Nian was only a little surprised, but what the Thunder Tribe Grand Elder said next left him speechless on the spot.

"Half of the Demon Tribe were strong."

"In the middle of the mountain slope, they were cleanly slain by a single sword."

"Precisely because of this, the Ten Thousand Tribes united and kept the Demon Tribe from ever lifting its head. Had it not been so, the Demon Tribe might have become the greatest victor in the ancient age, leaving the other races with nothing."

The Thunder Tribe Grand Elder clarified the specific situation.

Upon hearing this, Gu Jin Nian could no longer hold back.

Demon Tribe!

One of the five great tribes of antiquity and the strongest race, the Demon Tribe itself required some crooked, unorthodox metamorphosis. Amid the Ten Thousand Tribes' struggle for supremacy and mutual slaughter, that era was the Demon Tribe's finest age.

Naturally they grew stronger, and even Gu Jin Nian, when consulting ancient texts, found rumors that the source of everything might well have been released by the Demon Tribe, hoping that powerful beings in heaven and earth would clash, allowing them to reap the fisherman's profit.

What they hadn't expected was that the Ten Thousand Tribes were not foolish; they knew such a move would give the Demon Tribe the utmost advantage, so beforehand they had thoroughly suppressed the Demon Tribe.

The secret the Thunder Tribe Grand Elder just revealed truly shocked Gu Jin Nian.

One person wiped out half of the Demon Tribe.

If that were true, her occupying a twenty-percent chance is indeed significant.

"I can make a trip to Western Zhou Mountain."

"To meet this senior."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, asking, "What about the Divine Tribe's Divine King?"

Gu Jin Nian asked curiously.

"The Divine King of the Divine Tribe is rather odd. In the ancient age, the Divine Tribe was truly invincible, sweeping everything aside as the greatest rival, yet for unknown reasons a cataclysm struck the Divine Tribe. No one knows the exact circumstances—perhaps a curse, perhaps the tribe glimpsed the future, and it is also possible that the Divine King fell."

"Thus the Divine Tribe became leaderless; otherwise, in the ancient age, the Divine Tribe should have been supreme and unshakable."

"But there are also rumors that the Divine King did not fall; instead, he descended into the mortal world, honing his mind amid the red dust."

The Thunder Tribe Grand Elder voiced these possibilities.

But in a certain sense, this significance is minor.

This Divine King is hard to find.

"I will go to Western Zhou Mountain, meet this senior, and see if I can contest the possibility."

Gu Jin Nian said this a second time; he wished to visit the senior, not for any other reason, but to make a request on behalf of the Human Race.

Increasing the chance by twenty percent, such a person must be won over.

But upon hearing this, the Thunder Tribe Grand Elder could not help but look slightly uneasy.

"If you go to see her, she may not pay attention to you."

"No one knows who she is, where she comes from, nor what she intends to do or desire; she is neither pleased nor angry. If you meet her, you may not receive any response."

The latter spoke; he did not wish to discourage Gu Jin Nian, but this is the fact.

"The existence of Tianqi Mountain makes me want to see her; perhaps there is a connection between them."

Gu Jin Nian mentioned this matter.

But the latter shook his head.

"The Snow Tribe of Tianqi Mountain has little to do with her. In the ancient age, the Divine Tribe visited this existence, yet they were still rebuffed."

"She only wants you to try. Going to test is fine, but remember: whether this existence agrees or not, you must not anger her nor utter any disrespectful words, otherwise great trouble will follow."

"No one can help you; the Thunder Tribe cannot intervene."

The other party was very serious; although he knew Gu Jin Nian was a saint and these words need not be spoken, he could not help but speak, reminding Gu Jin Nian with goodwill.

"Understood."

"Please, senior, rest assured."

Gu Jin Nian solemnly nodded.

However, he did not intend to go to Western Zhou Mountain now to seek this supreme being; instead, he rose and said,

"Elders, I, the junior, will depart first to the Central Continent Dynasty."

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

"Very well."

Three elders rose and bowed to Gu Jin Nian.

Soon, Gu Jin Nian left.

He will head to the Central Continent Dynasty to meet the Great Emperor of the Central Continent.

Leaving Pan Mountain.

Gu Jin Nian traversed the void, his expression utterly calm as he contemplated the world.

However, while Gu Jin Nian walked upon the Heavenly Vault, he suddenly halted, for below lay an Immortal Sect brimming with spiritual energy.

It was the Great Profound Immortal Sect.

Gu Jin Nian fell silent, his gaze turning toward it.

