Chapter 252: Summoning the Heavenly Tribulation, Eradicating the Divine Clan, Entering the Western Desert, Debating All Dharma, Trans
People are completely numb.
They also fully realized just how ferocious Gu Jin Nian truly is.
He really is a brute.
He first finished wreaking havoc on the Sea Clan, then chased the Divine Clan; more than thirty Divine Clan strongmen were beheaded, which is already a world‑shaking event.
After all, the Divine Clan never numbers many—perhaps three thousand in total, maybe even fewer.
Thirty of them equals the extermination of a hundred and one.
At this point, ordinary people think it's enough, since the lives of thirty Seventh Realm strongmen already outweigh the lives of the common folk of ten ancient cities on the Central Continent.
But what no one expected is that Gu Jin Nian still wants to keep the pursuit.
Using divine powers to trace the Divine Clan's whereabouts, then continue the hunt?
"Honestly, Gu Jin Nian is truly too ferocious."
"If you offend me, I'll kill your whole family; to be frank, I truly suspect Gu Sheng of being a Seventh Realm martial master."
"If I didn't know Gu Sheng rose through Confucian‑Daoist means, I'd also suspect he's a mere warrior."
"Please don't denigrate warriors, okay? Warriors aren't like that."
"Indeed, warriors wouldn't go that far."
Voices rose one after another.
People debated: Gu Jin Nian is indeed fierce and terrifying; his killing makes one shudder, and his conduct bears no resemblance to a saint.
Isn't this just the style of a martial‑path strongman? In an instant.
Gu Jin Nian seized the breath.
He did not hesitate and headed straight west.
Soon, amid a grand landscape of mountains and rivers, he sensed something amiss.
He stood in the void, observing the terrain: the mountains formed a massive dragon, the river a dragon's claw, and two lakes the dragon's eyes.
Especially a spring beneath the belly—the dragon's pearl—a pivotal feature.
"Heaven and Earth True Dragon Diagram."
"Divine Clan, you really know how to locate things."
"You've even found this unparalleled treasure land."
In the void, Gu Jin Nian spoke; as his words fell, he gathered the Northern River Cauldron, intending to alter the dragon's pearl directly.
Once altered, the entire landscape would vanish without effect; if Gu Jin Nian were malicious, he could split the spring, shatter the pearl, and kill the dragon.
Boom—boom—boom.
A powerful aura surfaced.
Beams of divine light surged up from the ground.
Accompanied by a True Dragon's qi flow.
Voices rose along with it.
"Gu Sheng."
"You have already slain thirty of my Divine Clan, is that not enough?"
The voice belonged to a Divine Clan Great Adept; he stepped forward voluntarily, not aloof, offering equal treatment, yet his tone carried a question.
"Do you think it's enough?"
"Ten ancient cities, ten million commoners—your loss of only thirty lives can't compare, can it?"
Gu Jin Nian's eyes were icy; he was domineering, stepping straight to the opponent.
The latter recoiled instantly, unwilling to clash with Gu Jin Nian; the Sea Clan's worry is also the Divine Clan's worry.
At present, Gu Jin Nian is, in their eyes, a rolling slab of meat.
Fearless.
"Thirty Seventh Realm strongmen can't match ten million commoners?"
The latter spoke lightly, retorting to Gu Jin Nian.
If this question were posed to the great dynasties, they'd likely sacrifice ten million commoners at once to obtain thirty Seventh Realm strongmen.
"I am a Confucian Sage; in Gu's eyes, all beings are equal—who dares to stand above?"
"If you revive ten million commoners, I can revive thirty Divine Clan soldiers—does that work?"
Gu Jin Nian truly isn't just meddling here; he genuinely seeks justice for these wrongfully slain souls.
Hearing this, the latter was at a loss for words.
You've taken it this far; what else can they say? "Gu Sheng, are you deliberately making things difficult?"
The Divine Clan Great Adept spoke, unsure what to say.
"Making things difficult?"
"Are you still human?"
"A word out of line, and you destroy ten cities?"
"In your eyes, all living beings are mere ants, lacking compassion, and you even dominate the Central Continent, seeking to restore ancient rule?"
"Ridiculous."
Gu Jin Nian stepped forward; heavenly might exploded, the spring boiled instantly, shattering into pieces, looking especially terrifying.
"This is the future dwelling place of my Divine Clan; if Gu Sheng destroys it, the great world will arrive—where should the Divine Clan reside? Is this forcing the Divine Clan to invade the world?"
The latter spoke, but this time was clever, not threatening Gu Jin Nian, instead stating facts to make him understand the consequences of destroying the terrain.
"No invasion needed."
