Chapter 255: The Great Sun Tathagata's True Form

A booming voice.

Resounding through heaven and earth.

This sound.

Piercing past and present.

Gu Jin Nian's final trump card is the Buddhist school's foremost scripture.

The Heart Sutra.

If expressed by its full name, it should be the "Mahaprajnaparamita Heart Sutra".

It is the Buddhist school's primary scripture and also the essence of the Great Vehicle Buddhism.

The upheaval in the Southern Barbarian Realm is a thorn in Gu Jin Nian's side; his current debate aims to obtain the supreme Buddhist sutra, briefly comprehend the Dharma, then proclaim the Heart Sutra, spreading the Buddhist teachings to the world so that all beings may reach bliss.

However, the situation is urgent, and Gu Jin Nian has no time to hesitate; he decides to play his trump card at this critical moment.

If it succeeds, everything can be discussed.

If it fails, Gu Jin Nian has no recourse.

As if understanding Gu Jin Nian's intent, the Buddha Dao Seal erupts with terrifying power at this moment, ripple after ripple expanding outward from the Southern Barbarian Realm, appearing especially shocking and dreadful.

Heaven and earth seem to respond, shedding countless shades of mysterious yellow qi, bestowing their blessing upon Gu Jin Nian and the Nine‑Layer Divine Tower.

"Avalokiteshvara, when practicing profound Prajnaparamita, perceives the emptiness of the five aggregates and liberates all suffering."

"Sariputra, form is not different from emptiness, emptiness is not different from form; form is emptiness, emptiness is form. Feeling, perception, formation, and consciousness are likewise. Sariputra, all dharmas are empty of self‑nature; they do not arise nor cease, are not stained nor pure, do not increase nor decrease."

"Therefore, in emptiness there is no form, no feeling, perception, formation, or consciousness; no eye, ear, nose, tongue, body, or mind; no color, sound, smell, taste, touch, or dharma; no eye‑realm, up to and including the realm of consciousness; no ignorance, nor the cessation of ignorance, up to and including the cessation of aging and death, nor the cessation of aging and death."

A magnificent, vast voice rang out.

It is the voice of heaven and earth.

It does not emanate from Gu Jin Nian's body; this immense voice startles everything.

The entire Western Desert responded instantly; temple after ancient monastery transformed at this moment into beams of light, radiating endless Buddha light that reflected with Gu Jin Nian.

Figures of ancient Buddhas appeared, towering in the firmament; each is an ancient Buddha, a true Buddha.

At this moment.

All living beings of heaven and earth were stunned; disbelief and awe filled their eyes.

The greatest reaction came from the Western Desert.

Tens of millions of monks in the Western Desert stared blankly at it, unable to believe that Gu Jin Nian truly possessed the true Dharma of the Buddhist school.

"Amitabha, this is the true Dharma gate of the Buddhist school."

"A humble monk, in his lifetime, has witnessed such a thing; I shall die without regret."

A senior monk knelt on the ground, his kasaya tattered; at the edge of the Southern Barbarian Realm, where the upheaval just occurred, he was the first to reach the border, existing to save all the world's beings.

Now, as Gu Jin Nian recites this true Dharma scripture, he shares the joy of the world's salvation and the delight of a Buddhist disciple comprehending the true Dharma.

True monks never refute any knowledge; as long as it is useful, whether it is the true Dharma of Buddhism, they humbly accept, comprehend, and study it.

Within the Western Desert, indeed some monks have lost themselves, yet a portion still uphold their hearts and grasp the Buddha's teachings.

Countless monks kneel devoutly, and countless fanatics on the ground weep and shout.

So moved they go mad.

【35】 Above the Great Treasure Liuli Temple.

The Western Desert reacted the most.

Guangyuan Buddha and the Ascending True Buddha were utterly stunned.

No matter how many calculations they made, they did not expect Gu Jin Nian to truly recite the supreme true Dharma scripture of the Buddhist school.

"This is impossible."

"Such a scripture can only be comprehended by a Buddha's disciple; how could you understand it?"

The Ascending True Buddha's voice rang out.

He could not believe it.

At this point, Gu Jin Nian repeatedly turns the tide, even from desperate corners; who is he, and why does he know so many teachings?

