Chapter 243

Listening to Gu Jin Nian's answer, the Emperor of Zhongzhou nodded in great satisfaction.

Immediately afterward, he looked at Gu Jin Nian and spoke slowly.

"Gu Sheng, you ought to know about the Nine Tripods, right?"

The Emperor of Zhongzhou inquired, bringing up the Nine Tripods.

"I know."

"National Fortune Nine Tripods."

Gu Jin Nian nodded; he still knew about the Nine Tripods.

The Da Xia Dynasty possesses the Leaving Yang Tripod, which can temper objects and alter matter.

"The National Fortune Nine Tripods are the ultimate weapon against the ancient races."

"They are also the divine artifacts of this era."

"Gu Sheng, there are some things I don't know if you understand; do you know why the seven systems all have nine supreme artifacts?"

The Emperor of Zhongzhou spoke, revealing part of the truth, causing Gu Jin Nian to feel surprised.

The seven cultivation systems each possess nine supreme artifacts; Gu Jin Nian knows this, but he truly does not know why they exist.

"Please, Your Majesty, enlighten me."

Gu Jin Nian spoke up and asked.

As soon as he said that, the other party spoke slowly.

"Since the dawn of chaos, when demons were born and became the masters of heaven and earth, heaven and earth condensed nine demonic divine artifacts."

"Then came the flourishing of the Dao of Immortals, followed by the flourishing of the Buddha Dao; heaven and earth would accordingly forge supreme artifacts."

"I surmise that whoever is endorsed by Heaven's Mandate, heaven and earth will forge nine artifacts for them, gaining the blessing of Heaven's Mandate."

"Throughout history, the seven systems have each become hegemons, but eventually they were surpassed; yet in no era has there been a trace of a dynasty."

"Just consider: if the immortal sect teems with strong cultivators, with hundreds of seventh-realm experts, how could a mundane dynasty possibly withstand them?"

"In the face of absolute power, a million-strong army or ten thousand cavalry are merely a thought's difference for these experts."

"But this era is different; the Nine Tripods are the dynasty's strongest foundation and also the most terrifying great weapon for a mundane dynasty."

The Emperor of Zhongzhou spoke, informing of the extraordinary nature of the Nine Tripods.

"In other words, the Nine Tripods arise from fortune and are weapons to resist top-tier combat power?"

Gu Jin Nian followed the Emperor of Zhongzhou's speculation and voiced his own understanding.

"Indeed!"

"The National Fortune Nine Tripods are respectively named the Eastern Wilderness Tripod, Southern Barbarian Tripod, Western Desert Tripod, Northern River Tripod, Zhongzhou Tripod, Qingzhou Tripod, Leaving Yang Tripod, Heaven-Earth Tripod, and Creation Tripod."

"Each tripod possesses extraordinary power; I roughly know that the Da Xia Dynasty possesses the Leaving Yang Tripod, which has a certain tempering ability that lets an ordinary mundane weapon undergo transformation, becoming ten times sharper than ordinary weapons."

"Right?"

The Emperor of Zhongzhou mentioned the Leaving Yang Tripod.

Gu Jin Nian nodded, not denying this.

"Since I ascended the throne, I have been searching for the whereabouts of the Nine Tripods; to this day, I have already collected three tripods."

"The Northern River Tripod, the Qingzhou Tripod, and the Zhongzhou Tripod."

"The Great Jin Dynasty possesses the Eastern Wilderness Tripod; I have known this for a long time."

"I have also located the Southern Barbarian Tripod; if nothing unexpected happens, I will obtain it within three months."

"Currently, the Western Desert Tripod, Heaven-Earth Tripod, Creation Tripod, and the Leaving Yang Tripod have no trace; the Da Xia Dynasty should possess the Leaving Yang Tripod, which means we are still missing three tripods."

"As long as we quickly find these three tripods and unleash their function, we can truly have the foundation to wage war against the ancient races."

The Emperor of Zhongzhou spoke, informing Gu Jin Nian of this matter.

"Nine Tripods?"

"May I ask Your Majesty, what exactly is the power of these Nine Tripods?"

Gu Jin Nian asked curiously.

"Through some books I learned that the Nine Tripods are divided into State Tripods, Human Tripods, and Immortal Tripods."

"The State Tripods are the Eastern Wilderness Tripod, Western Desert Tripod, and Northern River Tripod; the Eastern Wilderness Tripod can hasten grain ripening and alter grain seeds, giving rise to Great Golden Dragon Rice; if one eats Great Golden Dragon Rice daily, it strengthens the body surpassing precious medicines."

"The Western Desert Tripod can dispel all resentment and grudges, making people calm and harmonious, condensing the power of good thoughts to transform heaven and earth; have you not noticed that although the great age has descended, the Western Desert has been renewed anew, but in fact prior to this, the Western Desert has been gradually improving, and at intervals oases appear?"