"When the Divine Clan revives, I will select an auspicious Fengshui site for you and bury you all."
Gu Jin Nian opened his mouth, his tone icy.
As soon as those words were spoken, the Divine Race from top to bottom erupted in anger.
"Then go ahead and try it. If you truly destroy this place, we won't be like the Sea Race, letting you manipulate us."
"You can try; see how terrifying the Divine Race's wrath truly is."
At this moment, a cold, indifferent voice rang out.
That aura surpassed even this Divine Race's great power, at least that of an elder‑level being.
It's very strong.
At least a Seventh Heaven‑level strongman.
He has the right to speak such words, and the confidence to back them.
Clearly, as the rumors say, in the ancient era the Divine Race may not have been among those sealed, but were self‑declared, so they were not heavily restrained by Heaven and Earth.
Their prolonged reluctance to emerge must stem from other motives and thoughts.
"I am right here."
"Then let's see just how terrifying the Divine Race's fury is."
Gu Jin Nian summoned the Nine‑Layer Divine Tower without hesitation, coordinated with the Northern River Cauldron, and blasted the spring eye to pieces, effectively shattering the Dragon Pearl.
Roar.
A mournful dragon's howl rang out, its cry unbearably tragic.
At that moment, countless strongmen stared at Gu Jin Nian, utterly stunned and completely numb.
Now that it's come to this, does Gu Jin Nian truly refuse any concession? The Divine Race isn't entirely tyrannical either; they even promised compensation.
Why won't you retreat even a half step? Even a slight retreat wouldn't have led to this, right?
What on earth is the reason?
The world truly doesn't know what to say; Gu Jin Nian is far too fierce, uttering no reason at all. To be precise, it's not that he refuses reason; he simply despises these ancient great clans.
Not an inch yields.
Displaying world‑shaking dominance.
"You deserve to die."
The Dragon Pearl is destroyed.
The Divine Race, from top to bottom, raised their collective fury; wave after wave of terrifying aura revived, they truly could not swallow this indignation.
In the seas, the strongmen of the Four Seas Dragon Palace watched on, eager both for Gu Jin Nian to bring down the Divine Race and for the Divine Race to kill Gu Jin Nian, to vent their anger.
Divine light surged skyward.
Terrifying aura revived.
And at this instant, above the firmament, a Heavenly Tribulation flashed into existence.
Boom—boom—boom.
Boom—boom—boom.
The terrifying Heavenly Tribulation manifested, ten‑thousand‑mile mountains and rivers coalescing into thunderclouds; within the massive clouds, thunder dragons intertwined, thunder palaces rose, and countless Thunder Celestials took shape.
It appeared shockingly terrifying.
This is Gu Jin Nian's greatest killing move.
He is undergoing the tribulation here.
Including every member of the Divine Race, he wants to see whether the Divine Race truly fears or not.
The Heavenly Tribulation forms.
Yet the Divine Race seems to sense the terror of this tribulation; a Divine Sovereign great power appears, gazing at Gu Jin Nian, surrounded by endless radiant light.
"Gu Jin Nian, do you truly intend this? To die together?"
The Divine Race's great power sensed that this Heavenly Tribulation is terrifyingly immense; if it truly consolidates, every Divine Race strongman will be buried beneath it.
Because the tribulation grows stronger when it meets strength, the tribulation triggered by Gu Jin Nian alone is already enough to drown everyone, and with many Divine Race strongmen in this area, everyone is caught together, leading to extremely severe consequences.
"So, after you all emerge, can I then survive?"
"Let me make this clear to you."
"I have never feared death; there is no possibility of reconciliation between me and the Five Races. It would be better, before I die, to annihilate a clan, so that my reputation endures for a thousand years."
Gu Jin Nian spoke, also voicing his own thoughts.
Those words are not wrong.
Even if we don't fight now, does that mean nothing will happen later?
Rather than delay, it's better to have the clan perish right now.
Speak more directly.
Die together.
Who fears whom.
Such remarks shocked the world; the great clans fell silent. At this moment, Gu Jin Nian's image in their minds was that of a complete madman.
The weak fear the strong, the strong fear the mad, the mad fear the undying.
If a person does not even fear death, he is the most terrifying being.
Honestly, as people looked at Gu Jin Nian, some ancient clans whispered, once suspecting that Gu Jin Nian's journey to the Taihao Immortal Realm inherited not an Immortal Dao lineage but a Demonic Dao lineage.
Otherwise, where would such madness come from?
Crack!
Crack!
Crack!
The Heavenly Tribulation is brewing rapidly, becoming ever more terrifying; if we continue to delay, a great catastrophe will occur, and then regret will be of no use.