Beside him, Guangyuan Buddha remains silent, staring dumbfounded as if resigned.

Within the micro‑world, their essences are the same, and the Daoist of Upper Clarity, the Yin‑Yang Sect Leader, the Grand Dao Mansion Master, and Chang Yun Tian are all utterly speechless.

According to their plan, after Senluo Hell's emergence, they would empower the Buddhist school to seize opportunities of creation.

Yet they did not expect that at such a critical juncture, Gu Jin Nian would once again turn the tide from desperation; this utter hopelessness makes them completely doubt their own existence.

They even feel that Gu Jin Nian truly is the Son of Heaven's Mandate; otherwise, why can he repeatedly turn the tide and create legends and miracles?

The micro‑world is quiet, quiet to the extreme.

Yet the true silence is not here but at the East Sea Dragon Palace.

Because not long ago, the East Sea Dragon King determined that the great world would wither, everyone would be buried, and no one could survive.

In his view, this cataclysm cannot be solved by one or a few people; even ten more saints could not suppress Senluo Hell's emergence.

Yet reality gave him a harsh slap.

Gu Jin Nian suppressed it.

Not only did he suppress it, but also created the true Dharma scripture of the Buddhist school.

The chanting reverberated through heaven and earth, causing the entire Dragon Palace to tremble; this shows how terrifying the scripture is.

The great hall of the Dragon Palace was indescribably quiet; the East Sea Crown Prince, who had been shouting before, fell into complete silence.

Though arrogant and disdainful of Gu Jin Nian, he now has no right to look down on him after such an achievement.

Because he cannot do it, any sarcastic remark would be a joke, a hollow joke.

All three Great Dragon Kings fell silent; believing the East Sea Dragon King's words, they further realized how terrifying Gu Jin Nian's actions are.

About half a moment later, a voice sounded, breaking the peace inside the East Sea Dragon Palace.

"The true doctrine of the Buddha."

"To overturn all Buddhist teachings is equivalent to establishing a new doctrine, breaking shackles, a defiance of Heaven."

"Gu Jin Nian is truly about to soar to the heavens now."

"Unfortunately, such destiny does not belong to our Sea Clan; if our Sea Clan were to obtain it, it could directly trigger an apocalyptic war."

The voice of the East Sea Dragon King sounded.

He looked at Gu Jin Nian, his eyes filled with complexity.

"Establishing a doctrine?"

"Elder brother, what benefit can Gu Jin Nian gain?"

The North Sea Dragon King could not help but ask; hearing about establishing a doctrine, his mood was somewhat uneasy.

He harbored strong hostility toward Gu Jin Nian, and now, seeing Gu Jin Nian recite the true Buddhist doctrine, he naturally felt displeased, while also curious about what benefit Gu Jin Nian might obtain.

"Establishing a doctrine is a heavenly merit; relying on it, one can ascend to the Sixth Heaven."

"Moreover, there is supreme Qi fortune bestowed; as for any other rewards, that is unclear."

"In short, this time he becomes the greatest winner."

The East Sea Dragon King spoke calmly; he was no longer as agitated and shocked as before, somewhat restrained, yet his words still carried a different tone.

"Then, elder brother, how should our Sea Clan handle its feud with him?"

The West Sea Dragon King, after hearing this, could not help but ask out of curiosity.

"This feud will become even less resolvable."

"No need to try to win over Gu Jin Nian, nor to show goodwill; I can see he is a person who acts for Heaven's Mandate, in other words, the heavens now recognize him."

"This era has chosen him; we are beings from the ancient age, so between us and Gu Jin Nian there is only slaughter."

"There is no peace talk, nor can we win him over; he is destined from birth to be our opposite."

The East Sea Dragon King spoke lightly, giving an answer.

But everyone instantly understood what the East Sea Dragon King meant.

Still, kill.

Previously it was a battle of faces, a clash of stances, but now it is a true endless war, because the two sides are like water and fire, with absolutely no possibility of negotiation.

"After the Senluo Hell ends, let the Third Brother step forward and execute him."

Hearing this, the West Sea Dragon King spoke; he was blunt and exuded supreme arrogance.

He wanted to directly execute Gu Jin Nian.

"Impossible."

However, the East Sea Dragon King shook his head.

"Elder brother, why is that?"