The Emperor of Zhongzhou spoke, explaining.

Upon hearing this, Gu Jin Nian nodded; indeed, the facts are exactly so.

"As for the Northern River Tripod, it commands the power to move mountains and seas, able to shift mountains and fill oceans, altering the grand forces of heaven and earth."

"You can understand it as: the Eastern Wilderness Tripod hastens growth, the Western Desert Tripod turns decay into marvel, and the Northern River Tripod alters the mountains and rivers of heaven and earth."

"These are the State Tripods, which revolve around the dynasty."

"As for the Human Tripods, they are respectively the Leaving Yang Tripod, the Qingzhou Tripod, and the Southern Barbarian Tripod."

"The Leaving Yang Tripod can temper all things; its core is tempering the fleshly body until the body becomes immortal."

"The Qingzhou Tripod can strengthen the primordial spirit, making it indestructible and the spirit invincible."

"The Southern Barbarian Tripod can enhance fortune, a person's fortune, continuous and enduring, exclusively occupying Heaven's Mandate."

The Emperor of Zhongzhou stated the functions of the Human Tripods, causing Gu Jin Nian to click his tongue in amazement.

"He possesses the Leaving Yang Tripod, yet he never expected its function to be tempering the fleshly body? He had always thought this thing was for tempering weapons, enhancing arms."

"As if guessing what Gu Jin Nian was thinking, he then spoke up."

"I know that the emperors of Da Xia used the Leaving Yang Tripod to temper the Da Xia Dragon Cannon; they did not expect it could temper the fleshly body, but in fact, the Leaving Yang Tripod is a Human Tripod, most suitable for tempering the martial path."

"Moreover, it is not only you who can temper; it can allow many people to temper together, the price being the power of public sentiment, which every great dynasty possesses; especially you, the public sentiment within you is nearly equivalent to that of an entire dynasty."

"If you truly undergo the tempering, the eventual benefits are beyond my imagination."

And the Immortal Three Tripods are the Zhongzhou Tripod, the Creation Tripod, and the Qiankun Tripod.

The reason it is called the Immortal Three Tripods is that these three tripods each possess extraordinary power. The Zhongzhou Tripod can observe the future and discern danger; the Qiankun Tripod can be reforged, like taking an ordinary long sword and a peerless sword and reforging them so the peerless sword absorbs the ordinary sword's abilities—though the gain is only a sliver, it can be increased continuously. As for the Creation Tripod, it is extremely terrifying; possessing the Creation Tripod grants the power of creation, but I do not know exactly what ability that entails, and one must obtain it to understand.

The Great Emperor of Zhongzhou spoke of the Immortal Three Tripods.

He then continued speaking.

My intention is simple: use the National Three Tripods to improve all under heaven, so that every commoner can eat a full meal, create oases, allow the human race to thrive endlessly, then alter the great landscape, cooperate with technique, and launch a counterattack.

The Human Three Tripods are used to create an invincible human, the Li Yang Tripod, the Qingzhou Tripod, and the Southern Barbarian Tripod; united as one, the flesh becomes immortal, the primordial spirit indestructible, and the fortune everlasting.

As for the Immortal Three Tripods, they forge a peerless divine artifact, and together with the Zhongzhou Tripod to observe the future and discern opportunities; thus, even under the oppression of ancient tribes, the people of the world would not fear.

As for what the Creation Tripod is, I do not know, but it must have a marvelous use.

What do you think?

The Great Emperor of Zhongzhou spoke, revealing his thoughts.

Gu Jin Nian could not help but ponder, considering whether this method would work.

Upon careful thought, the idea was indeed good.

The Da Xia Dynasty and the Zhongzhou Dynasty cooperated to improve the people's lives, ensuring they had abundant clothing and food, thereby generating a continuous flow of public opinion.

In this way, using the Human Three Tripods to transform oneself into the strongest human being, it is equivalent to concentrating all power, shedding one's old self, and completing the final metamorphosis.

Ultimately, by cooperating with the Immortal Three Tripods, seizing the initiative, and forging a supreme divine artifact, it is quite good.

Yet Gu Jin Nian still could not help but voice his concerns.

May I ask, Great Emperor, what does cooperating with technique mean?

Also, how does one forge a supreme divine weapon?

As for it, who controls the Human Three Tripods?

Gu Jin Nian asked curiously.

Hearing this, the Great Emperor of Zhongzhou responded with great authority.

Among the seven great systems, technique is actually the one many overlook; this system once reached its pinnacle.

He spoke, bringing up technique.

Regarding technique, Gu Jin Nian knew it referred to "formations"; the Spirit‑Gathering Formation is a formation, and both immortal sects, Buddhist sects, and even martial masters involve formations, as do dynasties and nations.

