Chapter 254: I, Gu Jin Nian, Today Reveal the True Essence of the Buddhist Path, the Supreme Heart Sutra, to Attain Awakening

All conditioned things are impermanent, all dharmas are non-self, Nirvana is tranquil.

Gu Jin Nian formed the supreme Dharma seal, but he said nothing; instead, the heavens and earth voiced it.

A resonant voice, from heaven and earth, pierced the entire world.

The whole Western Desert Buddhist Kingdom, at that moment, boiled over, bursting forth layer upon layer of Buddha light, shaking past and present.

Buzz—buzz—buzz.

Within the Western Desert, ancient temples blossomed with myriad Buddha lights, and the entire desert instantly rippled with endless Dharma.

This vast spectacle shocked everything.

Especially behind Gu Jin Nian, countless phantom images of gods and Buddhas emerged, reflecting across the firmament, resplendent in gold and jade, tinting the world golden.

From Gu Jin Nian's feet, blossoms of Golden Lotus unfurled, wondrously transforming, revealing an unparalleled miraculous scene.

"Why did it suddenly appear again?"

"A familiar omen,"

"Through ages past and present, only Gu Sheng could create such an omen,"

"All conditioned things are impermanent, all dharmas are non-self, Nirvana is tranquil—what does this mean?"

"It is the true essence of the Buddhist path,"

"It seems Gu Sheng had long prepared, waiting here for the Nirvanic strong ones of the Buddhist path,"

"Now the Buddhist sect is in for trouble,"

People boiled with excitement, the world watching, shocked by the Western Desert's transformation.

Not only them.

Among the Sea races.

East Sea Dragon Palace.

Four Dragon Kings were deliberating the forthcoming great change, but abruptly, hearing the vast celestial sound, they all rose at once.

"This is the grand sound of heaven and earth,"

"The true words of the Buddhist path,"

"Has Gu Jin Nian once again produced the True Buddha Classics?"

The three great Dragon Kings were astonished, while the East Sea Dragon King furrowed his brows.

"All conditioned things are impermanent, all dharmas are non-self, Nirvana is tranquil."

He muttered the three lines, his eyes showing both shock and incomprehension.

To ordinary people, the three sentences sounded profoundly Zen.

But for a strong one of his realm, he could discern part of their meaning.

Seeing the subtle, knowing the significant.

Above the Western Desert, Buddha light surged skyward, ultimately blooming endless radiance; each ray that fell to the ground seemed to purify heaven and earth.

Among the Divine race.

A divine maiden stood on the cliff, watching the scene, an inexplicable emotion in her gaze, while the elder beside her couldn't help but smile.

"It seems Gu Jin Nian truly has some skill; Senluo Hell might indeed be solved by him,"

He spoke, seeming confident in his judgment.

If Gu Jin Nian truly could resolve Senluo Hell, the Divine race could also benefit.

"Seal again!"

Among the Demon race, a demon god sensed the dreadful omen and hurriedly spoke; for them, such Buddha light exerts massive suppression, so to avoid any damage, the demon god decided to seal again.

Or rather, to strengthen the seal.

It's merely that future emergence will be a bit harder, but as long as it doesn't affect the Demon race, it's no big deal.

But the most unlucky place remains Heaven Abyss.

Boom—boom—boom.

Beams of Buddha light fell, nearly crushing the entire Heaven Abyss; the endless Great Demon wailed and wept, truly at a loss for words.

They were in pain, filled with despair.

Such Buddha light can purify all; the Buddhist arts themselves are purification, and those of the demonic path fear the Dharma most.

Heaven Abyss trembled; the Demon race truly hated Gu Jin Nian to death.

But within the Western Desert.

The truly shocking were all the monks.

All conditioned things are impermanent.

All dharmas are non-self.

Nirvana is tranquil.

Some high monks instantly comprehended its meaning—it is the true essence of the Dharma.

But most monks still did not quite understand.

Yet Guang Yuan Buddha and Shang Xing True Buddha were frozen in place, their gazes filled with disbelief.

Especially Guang Yuan Buddha.

He never expected Gu Jin Nian to utter the true essence of the Buddhist path.

All conditioned things are impermanent, all dharmas are non-self, Nirvana is tranquil.

It's a chain scheme.

Guang Yuan Buddha was stunned; he finally understood why Gu Jin Nian asked, how to become a Buddha.