Two Seventh Realm masters—one had fallen, the other was missing—left the Great Profound Immortal Sect in a deathly silence. Though spiritual energy remained abundant, all the advantages the sect had previously built were now utterly gone.

Moreover, when it had forged its advantage, the Great Profound Immortal Sect offended many; unless something unexpected occurs, it will inevitably face trouble ahead.

Just that.

When Gu Jin Nian stopped and stared at the Tai Xuan Immortal Sect, some voices inevitably rose.

The whole world was watching Gu Jin Nian; after he walked out of Pan Shan, many forces began to keep an eye on him.

Now, with Gu Jin Nian above the Tai Xuan Immortal Sect, it naturally provokes some controversy.

People are curious, speculating what Gu Jin Nian intends to do—does he aim to completely annihilate the Tai Xuan Immortal Sect?

The two sides bear a deep hatred; if Gu Jin Nian were to destroy the Tai Xuan Immortal Sect, it would not be shocking—reasonable and justified.

The entire Tai Xuan Immortal Sect felt some dread; all disciples bowed their heads, their hearts trembling, fearing that Gu Jin Nian might truly strike and wipe out the sect—a disaster beyond their control.

However, at that moment, a voice rang out.

"Saint Jin Nian."

"May we convene?"

The voice that sounded was Xu Changge's.

It wasn't extremely familiar, but indeed it was an old friend.

Upon hearing Xu Changge's voice, Gu Jin Nian became slightly silent.

Time flew; in the blink of an eye two years had passed, and counting his arrival in this world, it was actually three years, and his acquaintance with Xu Changge was still brief.

Only two years.

But it must be said that their acquaintance could be considered friendship.

Gu Jin Nian slowly descended from the heavens.

Ignoring the formation, he went straight to a peak of the Tai Xuan Immortal Sect.

Xu Changge, Xu Ya, Shangguan Baiyu, and Zhao Siqing.

Reunited.

Although it was only a brief two years, everything had already changed.

Gu Jin Nian had become a Confucian‑Daoist Saint.

And the four of them, though they had received many benefits from the Great World, were still Fifth Realm Cultivators; even Xu Changge had only just reached the Cave Void Realm.

"We have seen the Saint."

The four spoke and bowed toward Gu Jin Nian.

In two years, the gap between them grew larger.

"No need for formalities, everyone."

"We are acquaintances, friends; no need for such ceremony."

Gu Jin Nian said lightly.

He looked at the four, and some memories floated in his mind.

But Gu Jin Nian also understood why they called out to him—they did not want him to act and destroy the Tai Xuan Immortal Sect.

"Saint Jin Nian, your words carry weight."

Xu Changge spoke slowly, looking at Gu Jin Nian before him; two years ago the gap between them was not great, but after two years everything had changed dramatically.

Meeting each other, indeed, there was an indescribable feeling.

Hearing the saintly honorific, Gu Jin Nian felt some turbulence inside; they had been friends, yet now being addressed this way was not what Gu Jin Nian wanted.

But he understood that the reason was his killing of the Tai Xuan Immortal Sect's Supreme Elder and wounding the Shangqing Daoist.

Both sides bear a grudge.

It is a deep, bitter hatred.

They were born in the Tai Xuan Immortal Sect from childhood, so they naturally have feelings for it; their deeds inevitably affect the sentiments of both sides.

But this is unavoidable.

Naturally, upon meeting again, few smiles could be seen on their faces.

"Rest assured, I will not act against the Tai Xuan Immortal Sect."

"Many things are beyond one's control."

"You and I are still friends."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, expressing his thoughts: he would not trouble the Tai Xuan Immortal Sect, as long as it remained normal and did not stand opposite him. Hearing this, Xu Changge and the other three all nodded.

"Saint Jin Nian."

"We understand, but some matters are also beyond our control."

"In this matter there is no right or wrong; we cannot blame anyone, yet we must not forget the gratitude of being raised."

"We ask the Saint for forgiveness."

Xu Changge opened his mouth and also voiced his thoughts.

They knew the whole background of this affair and understood Gu Jin Nian's dilemma; the event had already occurred, and they were clear that in the future they would not stir up trouble.

"Yes."

Gu Jin Nian nodded; receiving this answer, he was satisfied.

Thus, Gu Jin Nian said nothing more, and Xu Changge and the three led him on a tour of the Tai Xuan Immortal Sect's mountains and rivers.

They admired the scenery.

Finally, atop a summit, watching the endless sunset, Gu Jin Nian could not help but speak slowly.

"The true Great World is about to arrive."

"We can choose to cooperate with the Da Xia Dynasty."