But the Great Emperor of Zhongzhou was correct; technique has always been ignored: "Ordinary cultivators use formations to aid cultivation, or set up mountain‑protecting formations, or some offensive formations, but these are merely common techniques."

I have studied the Way of Technique; the true Path of Technique has seven levels.

Formation Realm: using immortal relics to evolve formations; the method is simple and easy to break.

Formation Device Realm: using formation devices to establish formation eyes, evolving formations; complex and profound.

Formation Spirit Realm: using the spiritual qi of heaven and earth to establish formations, capable of multiple formation eyes, endlessly wondrous.

Formation Heart Realm: a mere hand raise can set a formation, one's own body becomes a formation eye, hard to break, continuous.

Formation King Realm: leveraging heaven, earth, and mountains to lay terrifying formations; once entered, can annihilate a hundred thousand troops.

Formation Emperor Realm: mountains, rivers, sun and moon all become formation devices; mastering the great forces of heaven and earth, a flick of the finger can wipe out a million troops.

Formation Immortal Realm: human hearts and public opinion across ages can draw upon all great forces to lay heavenly formations, exterminating every enemy throughout history.

This is the might and terror of the Path of Technique, yet the decline of this lineage is not due to loss of transmission nor lack of gifted individuals, but because it requires great power to assist.

Just as the Formation King Realm can use heaven, earth, and mountains to set formations, the problem is that these elements may not align perfectly; thus, to truly wield the power of the Formation King Realm, one must master the power to alter mountains and rivers, and reaching this realm requires at least the seven realms of the Immortal Path.

Therefore, the Technique lineage has utterly declined, but the Beichuan Tripod among the Nine Tripods can perfectly achieve this.

Hence, I am confident to declare war on the ancient tribes.

The Great Emperor of Zhongzhou voiced his thoughts and also explained the terror of the Path of Technique.

Gu Jin Nian listened, exclaiming in amazement repeatedly.

As for forging a supreme divine weapon, my idea is straightforward: don't the seven great systems each have nine supreme artifacts? Take them all, refine them into a single divine weapon, what do you think?

The Great Emperor of Zhongzhou was indeed terrifying; Gu Jin Nian had thought it was about collecting weapons of the world to forge a treasure.

But unexpectedly, the Great Emperor of Zhongzhou was extremely direct, intending to gather all nine artifacts and forge a peerless treasure.

However, if the Qiankun Tripod truly exists, it could be tried; each of the nine supreme artifacts possesses terrifying power, and if all nine are merged, the forged divine weapon would likely become the world's foremost divine weapon.

At that moment, who could stand in the way?

The last line spoken by Gu Sheng asks, who controls the Dragon Tripod?

My meaning is clear; does Gu Sheng still not understand?

The Great Emperor of Zhongzhou looked at Gu Jin Nian, his meaning expressed very directly.

It is to give Gu Jin Nian.

Rally the power of the world to assist Gu Jin Nian in becoming the strongest of later generations.

But even though the words reached this point, Gu Jin Nian was still straightforward, looking at the other and asking.

Then, Great Emperor, what do you mean?

Although Gu Jin Nian understood the other's implication, since it concerned the future, he did not want such a vague answer; he wanted it stated plainly, which would be better.

Hearing this, the Great Emperor of Zhongzhou did not conceal anything, and looked directly at Gu Jin Nian, saying.

My meaning is simple.

I will cooperate with you, Gu Jin Nian!

Also cooperate with the Da Xia Dynasty.

Do something that no one will believe, nor will anyone dare to believe.

I will hand over all three Tripods I possess to you; together we will force the Great Jin Dynasty to surrender the Fifth Tripod.

I will also procure the Southern Barbarian Tripod for you; as for the final three Tripods, I know where one of them is, and that place also holds what you desire.

I will assist you, fighting to save the human race.

"But I have only one request."

When the Zhongzhou Emperor said this, his gaze suddenly became razor‑sharp.

"Please speak plainly, Emperor."

Gu Jin Nian opened his mouth; he truly had not expected that the Zhongzhou Emperor would be so magnanimous, handing over all three Tripods he controlled, even having arranged everything for him.

"No matter how great the difficulties you may face in the future, no matter how tragic the times, you must stand at the forefront."

"And regardless of how many favors the enemy may grant you, you must never forget your original aspiration."

"I have said before that I care not for how the future turns; what I seek is peace under heaven, so I am willing to sacrifice, I also dare to gamble, placing everything on you, betting for a bright world."

"But what I fear most is not losing; it is facing difficulty and choosing to let go."

The Zhongzhou Emperor said earnestly.

The Emperor's aura deeply shocked Gu Jin Nian.