It is a trap, causing one to subconsciously fall into the snare, forcing Gu Jin Nian to become a 'perfect person', yet Gu Jin Nian follows his own thoughts to change.

The final outcome is either to acknowledge that Gu Jin Nian has already become a Buddha, or to admit one's own failure.

How to become a Buddha is itself an extremely abstruse question, with ten thousand possible answers; now I ask Gu Jin Nian how to become a Buddha.

Gu Jin Nian gave the most perfect answer.

"May I ask Gu Sheng, how do you interpret these three Dharma seals?"

At this moment, a senior monk spoke, bowing deeply toward Gu Jin Nian, pleading for Gu Jin Nian to answer.

Hearing such a question.

Gu Jin Nian's Dharma seal was like a deity, and he slowly began to speak.

"All phenomena in the world, at every moment, are in the cycle of arising, abiding, change, and cessation."

"What existed in the past may mutate; what exists now will ultimately dissolve into illusion."

"Quantities arise and conditions change, thus the subtlety of conditions is beyond words."

"This is the impermanence of all dharmas."

"Among all dharmas, the hundred‑thousand‑and‑eight‑thousand Buddhist teachings are ultimately non‑actional; there is no substantive self, and the existence of a self is merely an illusion between you and me."

"Putting aside everything, can you prove that you are you? Am I me?"

"This is the non‑self of all dharmas."

"One who becomes a Buddha attains only Nirvanic tranquility, fears no birth or death, looks beyond all worldly things, exists in the past, is born in this era, and will have my presence in future times as well."

"If one sees everything lightly and comprehends the true principle, one can attain Nirvana, reach the realm of tranquility, and thus become a Buddha."

"These are the three Dharma seals of the Buddhist path."

"Gathering this seal yields a true Buddha."

Gu Jin Nian explained the principle of the three Dharma seals, yet the true three seals are far from that simple; some things must be expressed simply, not probed deeply.

Because understanding comes naturally; forcing comprehension when one does not understand may end in emptiness.

Thus, words that seem simple are filled with profound mystery to the listeners, each person interpreting them differently.

The world is silent.

Shaken by this supreme realm, even the ancient Five Clans listen quietly to such teachings.

"Namo Amitabha Buddha."

At that moment, behind Gu Jin Nian, an immeasurably vast Buddha silhouette emerged.

The Buddha silhouette covered the sky and earth, reflecting past and present.

The three Dharma seals themselves are the supreme truth of the Buddhist path; they are the sole means to distinguish a false Buddha from a true Buddha. Without gathering the three seals, one is not a true Buddha.

Today, Gu Jin Nian truly shocked the Buddhist community.

Although it was known that Gu Jin Nian authored the ancient True Buddha scripture, no one expected him to suddenly comprehend the true principle.

"All dharmas are impermanent, all dharmas are non‑self, Nirvana is tranquil."

A resonant Buddha voice burst from the Buddha statue behind Gu Jin Nian, radiating billions of rays of light.

Beneath the golden radiance.

Gu Jin Nian became the most extraordinary being in heaven and earth; he shed his former form, donned a white kasaya, clasped his hands, and a calm smile lingered in his brows.

Transcendent above.

At this moment, above Gu Jin Nian's head, an supreme Buddha seal coalesced.

Boom—Boom—Boom.

Across the whole Western Desert sky, boundless mighty power gathered—this is the force of faith. Having attained the seventh realm of the Buddhist path, Gu Jin Nian could naturally share more Buddhist qi.

Simultaneously, two Buddhist artifacts reappeared in the heavens.

One was a wooden fish, the other an umbrella.

These are among the nine great Buddhist implements: the Tranquil‑Heart Wooden Fish and the Myriad‑Net Buddha Umbrella.

The two supreme artifacts fell, then directly entered the Ninefold Divine Pagoda, where they were refined and absorbed, merging into one.

The Buddha of Vast Source and the Ascending True Buddha looked on with envy; the things they have striven for all their lives to obtain, Gu Jin Nian casually obtained both.

This truly is a case of people outdoing people to death.

At that moment, Gu Jin Nian's voice sounded again.

"Amitabha Buddha."

"Congratulations to Gu Sheng for realizing the true principle of the Buddhist path; a humble monk dares to ask Gu Sheng."

"Buddhist teachings are boundless and formless; Gu Sheng, being a sage of Confucianism and Daoism, as well as a strong immortal practitioner, and now having entered the Nirvanic realm, may I ask Gu Sheng, among all dharmas, who is stronger?"