"When we meet again, perhaps there will be earth‑shaking upheavals, but rest assured, if danger arises, call my name."

"I will appear and help you."

"Not to waste a friend's effort."

Gu Jin Nian spoke; he did not tell them all the information, lest they become too nervous, but regarding the future situation, Gu Jin Nian still revealed some, giving them a bit of preparation.

So that they would not be unable to bear it all at once.

"Fine."

"Thank you, Saint Jin Nian."

"If in the future you need our help, just speak, Saint."

He opened his mouth to speak and also made a promise.

The grudges between the two sides were erased in one stroke.

"Thanks."

"If fate permits, farewell."

Having received the reply, Gu Jin Nian did not chatter; his figure vanished on the spot, leaving the four in silence.

For some reason, after Gu Jin Nian disappeared, the four felt a touch of melancholy; looking back, it seemed as if they were at Da Xia Academy, as if they were seeing Gu Jin Nian for the first time.

At that time, there were at least fewer matters, and the relationship was good—they were friends.

Gu Jin Nian left the Tai Xuan Immortal Sect.

The world breathed a sigh of relief; no new bloodshed occurred. In fact, for all under heaven, they did not wish any more wars.

With the Great Era arriving, if new wars broke out, the unlucky ones would still be the people of the world.

That's it.

Gu Jin Nian kept rushing toward Central Continent.

At this very moment.

Central Continent Dynasty.

Civil and military officials, rarely together, stood outside the Hall of Unity of the Four Seas; on both sides stood also a 200,000-strong army in black armor, guarding the hall's four sides, their stances like spears, appearing extremely solemn and serious.

Because rumors were circulating.

Gu Jin Nian was coming to the Central Continent Dynasty.

The Central Continent Great Emperor, in the honor of a National Teacher, received Gu Jin Nian; this is the current stature of Gu Jin Nian.

These people have been here since yesterday, waiting.

And at this very moment.

The scorching sun hung in the sky.

A figure appeared in the sky above the Central Continent Dynasty.

It was Gu Jin Nian's silhouette.

He arrived outside the palace, without any overstepping, giving face to the Central Continent emperor.

"Respectfully welcome the saint."

Just as Gu Jin Nian had just descended, a resonant voice rang out.

Soon, voices kept sounding.

They sounded solemn, serious, earnest.

In an instant, the war drums sounded, announcing the great event.

Now the Da Xia Dynasty has indirectly completed the unification of the Eastern Wilderness, and with two saints, especially Gu Jin Nian, it has dazzled the age.

In the near future, the Da Xia Dynasty will inevitably surpass the Central Continent Dynasty.

This is known to everyone and is indisputable.

Thus people have many speculations; before the Central Continent Dynasty there are only two options: one, to cooperate with the Da Xia Dynasty, but in that case the Da Xia Dynasty would inevitably surpass the Central Continent Dynasty, which for the Central Continent Dynasty would be tantamount to voluntarily giving up the hope of being the number‑one dynasty under heaven.

The second option is to leverage previous advantages and fight the Da Xia Dynasty; although the chance of success is small, the Central Continent Dynasty, after all, has many unknown trump cards.

But if they do so, the world would enter conflict early; it might not even require ancient heroes to appear—the world would already be filled with slaughter.

No one wishes that, except for a few ill‑intented individuals.

And at that moment, the Central Continent Great Emperor's voice rose unbidden.

"Please, saint, enter the hall for a meal."

It was the Central Continent Great Emperor's voice, granting Gu Jin Nian the utmost respect, inviting him to gather in the hall and dine together.

The voice sounded.

Outside the palace, eunuchs bowed their heads; they dared not look directly at Gu Jin Nian, respectfully inviting him to enter the hall.

Gu Jin Nian said nothing.

This Central Continent emperor had heard some rumors; indeed, he was extraordinary.

He walked step by step.

"Respectfully welcome the saint!"

People on both sides kept raising their voices, appearing especially reverent.

Soon.

Gu Jin Nian entered the great hall.

Inside the cold, black Hall of Unity of the Four Seas, the atmosphere was especially solemn and dignified.

In the hall, the Central Continent Great Emperor sat quietly, appearing exceptionally calm; he wore black, his features ordinary, yet exuded an indescribable imperial aura that surpassed that of my own uncle.

To be frank, with just one glance, Gu Jin Nian felt an inexplicable sensation; he felt his uncle could not compare to this Central Continent Great Emperor.

He even thought that, were it not for the advent of the Great Era, his Da Xia Dynasty would certainly not match the Central Continent Dynasty.

Of course, setting aside his own factors, that does not count.