The Four Seas Dragon Palace, all the strong ones stare, wishing that Gu Jin Nian would be buried together with the Divine Race.
Not only the Sea Clan, many Great Clans think the same.
To eliminate two great foes in one breath, especially the Divine Race, which they consider the strongest enemy; if they could defeat the Divine Race, they would even erect a statue of Gu Jin Nian and worship him.
The strong of the Divine Race, upon hearing this, all wore displeased expressions.
Gu Jin Nian's words were correct, but precisely because they were correct, it made their faces look sour.
The ones who fear not death are not afraid; even among the Divine Race there are those who do not fear death.
It is that Gu Jin Nian has almost no flaw, and now the momentum rests on him, which feels extremely unsettling.
"Saint Gu, may we negotiate."
Yet at that moment, a voice rang out, crisp and sweet, carrying a certain spirit.
The people were astonished; it was a Divine Maiden, who stepped out from endless radiance, her legs slender, figure graceful, hair bound and falling, each strand exceptionally beautiful, features perfectly formed as if deliberately crafted.
She was stunning; her appearance dazzled countless onlookers, even a Seventh Realm master, upon seeing her once, felt his spirit ripple.
Even Gu Jin Nian showed surprise at first glance, but he quickly regained composure.
This is the Divine Race's Divine Maiden.
Transcendence above all.
She stood in the void, lotus blossoms sprouting beneath her feet, with a multitude of maidservants behind her, presenting a grand spectacle.
Within the Divine Race, the Divine King ranks first, the Elder second, the Divine Son third; the Divine Race does not deliberately emphasize the Divine Maiden, and may call her a Divine Son, meaning child of the Divine King, though common folk distinguish gender.
"Cannot."
Seeing such unparalleled beauty, Gu Jin Nian was not courteous; he would not be softened by her looks.
On the contrary, Gu Jin Nian became more vigilant; if any issue arose, he would strike immediately and hunt the Divine Maiden before him.
"If the Heavenly Tribulation is triggered, the Zhongzhou Dynasty will be destroyed because of it; it is not the Divine Race acting, but the Thunder Tribulation."
"Here lies the aura of my Divine Race Elder; once the Heavenly Tribulation condenses, no one will be able to stop it; I know Saint Gu previously went to Pan Mountain, obtained Thunder Pool Elixir, and forged an immortal Thunder Body."
"However, if this Heavenly Tribulation falls, half the Divine Race will inevitably perish; but I can guarantee the Divine Race has absolute means and will not be annihilated."
She spoke, her words heavy, and the world believed every word she uttered.
"Then let us see."
"Who will die first."
Gu Jin Nian would not yield; the more they forcefully press, the more Gu Jin Nian refuses.
"Is this necessary?"
"I am merely stating facts; you always think this method is mocking you."
"Strength is strength, weakness is weakness; I intervene to negotiate, not out of fear of the Heavenly Tribulation, but to avoid worse outcomes."
"The Sea Clan can offer compensation, the Divine Race can also compensate; at this point, the people who should be killed have been killed, the deeds done; continuing this turmoil, is this what the populace wishes to see?"
"You are the saint of this age, you should prioritize benevolence and the people's will; acting alone, you may leave a lasting fame, but how many died because of you?"
The latter spoke, expounding a principle; undeniably, the words were strong, and if one ponders calmly, one sees she is not wrong at all.
Gu Jin Nian indeed left a timeless reputation; even if the Divine Race truly perished, the Zhongzhou Dynasty would be destroyed by this Heavenly Tribulation, and then the Da Xia Dynasty would also face extinction.
After all, the Sea Clan will not let Gu Jin Nian go.
Is it worth it? Many began to contemplate, even the common folk of the Da Xia Dynasty and the Zhongzhou Dynasty could not help but consider the question.
The ultimate hatred is merely mutual annihilation.
It is nothing but swapping one batch of people to cause their demise.
The tasks to be done, Gu Jin Nian indeed fulfilled; he has done much for humanity, and now negotiating peace is the best outcome.
"After my death, let the floods rage."
"To bind me with a saint is a delusion; I am myself, this is my saintly Dao, unity of knowledge and action."
However, astonishingly, Gu Jin Nian was not troubled by such words; he was direct, cutting all shackles.
Gu Jin Nian's purpose was simple.
He simply intends to kill.
To kill and forge an unparalleled reputation, even at any cost.
Talking about peace at every turn is laughable; in a sense, does it mean that when these people later infringe again, he will kill another batch of clowns and then demand compensation?
Is compensation the main thing?
The answer is obvious: no.
Only by making them angry, making them feel helpless, making them think he is a madman, untouchable, will they later consider consequences.