At that instant, the voice of the Ascending True Buddha rang out.

When Gu Jin Nian broke through the seventh realm, he found an opportunity and asked Gu Jin Nian who was stronger.

This question is a blatant trap.

Gu Jin Nian has just entered the Nirvanic realm; if he answers that the Buddhist path is better, the problem is that Gu Jin Nian rose through Confucian and Daoist means, which would allow many aggressive remarks on that basis.

But if Gu Jin Nian answers that Confucianism and Daoism are supreme, or that martial or immortal paths are, as long as

As for answering that they are equally strong, the other side could say, since all dharmas are one, why

Gu Jin Nian's current status is different; his words stand apart from the crowd.

If he truly answers so, the debate's failure would be irrelevant; Buddhist teachings would

Thus this question is full of traps, as if

In that moment, people looked toward Gu Jin Nian, and worry inevitably rose in their hearts.

However, Gu Jin Nian's voice slowly resounded.

"The dharmas are myriad, naturally

Gu Jin Nian's voice sounded, this is his

Barring any mishap, Gu Jin Nian chose the most steady reply—still strong.

Upon hearing this, the Supreme True Buddha couldn't help but smile faintly.

"Amitabha."

"Then why does Gu Sheng not abandon other schools and devote himself solely to Buddhist practice?"

"He could also advocate that all under heaven practice only Buddhism."

The Supreme True Buddha smiled and said.

However, Gu Jin Nian shook his head, looked at the Supreme True Buddha and said.

"The law has no strength or weakness; the contemporary Buddhist teachings are not the true essence of the Buddhist school, so modern Buddhism is unsuitable for all people to practice."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, giving an affirmative answer.

But once spoken, the entire Buddhist sect, from top to bottom, couldn't help but frown; they respect Gu Jin Nian, set aside their positions without comment—Gu Jin Nian's insight into the Buddhist true essence is a good thing for them, and they also respect him.

Yet now Gu Jin Nian says that today's Buddhist teachings are not the true essence of the Buddhist school—in other words, they are not orthodox; how could that not anger them? It's like a scholar who has toiled in study for ten years, reading the sages' classics, preparing for the imperial exams, when suddenly someone stops him and says, "You've read the wrong books; those aren't the sages' classics."

Especially since all under heaven accept the sages' books, and this person says they are not.

Who would be happy about that?

For Buddhist disciples, it's even more serious; they haven't spent merely ten years in study—they've devoted decades, even centuries.

A lifetime has been devoted to the Buddhist school; now to claim the Buddhist teachings they learned are not orthodox—how could they bear it? "Gu Sheng, the Buddhist law has been passed down since antiquity; you say the humble monk's learning is not orthodox—does that claim overreach?"

"You, as a Confucian‑Daoist sage who has now attained Nirvana, I, the humble monk, respect you; Gu Sheng's deeds are clear to me, indeed done for all living beings, yet such statements from a sage truly disrespect our Buddhist school."

"The Buddhist law, from ancient times to now, Gu Sheng is unparalleled in the world, but do you intend to overturn the very foundation of the Buddhist school single‑handedly?"

One voice after another rose; these elder monks spoke, their gazes on Gu Jin Nian—not angry, but somewhat resentful.

In their eyes, Gu Jin Nian truly embodies unrivaled benevolence and righteousness; the world's eyes remain clear, and within the Buddhist school some senior monks greatly admire him, yet ultimately, due to stance issues, they ended up on opposite sides.

And when Gu Jin Nian uttered such words, it naturally provoked dissent in their hearts.

Hearing these voices, Gu Jin Nian remained expressionless.

The Supreme True Buddha wore a smile; he knew Gu Jin Nian would say this, yet he wasn't afraid that Gu would recite some ancient True Buddha scripture.

Because the trap he set was the Buddhist doctrine, not just any ancient True Buddha text; the scripture Gu Jin Nian previously recited was the Medicine Buddha Heart Sutra, a Great Vow Sutra.

But now the discussion concerns the Buddhist True Doctrine scriptures, representing Buddhist moral principles, akin to the rites of humanity in Confucian‑Daoist thought.

This is the foundation of Confucian‑Daoist thought; you cannot refute it— even if you compose a superior scripture, you cannot overturn that foundation, for it embodies moral principle. He fundamentally doubts Gu Jin Nian can overturn contemporary Buddhist theory and forge a new one.