"Please, Emperor, rest assured."

"Gu's ambition has already been declared, willing to bring peace for ten thousand generations; no matter how difficult the road ahead, Gu will certainly not give up."

"Even if I know the path leads only to death, Gu will never fear."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, his tone resonant and forceful.

The four lines of Hengqu were not his words, yet the spirit of those four lines is what Gu Jin Nian embraces; it is also the Dao in Gu's heart.

"Establish the heart for Heaven and Earth! Establish destiny for the living people! Inherit the lost teachings of the past saints!"

"Open peace for ten thousand generations!"

"Very well."

"If that is so, take these three Tripods."

"I look forward to your rise, and also look forward to how those lofty Ancient Tribes will despair in your hands."

"I will make them know that future generations are not as wretched as they imagine."

The Zhongzhou Emperor spoke; after finishing, he waved his hand, and three small Tripods floated before Gu Jin Nian.

They are the Zhongzhou Tripod, the Beichuan Tripod, the Qingzhou Tripod, and additionally Gu Jin Nian's Liyang Tripod—four National Fortune Dragon Tripods in total.

Gu Jin Nian did not act pretentiously; he directly accepted these three National Fortune Tripods.

Upon receiving the three National Fortune Tripods, Gu Jin Nian could feel that they bore no trace; the Zhongzhou Emperor truly possessed overwhelming aura, giving them without hesitation.

Such aura alone, across the ages, makes a person of this caliber rare to find.

But from a macro perspective, the Zhongzhou Emperor can indeed only cooperate with Gu Jin Nian; today's Zhongzhou Dynasty, whether it surpasses the Da Xia Dynasty or not, even with many hidden assets.

One could push aside the Da Xia Dynasty, so what? Who is the greatest enemy now? It is the Ancient Tribes, not the Da Xia Dynasty. In this situation, even if the Zhongzhou Dynasty defeats the Da Xia Dynasty, what then? Even a unification of the world would only add a joke; once the five great Ancient Tribes emerge, all these things become fleeting.

The facts are indeed as such, but in practice?

How many emperors can, when they cannot achieve something themselves, let others achieve it? There is a saying: better give to foreign lands than to one's own slaves. Throughout history, how many dynasties have acted thus? Better to cede territory and pay reparations to outsiders than to give anything to one's own people. Are such incidents rare? The Zhongzhou Emperor's conduct surpasses all emperors.

"Please, Emperor, rest assured."

"If I can bring peace for ten thousand generations, Gu wishes to inscribe four characters for the Emperor in the Ancient Chronicles."

Gu Jin Nian bowed once toward the Zhongzhou Emperor.

The other's magnanimity completely won Gu Jin Nian's respect.

Hearing this, the Zhongzhou Emperor shook his head.

"I do not care for empty fame."

"One's deeds after death will be judged by later generations."

The Zhongzhou Emperor spoke; he was straightforward, not making a fuss about the three Tripods, and continued speaking to Gu Jin Nian.

"The South Barbarian Tripod lies among the South Barbarians; I plan, in a few days, to retake the South Barbarians and retrieve the South Barbarian Tripod."

"As for the remaining four Tripods, the Great Jin Dynasty will hand over the Eastern Wilderness Tripod, leaving three Tripods."

"The Western Desert Tripod, the Creation Tripod, and the Heaven‑and‑Earth Tripod."

"If nothing goes awry, the Heaven‑and‑Earth Tripod should appear within the Taihao Immortal Realm, and within that realm lies the inheritance of the Dao of Techniques; in the coming days the Taihao Immortal Realm will open, and you must spend some time to obtain the Dao of Techniques inheritance, plus the National Fortune Dragon Tripod."

The Zhongzhou Emperor has already prepared everything for Gu Jin Nian, including the tasks ahead; he is indeed very meticulous.

"Understood."

"However, I intend to go to Western Zhou Mountain; may I ask, Emperor, whether you know anything about Western Zhou Mountain?"

Gu Jin Nian asked.

"That, I am not clear on."

"I have only heard bits of legend about Western Zhou Mountain."

The Zhongzhou Emperor shook his head; even he does not know the affairs of Western Zhou Mountain.

"Got it."

Gu Jin Nian asked no further questions; then the Zhongzhou Emperor, unreservedly, led Gu Jin Nian up to the Great Hall and began to lay out his plan.

The Zhongzhou Emperor made a very detailed plan, roughly covering two aspects.

The grand scheme for people's livelihood, and the matters of dealing with the Ancient Tribes.

Gu Jin Nian watched the Zhongzhou Emperor's plan attentively, also pointing out some issues; a most honored emperor of the world and a great sage exchanged thoughts in the Great Hall for a full day and night.

Finally, the Zhongzhou Emperor slowly spoke.