Otherwise, wouldn't they just seek trouble later?
Using saintly doctrine to attack oneself, and what great figure to use as a shield?
These things, in Gu Jin Nian's eyes, are all fleeting clouds.
Indeed.
As Gu Jin Nian spoke, all the Great Clans fell silent; his previous deeds they thought were mere intimidation, but when the Tribulation emerged, everyone realized Gu Jin Nian truly was a madman.
And at this point, the Divine Race even sent a Divine Maiden out to negotiate with Gu Jin Nian, yet they did not expect Gu Jin Nian would still give no courtesy.
Must the Divine Maiden kneel and beg for peace?
Or must the Divine King come out to negotiate? This is incongruous; in the eyes of the ancient great clans, Gu Jin Nian is nothing, merely a relic of the ancient peoples who cannot emerge, and if one could, they would not tolerate his aggressiveness.
"Let's prioritize peace."
"The Divine Race steps back, acknowledging past mistakes; the Divine Race was presumptuous."
Finally, the Divine Maiden spoke, she chose reason between anger and rationality, and she voluntarily admitted the Divine Race's fault.
This counts as the Divine Race's greatest regression.
People are utterly speechless; indeed, the reckless still fear death, and even the mighty Divine Race finally chose to submit.
They say it was forced by circumstances, but everyone can see that Gu Jin Nian is truly powerful, perfectly exploiting everything to achieve this feat.
This is indeed a reputation, an undeniable fact; of course, everything still depends on the world's full revival, after the ancient clans emerge, whether Gu Jin Nian can survive.
Nevertheless, for now Gu Jin Nian displays his immortal reputation.
Decisive in slaughter, unafraid of anything.
A saint of the age.
"How much compensation?"
At this point, Gu Jin Nian knows clearly that he cannot keep pressuring them; it is time to stop.
His purpose is simple: to make the Divine Race bow, even if they do so unwillingly.
"You may speak, sir."
The other party spoke, looking at Gu Jin Nian.
"Like the Sea Clan."
"I am helping you deal with the other great clans."
Gu Jin Nian spoke, very direct and concise; everyone is the same, to avoid accusations of bias.
"The Divine Race does not need it."
"After all, how long has the cycle of vengeance continued?"
The Divine Maiden spoke, clearly not falling for it; perhaps the Divine Race truly does not care about the other great clans.
"Impossible."
"If there is a grudge, it must be repaid; do not fear, you are not the first villain; the worst are the Sea Clan."
"Otherwise I would not be like this."
Nevertheless, Gu Jin Nian outright refused; after all his own back-and-forth, he must secure more benefits, otherwise who cares about this little thing?
Upon hearing Gu Jin Nian's voice, the various great clans fell silent.
This guy's words are truly infuriating, especially some strong members of the Sea Clan, angry enough to want to curse their mothers.
Clearly it's his own greed, yet he tries to throw the pot onto them.
The Divine Maiden was speechless; she did not know what Gu Jin Nian truly intended, but she understood he was set on gaining benefits, and that refusal might stiffen the situation.
"Fine."
In the end, she agreed to Gu Jin Nian's request; with a single finger, dozens of divine lights Holy Punishment's Light Shooting Upwards erupted, and all the treasures were taken by Gu Jin Nian one by one.
"Saint Gu, there is a matter—could we cooperate in the future?"
At that moment, the Divine Maiden's voice rang out, but this time she transmitted telepathically, without speaking directly.
Cooperate?
Hearing this, Gu Jin Nian became curious, his gaze toward the other filled with curiosity.
"What matter?"
"How to cooperate?"
Gu Jin Nian was indeed curious, not understanding what the other sought cooperation for.
"Your cultivation path is likely nearing the Seventh Realm; the Divine Race has a treasure that requires someone versed in the path. If we could cooperate in the future, it would be a great boon for you."
"We are not true enemies, merely of differing stances, but if our interests align, we can choose to cooperate."
"What do you think, sir?"
The Divine Maiden spoke.
She asked Gu Jin Nian.
"Yes."
Gu Jin Nian did not hesitate long; a win‑win situation he could pursue, and the Divine Maiden was correct—the two sides merely have different stances, not true arch‑enemies, even if they were, not now.
"Very well, we will contact Saint Gu later."
He smiled faintly and said so.
"Hmm."
After taking the items, Gu Jin Nian said nothing; he intended to head straight for the Western Desert.
But at that moment, the Divine Maiden continued speaking.
"Saint Gu, there is something I must remind you of: the Divine Race is not wholly united, being split into two factions, so it is likely that in a few days, a Divine Son of our race, upon learning of today's events, will trouble you."