"Amitabha."

"Since Gu Sheng does not recognize contemporary Buddhism, may I ask whether Gu Sheng has a different Buddhist teaching?"

He asked.

"Your question, I have already answered."

Gu Jin Nian spoke calmly; he did not answer the question directly, but told the Supreme True Buddha that his question had been finished.

The Supreme True Buddha asked which among all dharmas is strongest; Gu Jin Nian gave an answer, but whether it exists is another matter.

Hearing this, the Supreme True Buddha was not angry; after all, there was a third question.

He did not care.

Especially since all under heaven can see that Gu Jin Nian's current reply shows he cannot find an answer, thus he dares not answer.

The world fell silent; many cultivators who support Gu Jin Nian also fell mute at this moment.

Within the Da Xia Dynasty, Emperor Yongsheng frowned, and Minister of Rites Yang Kai could not help but sigh: "Gu Sheng has still been deceived; the Supreme True Buddha's question was meant to make him say this—Buddhist doctrine cannot be altered."

"Fortunately, Gu Sheng chose to stop at the crucial moment, ending the topic; otherwise, continuing to answer thus would have led to certain defeat."

"However, this struggle has already shown its defeat."

Yang Kai spoke, saying so.

The officials remained silent, yet they all understood Yang Kai's words; Gu Jin Nian ending the topic, in their view, was simply stopping at the point, because probing deeper, Gu certainly could not answer the question.

What is the concept of Buddhist True Doctrine scripture meaning? Which sutra can surpass enlightenment? Within the Central Continent Empire.

The Central Continent Emperor quietly observed the debate; for some reason, he vaguely sensed that Gu Jin Nian was still hiding something.

And the Sea Clan.

At the East Sea Dragon Palace, the Four Seas Dragon King sat regally; within the great hall, the various Crown Prince Dragon Emperors gathered once more, all there to watch the Western Desert debate.

When Gu Jin Nian stopped at the point, the East Sea Crown Prince Ao Zhen's voice rose involuntarily.

"I thought he was truly remarkable, able to produce the supreme Buddhist true doctrine, but it turned out he was just all talk."

Ao Zhen spoke, clearly full of hostility toward Gu Jin Nian, his words dripping with sarcasm.

"The Buddhist doctrinal meaning is not something ordinary people can change; it is tantamount to overturning all Buddhist heart sutras, causing everything from antiquity to now to collapse."

"If Gu Jin Nian truly forged a new Buddhist teaching, heaven and earth would tremble—this would be the supreme creation."

"However, that is impossible; even if he gained heaven's approval, he could not accomplish such a feat—this is an act against heaven."

"Throughout history, how many have been able to defy heaven?"

The North Sea Dragon King spoke calmly; he did not look down on Gu Jin Nian, but stated a fact.

"An act against heaven?"

"Fourth Uncle, what does an act against heaven mean?"

Ao Zhen, full of curiosity, asked the North Sea Dragon King.

"An act against heaven is a power that surpasses the control of heaven and earth; just as contemporary Buddhism is approved by heaven and earth, if Gu Jin Nian creates an immortal Buddhist teaching that exceeds today's, then that is an act against heaven."

"At that time, the impact would be huge; throughout history, no one has achieved it—this is merely speculation."

"If Gu Jin Nian truly succeeded,"

At this point, the North Sea Dragon King did not continue, while the crowd looked at him with anticipation.

"If he truly did it, what would happen?"

A Dragon Emperor strong one could not help but ask.

"It truly has been achieved."

"The myriad worlds will all tremble; I'm afraid it will rouse everything."

"But these are all legends; he cannot bring them forth."

The North Sea Dragon King is not very clear either; he can only explain it this way.

Yet this defiance of Heaven has left an indelible impression in everyone's mind.

At the same moment.

Amid a stretch of mountains and rivers.

An old monk quietly watches the scene of the Western Desert; this is the ancient human clan's habitat, and the monk is the strongest Buddhist‑Daoist master among the ancient humans.

He not only practices Buddhist teachings, but also radiates a vast righteous aura; he cultivates both Confucian and Buddhist paths, and has reached the Seventh Realm.

Behind him stands a sixteen‑year‑old novice monk, whose gaze is hollow as if seeing through everything; his eyes, like Buddha's eyes, are unlookable, and most terrifyingly, eight layers of Buddha light swirl behind his head.