When Gu Jin Nian appeared, he stood up and gave Gu Jin Nian a slight bow.

He is an emperor.

But after seeing Gu Jin Nian, he still has to bow once or twice, because Gu Jin Nian is a sage.

An emperor must also respect a sage.

"I have met the Great Emperor."

Since the other party shows such respect to him, Gu Jin Nian could not appear casual.

"The sage is being courteous."

"I, the throne, have long wished to meet with the sage; today the dream finally comes true."

He spoke, looking at Gu Jin Nian, but his tone was not overly excited or agitated; the emperor's aura did not diminish at all.

Even though he faced a sage.

"I have also long heard of the Great Emperor's bearing; seeing you today, indeed extraordinary."

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

And His Highness has already set the banquet table.

"The sage's words are weighty."

The Central Continent Great Emperor spoke, then extended his hand, inviting Gu Jin Nian to sit.

As Gu Jin Nian sat down, several eunuchs came over and brought some old bowls.

But when Gu Jin Nian lowered his head to look,

inside the bowls and chopsticks were some black substances, very viscous, with some leaves, emitting a pungent odor.

Gu Jin Nian was a bit surprised; he looked up, and the Central Continent Great Emperor had already begun the meal, showing no sign of disgust, chewing bite after bite repeatedly.

In an instant.

Gu Jin Nian fell silent.

He began to understand why his uncle admired this Great Emperor; such aura truly is unique.

But it was only a momentary surprise.

Gu Jin Nian did not chatter; he directly lifted the bowl and chopsticks and began eating.

Indeed, the taste was terrible.

So terrible that Gu Jin Nian frowned.

Yet Gu Jin Nian still ate it, chewing repeatedly, savoring it; the flavor was not merely bitter, but a strange, especially odd taste in his mouth.

The first bite made Gu Jin Nian frown.

The second bite, Gu Jin Nian's brows slowly relaxed.

The third and fourth bites, Gu Jin Nian was truly savoring.

After finishing a bowl, Gu Jin Nian slowly spoke.

"May I have another bowl?"

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

Hearing this, atop the dragon throne, the Central Continent Great Emperor was somewhat surprised; he also dined with many, but most people find the first bite unbearably terrible and, because of his own reasons, usually swallow the bowl.

Only Gu Jin Nian was willing to try a second bowl.

The Central Continent Great Emperor nodded, and the eunuchs promptly brought the second bowl.

This time Gu Jin Nian was even more meticulous, savoring it bit by bit.

Until the end, Gu Jin Nian let out a long sigh.

"The suffering of the common people of the world is far more cruel than I imagined."

"The student comprehends."

Gu Jin Nian rose, instantly understanding what the Central Continent Great Emperor's arrangement meant.

How could the Central Continent Dynasty lack chefs who can cook tasty meals?

This bowl of rice is what the poorest common folk of the world eat; more precisely, it represents a group of the most destitute people.

Only by experiencing it oneself can one know how much the people suffer.

At that moment, Gu Jin Nian bowed to the Central Continent Great Emperor.

He called himself a student.

Displaying the sage's demeanor.

Hearing this, the Central Continent Great Emperor also stood up, his eyes filled with amazement as he looked at Gu Jin Nian and could not help speaking.

"I, having reigned for so many years, have seen countless kinds of people—Confucian and Daoist geniuses, celestial heroes—but I have never encountered an existence like that of a sage."

"This bowl of rice truly is the daily fare of the world's impoverished folk; it is bitter rice."

"The sage uses this rice to comprehend the people's suffering, and even calls himself a student; I truly admire him—able to take up and set down, I respect him."

The Central Continent Great Emperor spoke.

After saying this, he slowly stepped down from the dragon throne and came before Gu Jin Nian.

"Sage."

"My invitation today actually involved two preparations."

"I wonder if the sage is willing to listen?"

The Central Continent Great Emperor spoke, looking at Gu Jin Nian as he said.

"Please speak."

Gu Jin Nian asked.

"The great world conflict is approaching; the Central Continent Dynasty cannot afford not to fight. My greatest dream is to bring lasting peace to all ages."

"Therefore, I plan, in a few days, to launch a full-scale war, annihilate all forces, and achieve great unification."

"I greatly like the sage's words—'the script should be uniform, the wheels should run on the same tracks.' I want a great unification of the world; only then will there be no war, no displaced people, no cannibalism, and the people's suffering will not be unbearable."

"This is my first thought: to stop war with war!"

"And my second thought is to replace it."

"The realm will produce capable people; what I cannot accomplish will not hinder others. As long as the world is at peace, I do not care who will dominate the future."