"I hope Saint Gu understands, every grievance has a source, every debt a holder."
The Divine Maiden spoke, reminding Gu Jin Nian of this to avoid further trouble.
"Rest assured."
"I judge people, not matters; as long as it is certain it does not involve others, Gu will not strike down an entire ship of people."
Gu Jin Nian spoke; he indeed understood this principle, yet likewise, not every matter is decided by the other side—what if they simply want to trouble him?"
Using a fabricated factional dispute to preserve the race.
Once clarified, if there is no issue, there is none; if there is, there is.
"Saint, many."
He praised with a sigh, but Gu Jin Nian did not indulge in such flattery; he was straightforward, waving his hand.
At this moment, the Heavenly Tribulation also dissipated, for it had not fully coalesced; thus, with Gu Jin Nian's intention fading, these things naturally vanished.
This divine ability made even the Divine Race's Divine Maiden feel a tinge of envy.
Heavenly Tribulation is the strongest method of heaven and earth; in other words, Gu Jin Nian acts as a heavenly executor, and wielding such power is terrifyingly supreme.
This is not the way of a sage; ordinary sages could never achieve it.
Of course, the only drawback is that this thunder tribulation distinguishes no friend from foe, so the enemy might not be fully eliminated before one dies oneself.
Gu Jin Nian left.
This region also settled into complete peace.
And in the Western Desert. In an instant, Gu Jin Nian arrived in the Western Desert.
He stood in the midst of the Western Desert.
One third of the Western Desert's land had already turned into demon soil, looking incredibly terrifying.
This is a tactic of the demon clan.
"Amitabha."
"I have seen you, Gu benefactor."
At that moment, several figures appeared.
They were old acquaintances.
The few who awakened at Da Xia Academy back then.
When the two met again, it felt inexplicably like the vast changes of seas turning into mulberry fields.
It seemed only a brief three to five years had passed, yet within that short span they were merely Fifth Realm Buddhist cultivators, while Gu Jin Nian had already left them far behind, beyond countless great mountains.
Seeing his old friends again, Gu Jin Nian did not hesitate; he stepped forward and nodded toward them.
"Long time no see."
"Meeting today, I feel a bit wistful."
Gu Jin Nian spoke, maintaining respect for these old friends.
The latter few gave a wry smile, then pointed at the demon soil and slowly began to speak.
"Gu Sage, the demon soil has ceased expanding, but originating from the Southern Barbarian Realm, it has spread all the way to the Western Desert. Even employing the Supreme Buddhist Artifact and the power of Buddhist faith cannot purify this land."
"Please, sage, intervene and save the world's living beings."
The latter spoke, clarifying the situation.
In the past few months, aside from eliminating the lofty arrogance of the Sea Clan and the Divine Clan and their indiscriminate slaughter, the biggest issue has been the demon soil in the Southern Barbarian Realm and the Western Desert.
The Southern Barbarian Realm has remained strange up to now, seemingly brewing something terrifying.
And the demon soil appearing in the Western Desert leaves people baffled; no one knows what has happened.
All they know is that the demon soil keeps expanding, and wherever it reaches, people go mad and turn on each other.
Standing at the edge of the demon soil.
Gu Jin Nian cast his gaze.
It is resentment, capable of stirring inner brutality and anger.
Without any hesitation, Gu Jin Nian took a step forward, entering the demon soil alone.
Boom.
In an instant, Gu Jin Nian's mortal body radiated boundless light, piercing the demon qi like a deity.
"The demon qi here is unexpectedly dense."
"Very unusual."
"Even the demon clan cannot achieve this level."
At this moment, Senior Iron Biscuit's voice rang out; he rarely speaks, only at crucial moments.
"Even the demon clan cannot?"
Gu Jin Nian grew curious; everyone thought this was a demon clan tactic, yet Senior Iron Biscuit claimed the demon clan could not do it.
"They definitely cannot."
"Turning this region into demon soil is certainly beyond the reach of the ordinary; though the demon clan is powerful, they lack this ability—this is the power of creation."
"You'd better be careful; this certainly isn't something a single person or even a group can accomplish—it's tied to heaven and earth."
Senior Iron Biscuit analyzed carefully, urging Gu Jin Nian to be cautious.
"Fine."
Gu Jin Nian didn't chatter; he stayed on guard and delved deeper.
He went all the way to the end.
The demon qi was dense and terrifying; Gu Jin Nian manifested various phenomena, some of which he could barely resist.
The phenomenon of ten suns hanging in the sky emerged, trying to burn the resentment, but the resentment chose to evade automatically, as if it possessed sentience, and could not be eradicated.