"If nothing goes awry, the Ancient Tribes are likely to emerge within the next half‑year; if the worst‑case scenario occurs and the Ancient Tribes revive together, that would be trouble."

"Gu Saint, I have an idea: you must promptly go into the Taihao Immortal Realm, obtain the National Fortune Dragon Tripod, and also inherit the Dao of Techniques divine power; as a saint, mastering the ultimate teachings is not difficult."

"If you master the supreme Dao of Techniques, pre‑arrange a deadly formation, and see if you can open the battle by heavily crushing them, then you can suppress them fiercely, preventing them from causing disaster after they emerge."

The Zhongzhou Emperor voiced his idea, using the great Dao of Techniques to suppress them forcefully.

"Very well."

"But we still have to wait until we emerge from the Immortal Realm, after all we might not be able to obtain the inheritance."

Gu Jin Nian nodded; he agreed to the plan, yet even with his agreement he still had to wait and see.

"Alright."

"Then I, the Emperor, will wait for your good news."

"The token of the Taihao Immortal Realm is here with me; you take it. When the Immortal Realm opens, the token will activate automatically. After you crush it, you can enter the Taihao Immortal Realm."

The Zhongzhou Great Emperor nodded as he said so.

"Yes."

"But, Great Emperor, Gu wishes to ask: is the invasion of the Southern Barbarians inhumane?"

In fact, regarding the Zhongzhou Great Emperor's overall plan, Gu Jin Nian had no major issues, but only concerning this invasion of the Southern Barbarians did Gu Jin Nian still feel some worry.

Once the Zhongzhou Dynasty invades the Southern Barbarians, it will inevitably bring bloodshed and turmoil; moreover, it could likely cause huge trouble.

Hearing this, the Zhongzhou Great Emperor shook his head.

"Gu Sheng, as a saint, I won't say much, but you once said something that I have kept in mind."

"Killing to protect life."

"Severing karma is not severing people."

"This invasion will inevitably bring bloodshed, but with the Zhongzhou Dynasty joining forces with the Da Xia Dynasty, the Southern Barbarian states will not dare to resist; leveraging the great trend, we can also avoid unnecessary casualties."

"But if they truly refuse to obey, then there is only one path left, and that is killing."

"If we do not reclaim the Southern Barbarians, the Southern Barbarians' cauldron will never appear. Not killing today means killing tomorrow; must we wait until the ancient tribes massacre the world before we act in resistance?"

"Gu Sheng, you are a saint, I know you have compassion, but you are also a marquis of the Da Xia Dynasty, and you understand even more that war is for a future without war, and killing is for a future without killing." The Zhongzhou Great Emperor said earnestly.

If the person before me were not Gu Jin Nian but anyone else, the Zhongzhou Great Emperor would reprimand them, but he does not reprimand Gu Jin Nian, because Gu Jin Nian is a saint with compassion; this is reasonable.

Hearing this, Gu Jin Nian let out a deep sigh.

The Zhongzhou Great Emperor's words were without any error; he was right—killing is for a future without killing, war is for a future without war!

"Student, you have attained insight."

"Thank you, Emperor, for your instruction."

Gu Jin Nian bowed once to the Zhongzhou Great Emperor; sometimes excessive mercy harms more people.

Furthermore, the Zhongzhou Great Emperor spoke plainly: the Da Xia Dynasty and the Zhongzhou Dynasty have formed an alliance, marching into the Southern Barbarians; at this time, if the Southern Barbarian states still wish to resist, they are indeed courting death.

Many things are beyond one's control; to achieve peace, sacrifices must be made.

Thus, the two bid farewell.

Gu Jin Nian left the Zhongzhou Dynasty; his next target was the West Zhou Mountain.

He went to the West Zhou Mountain to see that presence.

And after Gu Jin Nian departed.

In less than half an hour, the Zhongzhou Dynasty issued a royal decree that set the world ablaze.

The Zhongzhou Dynasty and the Da Xia Dynasty decided to join forces, establishing the World Alliance, setting up five alliances: Zhongzhou, Da Xia, Western Desert, Southern Barbarians, and the Extreme North.

Those who join the World Alliance become one body, jointly resisting the great future changes of heaven and earth.

After this news spread, it sparked huge controversy; all major powers across the world cheered, while since Gu Jin Nian arrived at the Zhongzhou Dynasty and met the Zhongzhou Great Emperor, the world's people were in a very uneasy state.

They hoped the two would not quarrel, lest further disputes arise, for the suffering would then fall upon the common folk.

After all, during this period, many have spoken out, believing the two would inevitably see talks break down.

The reason is simple: the Da Xia Dynasty, a rising power, is gradually overtaking the Zhongzhou Dynasty in status and strength; would the former hegemon Zhongzhou Dynasty silently endure?