"Now that the Sea Clan has emerged, can we still not slay him?"

This time the others were surprised; after the Sea Clan's emergence and full revival, even if Gu Jin Nian reaches the Sixth Heaven, what then?

The four dragon kings, each an unparalleled powerhouse, could easily subdue Gu Jin Nian, couldn't they?

But they did not expect the East Sea Dragon King to actually shake his head.

"Establishing a doctrine is protected by the heavens' Qi fortune; this era's Heaven's Mandate will fully recognize him."

"If we intervene, we will inevitably incur heavenly retribution; such retribution would doom the Sea Clan."

"In other words, among all races, whoever kills Gu Jin Nian, their entire clan will be buried."

The East Sea Dragon King spoke; he saw through the core and understood what immortal achievement Gu Jin Nian had accomplished this time.

Heaven and earth fully recognize him, making it very likely they will bind with Gu Jin Nian.

In that case, whoever kills Gu Jin Nian will face the heavens' execution.

Upon hearing this, the three great dragon kings' expressions couldn't help but change.

"If that's the case, doesn't that make Gu Jin Nian invincible under heaven?"

"That can't be, elder brother, are you sure?"

"Where does such a claim come from? If so, wouldn't Gu Jin Nian be able to ascend heaven and dive earth, untouchable?"

The three great dragon kings each spoke, deeming it impossible and saying no such claim exists.

"It's not that no one can be killed, but that surpassing one's realm makes killing absolutely forbidden."

"Within the same realm, executing Gu Jin Nian is no problem."

"But crossing a realm will be noticed by heaven and earth, bringing down heavenly punishment."

"However, if one can obtain a mythic relic from other mythic ruins, the restriction can be broken."

"Therefore, if we wish to act, we must acquire a mythic relic, and Gu Jin Nian must reach the Seventh Heaven realm."

The East Sea Dragon King revealed the truth.

With those words, everyone fully comprehended.

In the same realm, a battle can result in execution.

Crossing realms, execution is forbidden.

"Father, rest assured, the child will certainly execute Gu Jin Nian."

The East Sea Crown Prince spoke, giving his answer, his eyes filled with determination.

Since a same-realm battle allows execution, he naturally would not fall behind.

The East Sea Dragon King's gaze fell on Ao's true form; after a brief silence, he slowly spoke.

"If the Ancestor Dragon Realm opens, you all will have a chance to obtain destiny; at that time, whoever gains destiny and transforms into a true dragon body will find hunting Gu Jin Nian indeed easy."

"Go and cultivate properly."

The East Sea Dragon King nodded. He didn't wish to curb others' ambition or diminish his own prestige, but after speaking, he truly had no certainty in his heart.

After all, Gu Jin Nian's present deeds are indeed defying Heaven, surpassing the control of Heaven and Earth.

In comparison with the oppression of the East Sea Dragon Palace.

Within the Sacred Mountain, joy and astonishment merged into one.

"The supreme truth of the Buddhist school—did Gu Jin Nian truly author such a teaching? This is a founding merit indeed."

"Across ages, how many have managed this? This Gu Jin Nian truly is beyond belief, brimming with miracles."

A great being of the divine race spoke, his voice trembling; for a moment, he didn't know what to say.

The whole divine race erupted in a clamor; they are born as divine beings, in harmony with the Dao, resonating with Heaven and Earth.

Thus they understood even more what Gu Jin Nian's present actions represent and signify.

The divine race, from the highest to the lowest, was shaken, feeling profoundly incomprehensible.

Yet a group of people were also laughing loudly.

"Good, good, good, they actually subdued the Senluo Hell; this child truly has obtained this era's Heaven's Mandate. With his assistance, the divine race's future will far outstrip the other four great peoples."

A great being laughed aloud; in his view, Gu Jin Nian's achievement is a good thing for them, because no one would refuse to cooperate with the divine race, whoever they are.

Although there were past grievances, those were insignificant; the divine race has let go of them, so what can Gu Jin Nian do now?

This is their solitary thought.

"Obtaining this era's Heaven's Mandate? Is this era's Heaven's Mandate truly that strong?"

"If he wields this era's Heaven's Mandate, wouldn't our divine race's aspirations become even more modest?"