And the connecting place deep inside was the Southern Barbarian Realm.
Standing at the far end of the demon soil.
Gu Jin Nian opened his eyes.
He saw a familiar figure—his teacher Su Wenjing—but not at the edge of the demon soil; instead, he was in the Southern Barbarian Realm, suppressing something unknown.
"Master."
Gu Jin Nian wanted to move forward.
But at that moment, Su Wenjing's voice rang out swiftly.
"Jin Nian."
"Do not step into the Southern Barbarian Realm."
"There is a bizarre power here that surpasses everything, and we do not know what it is nurturing."
"If you come, your aura will cause this place to erupt prematurely, unstoppable."
Su Wenjing warned Gu Jin Nian never to enter the Southern Barbarian Realm.
"What are you going to do?"
Gu Jin Nian couldn't help but ask.
As the master, I can protect myself.
The Southern Barbarian Realm is surely nurturing something strange; moreover, the reason the five great clans have not emerged may be related to this, so you should not get involved for now.
Handle other affairs; if you truly cannot endure it, I will let you know beforehand—you just need to protect all living beings under heaven.
Su Wenjing spoke very seriously.
Master, the disciple's present strength is worlds apart from before; perhaps I can suppress it.
Gu Jin Nian spoke up, giving an explanation.
As the master, I know.
Su Wenjing seemed unwilling to say more; four words say it all.
Good.
After a moment of silence, Gu Jin Nian did not act rashly, but he did not leave; instead, he stood here.
Boom! Boom! Boom! His fleshly body burst forth with myriad divine lights at this moment, the nine-story divine tower stood in this region, piercing all darkness.
Suppressing the demonic land.
"Tie Bing Senior, do you know what happened?"
Gu Jin Nian, while suppressing the demonic land, also casually asked Tie Bing Senior.
"Let me think."
"Wait a moment."
Tie Bing Senior didn't say much; he needed to think.
Gu Jin Nian didn't disturb him, but instead attempted to purify this demonic land.
But unfortunately, while one can suppress the demonic land, trying to purify this region is nearly impossible.
This region is truly demonic land, and the demonic qi is growing ever denser; evolving to the end, it's likely something terrifying will happen.
The people watched on.
But this time it made the people a little curious.
In their view, Gu Jin Nian should have come to this region, directly purified it clean, then captured the demonic strongmen and given them a sound thrashing, and that would have been the end of it.
But unexpectedly, after Gu Jin Nian entered this demonic land, there was actually no response at all; aside from occasional rays of light shining forth, there were no other anomalies.
"Could it be that even someone as mighty as Gu Sheng cannot solve the problem of this demonic land?"
"Is this demonic land really that terrifying? Even Gu Sheng can't resolve it?"
"It seems this demonic land holds an astonishing secret."
The people were astonished, increasingly believing this demonic land was eerie and terrifying.
And within the demonic land,
Tie Bing Senior's voice sounded.
"I know."
"This is the final brilliance."
Tie Bing Senior spoke, his tone filled with sorrow.
Hearing his tone, it seemed not good.
"The final brilliance?"
"What does that mean?"
Gu Jin Nian was somewhat puzzled.
"The Taihao Immortal actually predicted correctly; the final brilliance arose from people's pursuit of immortality."
Tie Bing Senior felt some emotion, and then he spoke.
"In ancient times, the myriad clans slaughtered each other, blood flowed like rivers; Heaven and Earth sensed it, grew wrathful, and sent down endless divine punishment, sealing the clans and gathering all Heaven's Mandate."
"Afterward, between Heaven and Earth lay desolation; thereafter cultivation became ever more difficult—you know this, right?"
Tie Bing Senior spoke, asking Gu Jin Nian.
"Yes, I know."
Gu Jin Nian nodded; he knew this matter, and had always said so before.
"Heaven and Earth represent the Great Dao."
"The Great Dao is impartial, yet it has yin and yang aspects; the yin side represents destruction—simply put, to annihilate everything and forge a new era, which is quite simple."
"But the yang side represents hope and vitality; after all, after enduring countless hardships, the myriad peoples were born; to the Great Dao, everything has bonds, hoping they may comprehend the Dao and lay down slaughter."
"The ancient slaughter provoked Heaven and Earth's wrath; sealing everything was meant to prevent the ancient era's killing from appearing in this age, letting the ancient powerhouses die off one by one with the passage of time."
"This is akin to removing a scar."
"But the ancient powerhouses have revived one after another; the ancient flames of war will reignite; the weeping and sorrow of the myriad peoples will replay; to Heaven and Earth, this is unforgivable."