It signifies the imminent attainment of the Supreme Enlightenment.

The old monk gazes at Gu Jin Nian, and for some unknown reason feels an inexplicable emotion he cannot articulate.

The whole world watches this debate; Gu Jin Nian's brief answer leads them to think that he cannot answer.

Meanwhile, in the Western Desert.

The voice of the True Buddha of Ascending slowly rises.

"Please, Gu Saint, ask."

As the True Buddha of Ascending asks, Gu Jin Nian's voice sounds.

"May I ask, what are the essentials of the contemporary Buddhist teachings?"

However, Gu Jin Nian's question surprised the world; they expected him to pose a profoundly Zen question, but instead he asked just this.

What are the essentials of contemporary Buddhist teachings? Does this require the True Buddha of Ascending to answer? Surely any old monk could answer it.

Not only the world, even the True Buddha of Ascending feels curious.

Boom! At this very moment.

Suddenly, a terrifying sound reverberates across the Divine Continent—it is the Southern Barbarian Realm.

A torrent of black qi bursts upward from the Southern Barbarian Realm—Holy Punishment's Light Shooting Upwards—and the earth trembles; the mountains of the realm collapse, and black iron chains rise from tens of thousands of feet below, sealing the entire Southern Barbarian Realm.

This anomaly draws the world's attention.

"What is happening in the Southern Barbarian Realm?"

"What occurred?"

"Is the Southern Barbarian Realm's anomaly about to begin?"

"Why does it erupt at this critical moment?"

"This is trouble; Gu Saint is debating in the Western Desert, and Guangyuan Buddha and the True Buddha of Ascending will certainly not let him go. If Gu Saint abandons it, the two will surely press the attack, and even if the Southern Barbarian Realm is suppressed, this debate will likely fail." "This scene is indeed terrifying, isn't it?"

In an instant, countless voices erupt; people watch and discover the entire Southern Barbarian Realm undergoing drastic change.

One thousand eighty iron chains seal the Southern Barbarian Realm, looking especially terrifying; each chain exudes a strong, dreadful aura of hatred, resentment, and ominousness.

Soon, a black ocean appears; people stare, then each shows a look of terror.

It is not a black ocean but black blood, and within the blood billions of lives struggle.

Sounds of pain and screams spread madly from the Southern Barbarian Realm.

Boom boom boom.

Like a colossal tsunami, a hundred‑thousand‑zhang wave rolls outward in all directions; the first to suffer is the Central Continent, where the terrifying black sea engulfs the Central Dynasty, though this black sea is not solid, resembling black fog.

Next comes the Eastern Wilderness, then the Western Desert, and the Extreme North Realm; all places are shrouded in black fog.

People panic, trying to flee, but find nowhere to escape.

Cultivators gather Dao techniques to block the black qi, but it has no effect; even the Immortal Gate's supreme artifact proves useless.

Soon, above the ground, streams of resentful souls surge forth, forming endless evil specters.

These are the grudging, angry, hateful souls who died on this land throughout ages.

Now an inexplicable force has awakened them all.

More and more resentful souls appear; people stare blankly, and even the monks in the Western Desert are at a loss for words.

Even though they can use Buddhist teachings to save these souls, they cannot withstand such terrifying spirits.

The number is overwhelming, hundreds of times more than all living beings today.

War‑dead soldiers, wrongfully slain civilians, a famine, a million resentful souls; a flood, another million; across ages, such souls are countless.

The whole world is shrouded by resentful souls, as if the age is withering.

Everything withers, heading toward extinction.

A raging wind blows.

Thunder gathers.

Yet no thunderbolt falls, as if heaven and earth themselves are fearful.

Within the Southern Barbarian Realm.

When a voice sounds, Gu Jin Nian can no longer restrain himself.

"Jin Nian."

"I will suppress together with the Master."

Su Wenjing's voice sounds.

It leaves Gu Jin Nian, who is debating, with hardly any hesitation; he vanishes from his spot and appears directly above the Southern Barbarian Realm.

Looking down from above, the entire Southern Barbarian Realm looks extraordinarily terrifying; the earth trembles ominously, as if something is about to be born.

Su Wenjing stands in the void; the vast righteous Qi around him turns into endless light falling down, blocking the terrifying black vapors.

But his power is too weak, unable to suppress the dreadful black vapors at all.

Without any waste of words, Gu Jin Nian spreads his hands, and in an instant the seals within his body all respond.