However, at that moment, some voices gradually rose, expressing doubt and confusion.

The reason is simple: Gu Jin Nian obtaining this era's Heaven's Mandate may mean that the future Gu Jin Nian will be the strongest enemy on their path to rise, a point that must be contemplated.

"No!"

"This era is merely this era; the ancient era's Heaven's Mandate is the most important, and this era's Heaven's Mandate has already weakened considerably."

"Ultimately, everything is still determined by the Five Races."

Soon, the voice of a divine race elder sounded, giving an answer, informing everyone that the future still belongs to them.

Hearing this, morale surged throughout the divine race, each person yearning for the future.

And within a mountain valley.

The ancient human clan were all startled awake, each gazing at the Southern Barbarian lands, looking at this terrifying sight.

Atop the mountain peak, an old monk clasped his hands together, muttering.

"True Buddhist doctrine—never imagined that in this era someone would redefine the Buddhist scriptures. What exactly is Gu Jin Nian? Even Heaven's Mandate cannot achieve this extent, can it?"

"Amitabha."

The elder spoke, looking at Gu Jin Nian; his gaze was filled with astonishment and endless doubt.

The novice monk behind him turned his gaze toward Gu Jin Nian, then slowly spoke.

"He has not yet grasped the essence of this scripture."

"However, he is in the process of comprehension; this is strange."

The young novice's words made the elder frown slightly; countless possibilities flashed in his mind, each dismissed, as he believed this scripture was not created by Gu Jin Nian himself.

Yet with such a scripture, even if someone transmitted the Dharma to Gu Jin Nian, Heaven and Earth would respond; it cannot be concealed.

"I suppose it must be Heaven and Earth's blessing."

"Having obtained this era's Heaven's Mandate, he will become the greatest enemy of all races."

The latter spoke, his tone inevitably a bit odd.

Hearing this, the young novice's gaze shifted slightly, while the elder's voice continued.

"After the Senluo Hell ends, the human race should also emerge."

"Prepare yourselves."

"The great era has arrived."

As the voice rang out, the elder did not continue speaking.

Meanwhile, within the mountains and rivers, many figures gazed at Gu Jin Nian; the world watched, awaiting this terrifying destiny.

Boom—boom—boom.

Within the Southern Barbarian realm.

Endless Buddhist light enveloped the heavens and earth, layers of Buddha silhouettes, a long river spanned between heaven and earth, countless Buddha figures appeared, each an ancient Buddha.

Their forms traversed past and present, radiating countless golden Buddha lights; ancient Sanskrit chants sounded, reciting Gu Jin Nian's supreme Heart Sutra.

One.

Ten.

Hundred.

Thousand.

Ten thousand.

One hundred eighty thousand ancient Buddha phantoms floated above the firmament, reflecting all across ages.

"One hundred eighty thousand Buddhas—what a grand spectacle!"

"I had thought that Gu Jin Nian's earlier true Buddhist scripture was already the pinnacle of anomalies; today, it seems my scope was limited."

"When observing phenomena, one must look at Gu Sheng; others truly lack interest."

"The phenomena of the Five Races' emergence are likely incomparable to Gu Sheng."

"If we truly compare, my evaluation is that it is not less than Gu Sheng by a hundred to one."

"This is the supreme Buddhist scripture, a founding merit; merely possessing this merit alone grants immense advantage."

"This scripture is equivalent to founding Buddhism anew."

Voices rose one after another, countless strong cultivators fell silent, staring dumbfounded at Gu Jin Nian as he recited the scripture; for a moment they truly did not know what to say, and their words contained only praise and awe, no other terms.

"Jie Di Jie Di, Bo Luo Jie Di, Bo Luo Seng Jie Di, Bodhi Seng Sha He."

The vast, magnificent sound rang again as Gu Jin Nian continued reciting the scripture.

When this sentence was spoken.

Finally, the most terrifying transformation occurred.

Dong.

Above the firmament, an unparalleled figure appeared, hovering among the ten thousand eight hundred Buddhas; brilliant golden light burst from the heavens and then affected the entire universe.

Dong! Dong! Dong! An immensely heavy sound rang out, as if the universe itself resonated.

Someone opened their Heavenly Eye and gazed at the farthest firmament; within the cosmos they were astonished, for countless Buddha lights erupted from the ancient stars.