"Therefore, if the ancient clans continue to indiscriminately slaughter, they will provoke true heavenly punishment; but before the punishment arrives, Heaven and Earth will also fully awaken their own consciousness, so the ancient star beneath your feet will burst forth with a terrifying aspect."
"It will evolve into an inconceivable place; this situation is mistaken by people as an evolving immortal realm, so during this period endless inconceivable events will occur, and everyone may attain the Dao."
"But the ultimate consequence is that the Great Dao will destroy everything, utterly and completely, with no right or wrong—whether sage, martial emperor, sea clan, or divine clan, all will be annihilated."
"Even this ancient star will be destroyed, giving birth to a new ancient star anew."
"Replace one batch of people to welcome a new future."
"This is the future predicted by the Taihao Immortal; thus, as an eighth-realm powerhouse, the Taihao Immortal originally established the Taihao Immortal Realm in order to seal himself away, and incidentally seal some ancient existences as well."
"He feared this would happen."
"The final brilliance, the era of great extinction—past all collapses, present utterly destroyed; the myriad peoples under heaven have no future."
Tie Bing Qian Bei voiced a guess.
He explained to Gu Jin Nian.
"In other words, will this demonic soil give birth to a great horror?"
Gu Jin Nian asked.
"Mm."
"Moreover, this is definitely not the first one; many will appear in the future, the world will undergo great changes, with both benefits and drawbacks."
"The benefit is that someone can truly use this opportunity to fully attain the Dao, become an immortal or a Buddha, but only one person will do so."
"The drawback is that all beings under heaven will perish together in this terrifying calamity."
"The possibility of attaining the Dao is also not great; I recall Taihao Xianren saying it's less than one in a hundred million."
Tie Bing Qian Bei voiced a frightening figure.
Less than one in a hundred million.
That is to say, a one-in-a-billion chance that someone will seize this opportunity to attain the Dao and become an immortal or Buddha.
"Do they know?"
"With such a low probability, why then do this?"
Gu Jin Nian furrowed his brows tightly; this is not worth the loss.
For that one-in-a-hundred-million chance, they launched a great slaughter, provoking the wrath of heaven and earth.
"There will always be those who consider themselves heroes."
"Young friend, I ask you, you clearly know the Five Tribes are not to be provoked, so why were you so aggressive just now?"
"If the Sea Tribe fully recovers, do you have confidence to slay the Four Dragon Kings? Do you have confidence to stand against the entire Sea Tribe?"
"In others' eyes you are reckless, but I understand in my heart that you possess invincible confidence, because you have experienced too many things, each of which you resolved with ease, so you believe you are the trend."
"Heaven and earth must follow your opinion."
"And as for the leader of the Five Tribes, what they have experienced is no less than what you have gone through."
"Even everything you do, in their eyes, is merely trivial."
"So while you have such confidence, theirs is even more terrifying."
"Furthermore, think about it: if you started cultivation anew, your close friends, your relatives, everyone you know would all have been buried by the ages; at that time the world would be prosperous, yet you would be alone and lonely."
"Before you lie only two paths: either wait for time to erode, choosing to return to dust and earth."
"Or struggle against heaven to seize the sole chance of survival—what will you choose?"
"Your kindness is because you have not lived long."
"Your protectiveness is because you still have people worth protecting."
"Your emotions stem from all those who have passed, but they are gone; their sole purpose was to achieve immortality and obtain the power of the Great Dao."
"Do you understand?"
Tie Bing Qian Bei's words left Gu Jin Nian silent.
It was not mere feeling, but acknowledgment.
All emotions come from others; the reason I am this way is not because I am exceptionally benevolent, but because I have kin, friends, and a group of people I wish to protect.
Precisely because of them, I remain a person with feelings; whereas for those people, their emotions have long been erased by the ages.
Thus they care neither about whether the great world withers or flourishes, nor about what price they pay.
Even if it means sacrificing this world, they will spare no effort, for they have no attachments, no emotions left.
"I understand."
Gu Jin Nian drew a deep breath.
"In other words, this region cannot be thoroughly purified?"
He inquired.
"Not exactly."
"Buddhist Dharma."
"Only true Buddhist Dharma can ferry away resentment."
"Among Confucianism, Buddhism, and Daoism, the Confucian Dao is the path of spirit and will, of righteous vigor; evil cannot infringe upon it, belonging to the defensive category."
"Daoist methods are the way to break laws; myriad demons, Daoist methods are mighty."
"Whereas Buddhist Dharma is the true way to ferry; blocking is inferior to guiding; these resentments are born of countless vengeful spirits, likely from ancient times; forcibly breaking them is meaningless; only Buddhist Dharma can completely ferry them, once and for all."