Confucian Dao seal.

Martial Dao seal!

Buddhist Dao seal!

Immortal Dao seal!

Technique Dao seal!

The five seals unite; in a flash myriad phenomena erupt.

The philosophers and schools of thought appear above the heavens, each saint and sage reciting Confucian Dao scriptures; a sea‑like radiance emerges, washing the black vapors.

The celestial furnace, ten suns in the sky, and other phenomena are born, melting all black vapors, devouring everything, reducing the massive pressure.

The Bodhi tree, countless divine and Buddha manifestations appear, illuminating the world; golden lotuses sit in a lotus position, a Buddha recites sutras, forcibly converting the terrifying black vapors.

The purple qi from the east, spanning thirty thousand li, also appears, turning into sword rain that falls—terrifying and astonishing.

The sun and moon tremble, mountains and rivers coalesce into great forces; this is the power of Technique Dao.

The Nine‑Story Divine Tower also releases at this moment, suppressing all.

Gu Jin Nian almost lays out all his trump cards; at the critical moment, he even calls upon Senior Tie Bing.

"Senior, is there any way to suppress it?"

Gu Jin Nian asks, addressing Senior Tie Bing.

"No ability."

"Don't look for me at a time like this."

Senior Tie Bing is blunt, refusing Gu Jin Nian's request; then he turns into a streak of light and vanishes into the Nine‑Story Divine Tower, clearly unwilling to wade into the murky waters.

Dong dong dong dong!

As if the drums of heaven and earth are beating, the world trembles.

The horror erupting from the Southern Barbarian Realm is despair‑inducing, surpassing the original Da Xia calamity.

It makes one feel deep despair.

Because Gu Jin Nian is so terrifying, he cannot suppress the dreadful Southern Barbarian Realm; this is too strange.

The black vapors rage unchecked, showing no sign of abating from Gu Jin Nian's suppression; even the two contemporary saints act together yet cannot curb this anomaly.

The resentful souls increase beyond belief, filling the ground, the seas, the heavens—everywhere are terrifying wraiths.

Yet these are only a prelude; the truly terrifying thing is what the Southern Barbarian Realm has sealed.

At that moment, the voice of the Ascending True Buddha slowly rises.

"The way of our Buddhist gate is the path to crossing the sea of suffering; the mortal world is all suffering."

"Saint Gu, look for yourself—this is the evil fruit of heaven and earth, the karmic force of the world, through ages and dynasties, seas and lands changing, appearing to follow the natural way, but in fact it is merely mutual slaughter."

"Emperors, for power, kill each other, ignoring the suffering of all beings; a flood brings countless deaths, a drought claims a million souls, a campaign makes bones pile like mountains."

"Yet, practicing the Buddhist way, realizing the crossing‑sea path, letting go of attachments, grudges, and all past things, devoutly turning to the Buddha, one can truly reach the other shore."

"If the world practices the Buddhist way, would such disasters still occur?"

"If emperors awaken to Buddhist law, wars would not arise, nor would the sin of killing; this is the vast righteousness of Buddhism."

"Saint Gu, do you understand?"

His voice sounds; at this point he is still debating Buddhist doctrine with Gu Jin Nian.

Such behavior provokes great resentment.

The sudden upheaval of the Southern Barbarian Realm is a terrifying cataclysm for everyone, yet unexpectedly, the Ascending True Buddha continues to chatter, arguing with Gu Jin Nian.

Although they guessed the Ascending True Buddha would act so, it was only speculation; when it became reality, it disgusted many.

"Amitabha."

"Ascending True Buddha, now is not the time for debate; may we go to the Southern Barbarian Realm to assist Saint Gu in suppressing this realm?"

A senior monk speaks, slightly dissatisfied, saying that at this point, arguing over doctrine prevents calmly helping Gu Jin Nian suppress the Southern Barbarian Realm.

"All is predestined, unchangeable."

"This is the great world calamity."

"When the calamity is complete, then we can suppress it."

The Ascending True Buddha speaks lightly, clearly unwilling to act now; he waits, planning to intervene at the crucial moment to seize destiny and opportunity.

He and Guang Yuan Buddha exchange a glance; both understand each other's intent.

This is a win‑win situation.

Debating suppresses Gu Jin Nian, snatches qi‑fortune, then using Buddhist qi‑fortune to convert wraiths; success is uncertain, but at least many benefits can be gained.

Gu Jin Nian's current move is effectively helping them.