The vast universe, originally dark and icy, was pierced by this beam of golden light; its influence was beyond description in ten‑thousands of miles, crossing everything.

A Buddha statue as radiant as a sun sat cross‑legged in deep space, its form a golden body, forming the three Dharma seals, resplendent in gold and jade, dignified like a treasure, resembling an immortal deity.

In the western desert, countless Buddhist monks knelt on the ground, their gazes filled with utmost devotion; they only saw the massive Buddha silhouette, and thus subconsciously worshipped reverently.

Yet a terrified voice rang out, startling the world.

"Mahavairocana!"

"This is the true form of Mahavairocana!"

A terrifying scream rose; people looked and saw an old monk, wildly agitated, pointing at the Buddha statue and letting out a hysterical roar.

"What? Mahavairocana?"

"The true form of the Tathagata?"

"Amitabha, Amitabha."

Countless monks were utterly shocked, their scalps tingling; they could hardly believe they were witnessing the Tathagata's true form manifest.

The world, hearing this, could not help but kneel at that moment, worshipping Mahavairocana's Dharma body.

Even the emperors had to pay their respects.

"Mahavairocana."

He is the supreme Buddha of the Buddhist path; the Tathagata stands for truth, for everything, transcending all existence across past and future.

However, people have never seen Mahavairocana's form; even when sculpting statues, they merely modeled from imagined images.

Now, the genuine Tathagata Dharma body appears, shaking antiquity and dazzling the present, making the world fully realize how terrifying the Dharma body is.

"Namo Amitabha."

Ancient Sanskrit chants rang out, reaching everyone's ears; all could comprehend the Buddhist verse.

Layered Sanskrit sounds pierced the universe, pierced space‑time, reaching every corner of the world.

Boundless and infinite, beyond law and ground, beyond heaven and measure, myriad inconceivable and unimaginable things all emanated from this Dharma body. All heavens' gods and Buddhas, the central Pure Land, the Silent Light Pure Land, countless inconceivable wonders, infinite extremes, and countless transformations.

The appearance of this Dharma body was shocking.

But the truly shocking scene then unfolded.

After that Dharma body, another even more terrifying Dharma body emerged, as if it occupied the entire universe; heaven, earth, all beings, the primordial cosmos, all lay within its palm.

Everyone's mind conjured this image: countless universes, innumerable star systems, ancient stars like dust—so vast, inconceivable, endless—all within the Buddha's palm.

"Lushena Buddha."

This is the Tathagata's second Dharma body, representing light that pervades all things and all times, past, present, and future; the Buddha's illumination shines upon all eternity.

Such grandeur is endlessly awe‑inspiring.

Among the sea races, the Four Sea Dragon Kings were already stupefied, and the East Sea Dragon King was especially fervent; he knew this was the legendary eighth realm, surpassing all.

Recognized by heaven and earth, bearing the Heaven's Mandate seal, entering the Eight Realms of Heaven's Mandate, one can obtain such a body.

Past, present, and future, heaven and earth, sun and moon may decay, but I remain immortal; the primordial cosmos may decay, yet I remain immortal.

This is Gu Jin Nian's phenomenon.

This is the terrifying power of the Mahaprajnaparamita Heart Sutra, the supreme Buddhist doctrine, the Mahayana Buddhist teaching.

And after Gu Jin Nian…

At this moment, the ten thousand eight hundred Buddhas radiated infinite light, and in the central region Shakyamuni Buddha appeared.

"The Buddha of Ten Thousand Buddhas."

"The true form of the Tathagata Buddha Patriarch."

The monks of the western desert went utterly mad, wailing in tears; for them, seeing the Buddha Patriarch's true form was the supreme providence and blessing.

Some old monks even knelt on the ground, kowtowing to Gu Jin Nian; at that moment they held no more personal gain or stance.

Gu Jin Nian's saintly manifestation represented so much; in the eyes of the world he was god‑like, a revered master of Buddhism.

No one dares to disrespect him.

And no one dares not to honor him.

The three great Dharma bodies simultaneously manifested at that moment.

The Tathagata's true form, behind it, was surrounded by ten thousand eight hundred Buddhas, seated centrally, forming the Dharma seal.