"Otherwise, even if it is suppressed now, when the great world declines, its significance will still be slight."
"Only complete ferrying will do."
Tie Bing Qian Bei pointed out.
"Buddhist Dharma?"
Gu Jin Nian muttered to himself.
For some reason, a scripture appeared in his mind.
But soon, Gu Jin Nian gave it no further thought; he rose without a word and directly left this demonic soil.
He was very straightforward.
He returned again to the Myriad Stars Ancient Sect, using the Retrospection Divine Ability to forcibly seize a wisp of demonic qi.
Then, based on this demonic qi,
Gu Jin Nian instantly sensed the hidden lair of the demon tribe.
Within a Heavenly Abyss.
The demonic soil of the Western Desert is not closely related to them, yet they can benefit.
He reigns over the Heavenly Abyss.
Dealing with the demon clan, Gu Jin Nian showed no mercy; the Ninefold Divine Tower, God-slaying Technique, plus part of the Heavenly Tribulation came crashing down mercilessly.
Gu Jin Nian entered the Heavenly Abyss, and no one knew what happened.
Only after half an hour did they know.
A roar of anger sounded.
"Gu Jin Nian, my demon clan has never offended you; why do you seek trouble with my demon clan?"
This was a demon king of the demon clan speaking; he trembled with rage.
The sea tribe and divine tribe emerged, while their demon clan did not; as a result, Gu Jin Nian forcibly settled scores with them—how could they not be angry? "Is a reason even needed to slay demons?"
Facing the demon king's fury, Gu Jin Nian's voice sounded especially overbearing.
As soon as these words were spoken, the demon clan fell silent.
Although they didn't want to admit it, they felt that what Gu Jin Nian said wasn't really a big problem.
"Saint Gu."
"After an era, my demon clan has turned over a new leaf, willing to offer treasures; please, Saint Gu, show mercy."
However, unlike them, the demon clan surrendered too quickly, completely lacking the overbearing aura of the ancient five tribes.
Directly they wanted to resolve the matter through compensation.
"Let's talk later."
Gu Jin Nian also didn't quite know what to say.
But he showed no mercy, continuing to delve deeper into the Heavenly Abyss.
Again, after half an hour.
Beams of light rose from the Heavenly Abyss, numerous treasures—this was the compensation.
This is embarrassing.
But this also fits the demon clan's behavior: when they can't win, they yield.
People are foolish.
Some also didn't know what to say; Gu Jin Nian's appearance overturned the world.
It truly makes people laugh and cry.
However, the next moment.
Gu Jin Nian's figure flew toward the far northern lands.
"Seal off all aura."
"Monster clan concealment."
At this moment, the will of the monster god rang out; without hesitation, they forcibly sealed the barrier, knowing Gu Jin Nian wanted to cause trouble for them, so they simply sealed themselves and stopped caring about other matters.
This leaves people helpless and makes the world click their tongues.
The prestige of the five tribes, for some reason, has greatly diminished in people's hearts.
Originally we thought the sea tribe and divine tribe still had some backbone, but now it seems they are indeed tough.
Watching the aura of the far northern lands fade away.
Gu Jin Nian also couldn't help but sigh.
Afterward, he stood in the skies above Da Xia, his gaze calm.
"Where are the ancient humans?"
"Will you dare to come out and fight?"
His voice echoed across the Divine Province Continent.
At present, the four tribes have all met.
Now only the ancient humans are missing.
It's a pity that the ancient humans did not come forth to respond.
The former domineering aura, the former arrogance—at this moment they are shattered.
But what is reflected is Gu Jin Nian.
In the void.
People looked toward Gu Jin Nian.
Dazzling and splendid.
Like a divine palace.
The light is blinding yet not glaring, inspiring awe.
The supreme domineering aura is revealed at this moment.
Astonishing the era.
One person's radiance overshadows everything.
The whole great world seems to prostrate beneath Gu Jin Nian's feet.
After confirming that the ancient humans had no sound.
Gu Jin Nian's gaze once again turned to the Western Desert.
He arrived at the edge of the Western Desert, drawing much curiosity; no one understood what Gu Jin Nian intended to do.
Western Desert edge.
An ancient temple.
Several hundred monks came out to greet him; the elderly monk hurried forward, palms together, gazing at Gu Jin Nian.
"Dare I ask, Saint Gu, what brings you here?"
He opened his mouth, feeling somewhat apprehensive in his heart.
"Fulfill the promise."
"Debate all Buddhist dharma."
"Transmit the true essence of the Buddhist gate."
Gu Jin Nian spoke, his voice faint, again causing an uproar throughout the world.
(End of chapter)
End of Chapter