Boom! At this moment.

The earth cracks; within the Southern Barbarian Realm, mountains collapse, countless lives buried.

Ten thousand li of rivers and mountains split in two, a terrifying great fissure appears.

This is astonishing, leaving everyone shocked.

Torrential black vapors gush from the canyon; an ancient palace also reveals itself at this moment.

To be precise, it is not one ancient palace but ten ancient palaces.

The palaces are cold and terrifying, dark and blood‑stained; huge skulls are everywhere, countless shadow soldiers gather, their bodies mutilated, heads missing or half‑gone, truly dreadful.

Tens of millions of shadow soldiers cover the sky; each is terrifying, forming an invincible force—if they revive, no one under heaven could defeat them.

Even the ancient Five Tribes might not be able to surpass them.

The ten palaces are all terrifyingly myriad, and within each palace there also lurks a dreadful aura.

Roar! Roar! Roar! Wave after wave of angry roars shakes heaven and earth.

The sound shattered the void, as if destroying heaven and earth; even the Dao trembled, and all things in the world, every living being, couldn't help but shiver.

Even in the Western Desert, Guang Yuan Buddha and Ascending True Buddha, upon hearing this terrifying roar, couldn't help but tremble all over.

A look of inevitable terror flashed in their eyes.

"What is happening? Why is it so terrifying?"

Guang Yuan Buddha looked at Ascending True Buddha, feeling something was off; this was completely different from what he had imagined.

Although he was prepared, knowing terror would arise, he hadn't expected it to be this terrifying.

It gave him the feeling that if the Southern Barbarian Realm fully erupted, the entire Great World would collapse.

"Unclear."

"But it should be under control."

At this moment, Ascending True Buddha didn't know how to answer, only that a sliver of luck still lingered.

Puff.

At that moment, above the Southern Barbarian Realm, Su Wenjing spat a mouthful of fresh blood; he could hardly endure such terror.

"Teacher, you go back first."

"Here, let me handle it."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, immediately employing his supreme divine power to send Su Wenjing away, then alone gathered his ultimate divine power, intending to resist the terror of the Southern Barbarian Realm.

"Be careful."

Su Wenjing knew he might become a hindrance to Gu Jin Nian in the Southern Barbarian Realm, so he warned him to be careful.

"Amitabha."

"Monks inside the temple, follow me into the Southern Barbarian Realm to suppress the evil."

At that moment, in the Western Desert, a true monk spoke; unwilling to wait here, he led thousands of monks straight to the Southern Barbarian Realm to suppress the evil.

Although he knew his own power was limited, at such a critical juncture they chose not to flee, nor take any side.

It was a benevolent thought from the heart.

"Amitabha."

"Follow this humble monk to suppress the evil."

"We monks have cultivated Buddhism for years, all for the common people."

One voice after another rang out; in the Western Desert countless monks rushed to the Southern Barbarian Realm, voluntarily, wishing to save the common people.

Guang Yuan Buddha and Ascending True Buddha saw this scene and couldn't help but furrow their brows.

At this critical point, these monks heading here were courting death.

But they couldn't say anything, otherwise they would be the unlucky ones.

Boom.

And at that moment.

A jade seal Holy Punishment's Light Shooting Upwards rose into the sky; the jade seal hovered above the Ten Halls, bearing endless bizarre power, staining the world with extreme evil, looking utterly terrifying.

"Ghost Seal."

"It turned out to be this thing."

"The Ghost Seal that commands the world's yin soldiers."

At that moment, among the Sea Clan, the East Sea Dragon King was stunned, unable to believe it, staring at the Ghost Seal with disbelief in his eyes.

The other three dragon kings were likewise curious, not understanding what it was.

"Elder brother, what is the Ghost Seal?"

"What use does this thing have?"

The three great dragon kings spoke one after another, full of curiosity.

"The Ghost Seal that commands billions of yin soldiers; possessing the Ghost Seal is equivalent to controlling the entire myriad hells and the Six Realms of Rebirth."

"This object is a supreme divine artifact."

"Now a big incident has occurred."

The East Sea Dragon King took a deep breath, and fear appeared in his eyes.

"What big incident?"

"We haven't been born yet; can it affect us?"

The West Sea Dragon King couldn't help but ask, also feeling shocked.

The East Sea Dragon King, as the head of the Sea Clan, being frightened shows how terrifying this thing must be.