"What I hope for is a peaceful world, free of any suffering, where the people live and work in safety, and all rejoice with laughter."

"I am willing to pray for peace for all under heaven, and to make any sacrifice."

The Great Emperor of Zhongzhou spoke, voicing his thoughts.

But this idea left Gu Jin Nian standing dumbfounded, finding it unbelievable.

The Great Emperor of Zhongzhou's ideas and vision were shocking.

The first kind, which Gu Jin Nian acknowledges, is also the thought of many emperors: unify the world, set rules, let the people live and work in peace, spare them the suffering of war, and enable a stable life.

The second kind, however, transcends an emperor's thinking.

An emperor.

Isn't the greatest dream to unify the world, to be praised by future generations, and to make one's dynasty immortal for ten thousand ages?

But today.

The Great Emperor of Zhongzhou actually voiced such thoughts.

He does not care who will dominate the world.

Whether it's the Da Xia Dynasty or the Zhongzhou Dynasty.

As long as the people of the world suffer no hardship or war, he is satisfied.

Such a vision, such a spirit, can be called a timeless emperor.

In a sense, this is the true sage.

In an instant.

Gu Jin Nian's gaze flickered; around the Great Emperor of Zhongzhou was genuine true‑dragon qi, something even his own uncle had never manifested.

Indeed! Unbelievable.

At that moment, the Zhongzhou Emperor looked at Gu Jin Nian and slowly began to speak.

"I have been wavering between these two choices all along."

"As for selfish desire, I have it. Let me ask: who does not wish to become a timeless emperor? Who does not hope to be praised by posterity?"

"But I have my own thought: my greatest dream is everlasting peace for ten thousand ages."

"Gu Sheng."

"Your appearance today, your performance today, have erased the last trace of human desire in me."

"I wish to join forces with you."

"Together we will resist future changes; as for the great world of the future, who will rise or fall, that is not my concern."

The Great Emperor of Zhongzhou spoke.

He revealed the purpose of inviting Gu Jin Nian.

Join forces!

The Zhongzhou Dynasty and the Da Xia Dynasty join forces.

Hearing this, Gu Jin Nian nodded; when he arrived, he had guessed some things, but he did not expect the Zhongzhou Emperor to have such boldness.

Just hearing this, Gu Jin Nian could not help but speak out.

"Great Emperor."

"The great upheaval of the future may not be something the Da Xia Dynasty and the Zhongzhou Dynasty can withstand."

"It may be very difficult."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, his mood heavy; the Thunder Tribe had already told him about the situation of the Five Ancient Races.

As of now.

All the human races together have only a ten‑percent chance; the focus remains on top combat power.

But as soon as this was said, the Great Emperor of Zhongzhou slowly responded.

"It was the Thunder Tribe that told you the Five Ancient Races are powerful, right?"

He said.

"Yes."

Gu Jin Nian nodded.

And his gaze instantly became exceedingly solemn.

"Gu Sheng."

"Remember!"

"Always trust in your own strength; the Thunder Tribe does not lie. I believe them, but I know even more that humanity can overcome heaven."

"I was once a humble hostage to another nation; who could have thought that I would gradually become the emperor of Zhongzhou?"

"Moreover, what can the ancient strong ones do?"

"Their era has passed."

"Now is our era."

"Belief can transcend everything."

"Only by believing in one's invincibility can one cut all shackles."

"Furthermore!"

"On what grounds do you claim that future generations have no trump card?"

The Great Emperor of the Central Continent displayed an exceptionally domineering aura.

His gaze devoured mountains and rivers, his aura seemed invincible.

It gives people an indescribable might.

It also possesses an indescribable grandeur.

It influences the people around him.

Indeed!

Who says humanity cannot?

Nothing in this world is absolute.

Only belief can defeat all enemies.

However, what shocked Gu Jin Nian most was the last words of the Great Emperor of the Central Continent.

Who says later generations have no trump cards?

At that moment, Gu Jin Nian guessed what it was.

"May I ask, Your Majesty, do you have a way to save humanity?"

Gu Jin Nian inquired.

However, the Great Emperor of the Central Continent did not answer directly, but looked at Gu Jin Nian and met his gaze.

"Saint Gu."

"I only ask you one question."

"Do you have the resolve to bring eternal peace to all generations?"

"Even if it means sacrificing everything?"

"Even if the enemies we face are horrifically overwhelming?"

The latter spoke, asking Gu Jin Nian.

Faced with such a question.

Gu Jin Nian hardly hesitated, locking eyes with the Great Emperor of the Central Continent.

His tone was extremely firm.

"Yes!"

(End of chapter)