Thus the two great dynasties would not be satisfied with each other; under such circumstances, talks would inevitably collapse, and the final result would be civil war.

But what no one expected was that the two nations would form an alliance, which surprised everyone.

Who could have imagined that the Zhongzhou Dynasty and the Da Xia Dynasty would ally?

Nevertheless, this development allowed the world's people to finally breathe a sigh of relief; no hostility, even a strong alliance to jointly resist future great enemies.

However, before the world could relax, an hour later the Zhongzhou Dynasty and the Da Xia Dynasty jointly issued another royal decree.

Jointly marching into the Southern Barbarians.

This news left the world's people at a loss for words.

The Da Xia Dynasty and the Zhongzhou Dynasty are currently the two strongest dynasties on the Divine Continent; if they join forces, they become an invincible power capable of sweeping everything aside, except the ancient tribes.

Now, the two great dynasties have just allied; people thought it would lead to a unified world, but unexpectedly they immediately moved to seize the Southern Barbarians' territory.

No one knows what they are thinking.

If the alliance is meant for cooperation, why launch a declaration of war? This is already a tumultuous season; adding this, no one can resist.

But the most terrified are the Southern Barbarian states.

They did not expect that the Da Xia Dynasty and the Zhongzhou Dynasty joining forces would point the spear directly at them; today is a sleepless night for the Southern Barbarian states.

But for Gu Jin Nian.

These matters no longer concern him; he heads straight for the West Zhou Mountain.

Gu Jin Nian moved quickly, arriving at the West Zhou Mountain early.

He stood at the foot of the West Zhou Mountain.

The ancient mountain body exuded an indescribable aura; looking up, the peaks pierced the clouds, appearing immensely grand, leaving a deep shock.

For some reason, standing at the foot of the West Zhou Mountain, Gu Jin Nian felt an inexplicable palpitations; the peak seemed to possess a magical force that inspired awe.

"Student Gu Jin Nian, as the saint of the present human race, comes to pay respects to the senior of West Zhou Mountain; I dare to intrude, please forgive my offense."

At the mountain's base.

Gu Jin Nian took a deep breath, gave the mountain a slight bow, and stated his purpose.

As this voice rang out.

It caused many eyes of the world to turn toward it.

Gu Jin Nian is about to ascend West Zhou Mountain? Since the conclusion of Pan Mountain, all the renowned rivers and great mountains are also reviving, but for now they have not erupted.

But among these famous rivers and great mountains, the most renowned is West Zhou Mountain.

West Zhou Mountain has countless legends; it is the most mysterious famous mountain within the Da Xia Dynasty, and rumor has it that a Queen Mother resides here, possessing the secret of immortality.

Although this is merely a rumor, a mythic tale, with Heaven's Mandate descending and the great famous mountains reviving, this myth is being mentioned again, perhaps warranting some investigation.

After all, wind does not come from an empty cave.

Especially, a few days ago, a Qilin appeared on West Zhou Mountain, which shocked everyone even more; the Qilin is an ancient auspicious beast, also a type of divine beast.

It is the imperial vein among the demon race.

True Dragon, Vermilion Bird, Black Tortoise, White Tiger, and Qilin are the five directional divine beasts of the demon race, also called the Five Emperor Lords; below them are the Ten Great Demon Gods.

A Qilin appeared on West Zhou Mountain.

This surpasses everything; a single drop of Qilin blood is rumored to extend a person's life by a thousand years, and moreover West Zhou Mountain itself holds ancient legends about immortality, making it a focal point for the world.

Hope one day to unravel its secrets and see whether within West Zhou Mountain there exists an immortal elixir.

Therefore, when Gu Jin Nian's voice sounded, how could it not attract the attention of the world? Yet.

Inside West Zhou Mountain.

No sound arose.

Nor any reply.

Cold!

Foreboding!

Terrifying! Moreover, an unsettling aura appeared within West Zhou Mountain.

Many factions watched from the sidelines, and some voices could not help but speak up.

"West Zhou Mountain has too many mysterious legends; perhaps the Western Queen Mother truly exists. Gu Jin Nian climbing it may only risk danger,"

"West Zhou Mountain's legends are countless; its very existence is terrifying beyond measure, and it may not grant Gu Jin Nian any favor,"

"Wouldn't even a sage be given respect?"

"In ancient times, the strong were as numerous as clouds; sages appeared supremely noble to us, yet to some they were indeed insignificant,"

Some voices sounded; people realized that West Zhou Mountain, unlike Pan Mountain, did not actively invite Gu Jin Nian and showed no particular enthusiasm, so naturally some unwarranted voices arose.

But some voices also responded, offering rebuttals.