Lushena Buddha, amidst the cosmic starry sky, gazed upon all this; the surrounding stars transformed into a Silent Light Pure Land, a realm of ultimate bliss.

Vairocana Buddha, with the universe in his palm, his light illuminating heaven and earth, piercing all of past and present.

Such a phenomenon surpasses all previous ones.

It shakes every person's heart.

Da Xia Dynasty, Zhongzhou Dynasty, Four Seas Dragon Palace, Ancient Human Clan, Supreme Divine Clan, Extreme North Demon Clan—no faction was left unshaken.

Yet only one faction let out a wailing cry.

It is the demon race.

Beyond the Heaven Abyss, countless demons surged back wildly; having previously witnessed the situation in the Southern Barbarian Realm, they instinctively thought that an opportunity belonging to them had arrived.

What they did not expect was that this seemed like a cataclysm aimed at them.

Under the Buddha Light, these demon race elites suffered heavy losses; with almost a single encounter, an entire swath was wiped out.

Even the other four races, upon seeing this, could not help but mourn silently for them.

It truly is tragic.

In the ancient era, the demon race had been slaughtered by ten thousand races, but now they preserved their strength; at this moment, the three bodies of the Tathagata Buddha directly annihilated ninety percent on the spot.

Indeed.

A full ninety percent.

The most tragic was the Demon Emperor; under the Buddha Light, this once world‑shaking Demon Emperor's flesh collapsed, strands of black aura were forcibly purified, he could not escape and let out a desperate wail.

In the end, he died in this terrifying phenomenon.

Fortunately, his sacrifice bought a great amount of time, allowing some demon elites to return within the Heaven Abyss.

After returning, the demon elites frantically reinforced their seals and dared not emerge again.

However.

With a single thought, the terrifying Buddha Light turned into golden rain, pouring down onto the Heaven Abyss, annihilating demon elites one by one.

"Ah!"

"Gu Jin Nian, we were wrong, we were wrong, we are willing to cleanse the errors of our hearts; please, Gu Saint, raise your noble hand."

"We were wrong, we were wrong, please, Gu Saint, raise your noble hand."

"I refuse! I refuse!!!! After tens of thousands of years of waiting, why does my demon race meet its end here?"

"Ah! Ah! Ah!"

Pleading cries, screams, and defiant shouts rose together; within the Heaven Abyss, countless demon elites never imagined they would perish in this era.

They would meet their end at the hands of a later generation, Gu Jin Nian.

They are one of the five ancient races; when ten thousand races gathered to attack, they were never completely exterminated, and surviving to this era they remain a terror to all under heaven.

What they did not expect was to die in this cataclysm.

They imagined countless ways to die, yet never thought they would die here.

"Amitabha."

Above the Southern Barbarian Realm, Gu Jin Nian, clad in white, looked toward the Heaven Abyss and, harnessing boundless might, struck downward with a palm.

Bang! A massive annihilation erupted, as if ten million stars pressed down; the entire Heaven Abyss shattered, and all demon elites were doomed beneath that single palm.

This is too terrifying.

Astonishing terror.

The world fell silent.

One palm eradicated an ancient great clan.

On the mountain plateau, Lei Yuan watched the scene, his mouth agape; as a member of an ancient race, he knows how terrifying the demon race is, and now being slain by Gu Jin Nian's single palm is unbelievable.

"Grand Elder, brother Jin Nian, this is unbelievably strong, isn't it?"

Lei Yuan swallowed saliva and could not help but speak.

"How audacious, you must call Jin Nian the World‑Honored One."

"Who calls you brother?"

The Grand Elder gave Lei Yuan a cold glance, warning him to watch his words.

"Oh, oh, oh, World‑Honored One, World‑Honored One."

Lei Yuan quickly nodded, yet deep inside felt an inexplicable sourness.

Back then, Gu Jin Nian's strength was not far from his; although he was defeated by Gu Jin Nian, the gap between them was not that terrifying.

Now Gu Jin Nian's power is simply beyond his reach.

This makes him feel extremely distressed.

Of course, he is also grateful that he met Gu Jin Nian back then; at least they are friends and can look out for each other in the future.

"Hahaha, Jin Nian the World‑Honored One has received heaven and earth's approval; this is a tremendous boon for our clan."