"I originally thought the ultimate brilliance would reflect some mythic relics, but I didn't expect even this kind of thing to be reflected."

"It seems Heaven and Earth truly intend to annihilate everything; issue orders, strengthen the seal, and before the myriad hells become unstable, we must not be born."

"The Great World is withering; everyone outside will be doomed."

The East Sea Dragon King spoke, his expression solemn, with no hint of jest.

Now, every Crown Prince and Dragon Emperor in the Great Hall were stunned one by one.

The Great World is withering.

Everyone will be doomed? Is it that terrifying?

They swallowed saliva, and the East Sea Dragon King's roar rang out.

"What are you still hesitating for? Go do it quickly."

He was very undignified.

The mighty East Sea Dragon King, at this moment actually behaving so disgracefully, is terrifying in itself.

In the divine mountain.

Bundles of light Holy Punishment's Light Shooting Upwards, some voices of will sounded especially urgent.

"Seal! Seal!"

"The demon seal has emerged, it will bring about the end of the world."

"This is not a mythic relic; it is to fully revive myth, to shine upon the present age, to exterminate everyone in the great world."

"This is the mighty power of heaven and earth, irresistible; quickly seal it, and after this calamity passes, it will emerge again."

This is the voice of a powerful divine being, sounding urgent.

Among the mountains.

The ancient human race was also frantically setting up formations, strengthening the seal, and several sovereigns stared in shock at this demon seal.

And within the Heavenly Abyss.

The sounds of revelry also rose up.

"Hahaha! It's actually the demon seal! It's the demon seal!"

"My demonic path will rise completely."

"Pass the order: head to the Southern Barbarian Realm and seize fortune!"

"Charge!"

The demon race was utterly delighted; for them, this situation is what they most want to see.

In an instant, endless black qi surged from the Heavenly Abyss, and strands of terrifying aura spread throughout heaven and earth.

This is the demon race's revival.

They rushed to the Southern Barbarian Realm, emerging early, wanting to seize this fortune.

And in the Western Desert.

Heaven and earth grew dark everywhere.

The voice of the Supreme Walking True Buddha also sounded at this moment.

"Gu Sheng!"

"Third question!"

"May I ask, Gu Sheng, what is the true Dharma of Buddhism?"

No one expected that, at this point, the Supreme Walking True Buddha would still be here debating the Dharma with Gu Jin Nian; this is purely disgusting.

Yes.

The Supreme Walking True Buddha no longer cares about anything else; he now simply wants to seize back the fortune of Buddhism, for in his view, once the Buddhist fortune is seized, he can rely on it to suppress this great calamity.

Even if he cannot suppress it, he can at least protect himself and also gain benefits from it.

Of course, he is not stupid; in another space, the Supreme Walking True Buddha and others have already prepared a large number of scriptures, waiting for the complete manifestation of the Hell of Saṃsāra, then to purify all vengeful spirits and demons.

"Supreme Walking True Buddha."

"You truly are not human; with your conduct, do you even deserve to be a Buddhist?"

"What time is it now, and you're still here debating the Dharma?"

"Truly hateful."

"Amitabha, monks hear the order: go to the Southern Barbarian Realm to suppress evil; from now on, we do not recognize the Supreme Walking True Buddha."

Voices rose one after another, some cursing, some shouting angrily; even the Western Desert monks could not sit still, feeling that the Supreme Walking True Buddha's actions were too heinous.

But now most people still have no mind to scold the Supreme Walking True Buddha; they are more concerned about whether Gu Jin Nian can suppress this calamity.

Above the Southern Barbarian Realm.

Endless resentment flooded heaven and earth.

It poured forth like a vast ocean, while Gu Jin Nian was truly like a grain of rice's light.

Appeared especially tiny.

At this moment.

Heaven and earth grew dim.

All things trembled in fear.

The calamity approaches.

In the void above, Gu Jin Nian slowly extended his hand.

He felt an unprecedented pressure.

But he also had a trump card.

However, it was his last trump card.

Boom.

Within the black qi.

Gu Jin Nian formed the Supreme Three Dharma Seals.

The next moment, his eyes opened, and the Buddhist-Dao imprint also burst forth with astonishing light at this moment.

"I am Gu Jin Nian."

"Today, I transmit the true Dharma of Buddhism, the Supreme Heart Sutra."

"May all people under heaven clearly comprehend the Tathagata's true Dharma, thereby attaining awakening."

(End of chapter)