"Ridiculous, a sage is insignificant? Who said that? Truly an audacious tone,"

"Even in ancient times, sages were unique, unlike the other Seven Realms; sages were one with Heaven and Earth,"

"This is not to look down on the sage, but Gu Sheng's visit this time bears a different identity and position; Gu Sheng clearly intends to contend for the world's mortals alongside the Five Tribes, and perhaps West Zhou Mountain does not wish to be drawn into this affair,"

"Thus, the lack of response is highly possible; what does it mean to look down on the sage? To deem the sage insignificant? Unless one is an Eighth Realm master, otherwise among the world's strong, who would not give a sage respect?"

Different voices sounded, rebutting with a chill.

These words are very reasonable and logical.

A sage.

The existence of the Seventh Realm of the Confucian‑Daoist line; throughout history there have been many Seventh Realm masters, but sages of the Confucian‑Daoist lineage are indeed few. Aside from the four Heaven's Mandate saints, later sages are also scarce.

Basically, those who can become sages also have the chance to enter the Eighth Realm.

Sage.

The significance is immense.

Calling a sage insignificant and despising him is clearly the perspective of a frog in a well.

But attributing it to stance reasons is highly likely.

"Later generations' Gu Jin Nian comes to pay respects to the elder of West Zhou Mountain; if any offense occurs, I hope the elder will forgive,"

The next moment.

Gu Jin Nian's voice sounded again.

He does not know how West Zhou Mountain perceives him, but he continues to speak, hoping for any response.

It's not that Gu Jin Nian is thin‑skinned; rather, the Thunder Clan had warned him repeatedly, urging him never to anger the presence of West Zhou Mountain.

Thus Gu Jin Nian remains relatively gentle.

However, the second inquiry still received no reply.

At that moment, Gu Jin Nian couldn't help but sigh.

"Later generations' Gu Jin Nian comes to seek the elder; if I disturb, please speak, and the junior will withdraw immediately,"

Gu Jin Nian spoke again, his posture very humble, displaying the etiquette of a person to the fullest.

Having said this, Gu Jin Nian thought no further.

He directly stepped onto West Zhou Mountain.

Heading toward the summit.

But just after Gu Jin Nian entered West Zhou Mountain, the surrounding scenery changed instantly.

The mountain vanished, transforming into a plain where a sea of blood surged, skeletons piled like mountains, a murderous aura spreading across heaven and earth.

"Kill!"

In his ears, a earth‑shattering killing intent rang.

Looking up, nine towering figures appeared in the void, each standing with arms crossed, their bodies radiating one hundred and eight thousand celestial lights, sweeping horizontally; wherever they passed, none escaped.

Behind them a black hole emerged; those slain by the celestial light turned into white vapors that poured into it.

The nine figures, like primordial leviathans, mercilessly harvested the lives of all beings, their gazes devoid of any compassion.

And elsewhere.

Above the heavens, black clouds spread, four ten‑thousand‑foot dragons roll within the clouds, a flood surges, drowning everything; the earth is filled only with demons, ready to devour all living beings under Heaven.

People are seized in their mouths, chewed outright, blood flowing, appearing especially cruel and cold‑blooded.

Also there are three thousand figures; they stand together, spreading infinite radiance like a sun, yet this sun melts all things, scorching everything to death. Each of the three thousand bodies emits a strange light, looking extraordinarily remarkable.

But their eyes are uniformly cold, cruel.

Snap.

A massive hand descends, a million lives instantly turn into mush.

Gu Jin Nian freezes in place, watching all this, his gaze filled with shock and amazement.

A bizarre banner stands at the Tai Xuan Immortal Sect; countless evil spirits appear, gnawing the flesh of the sect's disciples. Gu Jin Nian sees Xu Changge reduced to white bones, sees Shangguan Baiyu being torn and skinned, sees Xu Ya brutally murdered alive.

Boom.

A strange bell tolls.

Gu Jin Nian sees the Da Xia Imperial Palace reduced to ruins; all the commoners' bodies are instantly shattered, turning into chunks of flesh.

This is relatively better; at least there is not much pain.

But when he sees his own lord, gripping a long spear, surrounded by tens of thousands of demons, Gu Jin Nian's anger erupts.

He sees his uncles dying one by one in tragedy.

He also sees his parents brutally killed by demons, his eyes tearing, yearning to strike down everything.

The problem is, he is powerless.

"Ah!"

Finally a startled cry rings out; Gu Jin Nian sees his uncle, Yong Sheng Da Di, whose true dragon aura is being devoured, holding the Taizu Great Sword, surrounded by endless demon corpses, yet still powerless. His eyes pierce through, standing straight beneath the great hall, gasping his last breath.

The Qingqiu Mountains turn into ruins, countless dead and wounded.

The Linglong Immortal Palace is even more horrifically devastated, like a human inferno.

A man laughs, stepping on several women; weapons fall, dozens of heads are severed.

Killing! Fear!

Cruelty!

Abuse!

This is the future great age: no morality, no law, no order.

Killing makes one stronger.

The demon tribes and demon clans simply devour humanity.

The ancient human clan cares not for later generations; they fight ruthlessly for fortune, joining this slaughter.

No one can stop it.

The changes of heaven and earth—this is the great age, unbearably tragic.

"Gu Jin Nian."

"This is the scene of the future great age."

"Everything you see is the future great age deduced by the master; these nine are the Ancient Human Clan Nine Kings!"

"Those Sea Tribe Four Sea Dragon Kings, the Demon Tribe Giant, the Demon Tribe Ten Great Demon Gods, and the Three Thousand Divine Clan."

"Their malevolent aura has not lessened; the future great age will be even more intense."

"Can you truly stop it?"

At that moment, an ethereal voice sounds, looking at Gu Jin Nian and saying.

Soon, a woman in blue appears before Gu Jin Nian; she is otherworldly and stunning, appearing in her twenty‑eight years, yet her gaze is ethereal, exuding an indescribable aura—calling her a fairy would be an understatement.

Such a temperament is hard to find in the world.

But she is not the master of Xizhou Mountain; she is a maid.

This is utterly shocking.

Such a being, whose aura is at least above the Seventh Realm, is merely a maid.

How terrifying is the existence of Xizhou Mountain? Faced with the other's question, Gu Jin Nian remains unusually silent.

He does not know how to answer.

"You are a saint of later generations."

"Yet the chance of achieving Heaven's Mandate as a saint in the future remains low."

"However, the master is willing to help you; if you gather the Nine Tripod, he can forge a Heaven-Penetrating Divine Vessel for you, sending some people away from here, creating a Utopia to spare them suffering."

"You decide yourself."

The voice continues, she knows Gu Jin Nian wishes to wage war against the Ancient Five Tribes, to open a millennial era of peace for all living beings.

But she knows even more that Gu Jin Nian cannot achieve it.

Yet the existence of Xizhou Mountain is willing to forge a divine vessel for Gu Jin Nian, sheltering some people to escape this slaughter.

"How many can be sheltered?"

Gu Jin Nian's voice sounds; he sees the future, his heart in unbearable pain.

Indeed, she is right; facing such a cruel great age, one person alone can hardly hold up.

"Ten thousand people."

"As fire seeds."

"But only ten thousand can be taken, completely cutting off this world's aura; otherwise the Five Tribes will not cease until they kill everything."

The latter replies, giving an ice‑cold number.

Ten thousand people.

In this boundless great age, only ten thousand can escape the sea of suffering; the rest of all beings have only death ahead.

He heard that answer.

Gu Jin Nian took a deep breath.

Looking at the other party, he couldn't help but speak slowly.

"In the great era to come, is it truly impossible to win?"

Gu Jin Nian's gaze was steadfast.

"I don't know."

"But the odds are low."

"This is the greatest gift my master has given you; my master does not wish to become involved."

"This is all I can help with."

"As for other matters, don't entertain fantasies."

The latter spoke; his tone was not overly harsh, but his meaning was clear.

Upon hearing this, Gu Jin Nian fell completely silent.

But soon.

The words of the Great Emperor of the Central Continent rang in his ears.

At that moment, Gu Jin Nian stood up, looked at the other side, his gaze unshakably firm.

"Please convey this to the Lord of West Zhou Mountain."

"No matter how difficult the road ahead may be."

"Gu will certainly fulfill the promise, bringing peace for ten thousand generations."

"But should it truly come to the final step, I ask the Lord of West Zhou Mountain to intervene and save some people."

"Junior thanks you."

Gu Jin Nian understood the other's intention; he said no more, and after his words fell, he turned and left.

The surrounding scenery, in an instant, returned to calm.

Hearing this, the maid remained calm, showing no emotion at all.

Yet atop West Zhou Mountain, white mist spread, and a figure dazzling enough to astonish the world stood upon the white clouds.

She wore a plain robe.

Looking down at Gu Jin Nian, her exquisitely beautiful face was full of sorrow, her clear bright eyes glistening with tears.

She looked at Gu Jin Nian, opened her mouth slightly, but made no sound.

Yet if anyone were present, they could discern what she said from her lip movements.

"It's not him." — a massive foreshadowing was buried; if used, it explodes, if not, it remains unused.

And then this chapter counts as yesterday's.

Sorry for being an hour late! My condition has been especially poor lately; the hair I previously transplanted fell out completely, and I've made another appointment.

I'm getting a new hair transplant at a good hospital, and this time I might be close to baldness, truly sorry.

(End of chapter)