"Good, good, good, I'm glad my Lei Clan fully supported Jin Nian the World‑Honored One back then; now it seems the Grand Elder truly has keen insight."

Everyone spoke, both excited and thrilled.

One palm eradicated a demon race; such an act, who across ages could achieve?

On Tianqi Mountain.

Su Rou quietly gazed at Gu Jin Nian, a smile tugging at the corner of her mouth.

And on Puyuan Mountain.

The immortal crane remained silent, deeply regretting why he once refused Gu Jin Nian's invitation to ascend the mountain and form an alliance; he felt uneasy, but finally let out a long sigh, hoping Gu Jin Nian would not bear a grudge.

The Sea Clan was numb; the Four Great Dragon Kings could no longer speak, let alone now.

But the one with the worst complexion was Ao Zhen; previously he looked at Gu Jin Nian with contempt, yet as Gu Jin Nian acted this way, he grew increasingly fearful and felt a mounting sense of oppression.

Gu Jin Nian's power keeps rising, while he still cannot emerge; the gap between them has already begun, and now he truly dares not repeat his earlier words.

"This is the Dao's blessing, not Gu Jin Nian's true power; do not let your eyes be deceived."

At that moment, the North Sea Dragon King seemed to sense the younger generation of the Sea Clan's emotions; he immediately spoke, awakening them so that an invincible presence would not arise in their hearts.

Losing a fight is fine; the most terrifying thing is not even fighting yet feeling inferior to the opponent—that is truly frightening.

Therefore, at the critical moment he immediately stopped them from continuing such thoughts, lest genuine fear take root.

Upon hearing this, the princes instantly awakened.

Yeah, this is not Gu Jin Nian's true strength.

They took a deep breath, then regained their invincible confidence.

In the God Mountain.

The God Clan also fell silent, not even a sound of joy, because Gu Jin Nian was too strong.

They only hoped Gu Jin Nian could resolve Samsara Hell, not that he would exterminate the Demon Clan; fortunately, this was merely a supporting power, not Gu Jin Nian's true strength.

If it were true strength, there would be no need to contend for anything; it's meaningless, anyway we'll die in the end.

Boom— boom— However, at this moment, within the Southern Barbarian Lands, ten gloomy and terrifying palaces also appeared, manifesting ten terrifying figures; they wielded chains, commanding countless yin soldiers, facing this terrifying Buddha light, they seemed unwilling.

Roar.

Heaven and earth trembled, the roar piercing the universe's eight frontiers.

People were astonished; at this moment, Samsara Hell actually possessed such terrifying rebellious power.

This is too terrifying, isn't it? It makes one feel despair, and one really doesn't know what to say.

Endless black qi rose from the Southern Barbarian Lands.

It transformed into an unparalleled black dragon, seeking to destroy all Buddhas.

But above the firmament.

Gu Jin Nian slowly raised his hand, forming a hand seal; facing such a terrifying sight, he showed no trace of fear, but slowly lowered his palm.

Thud! Gu Jin Nian struck down with a palm.

Behind him, the chanting of the 108,000 ancient Buddhas grew louder.

The true form of Shakyamuni Buddha, in unison with Gu Jin Nian, also struck down with a palm.

The true forms of Vairocana Buddha and the Great Sun Tathagata illuminated the entire universe.

Rocana Buddha further purified countless worlds.

The whole heaven and earth were filled with an endless sea of Buddhas, terrifying beyond compare.

The black dragon was directly severed, slapped to death with a palm, having no chance to resist.

Buzz—

Buzz—

The ten Samsara palaces also trembled incessantly at this moment.

The Ten Hall Kings let out a roar, of unwillingness, of anger, and also a terrifying wail.

Unfortunately, under the Buddha's light, the entirety of Samsara Hell instantly shattered.

This is absolute power, suppressing all.

"Even if we die, what can you do about this countless, endless hell of resentful spirits?"

A roar of unwillingness rose, making hearts turn cold.

This is the roar of the Ten Hall Kings of Samsara Hell; though they are born of heaven and earth's evolution and possess some spiritual wisdom, facing boundless Dharma, the Ten Hall Kings know they cannot prevail, yet they also conveyed a terrifying message.

The resentful spirits of heaven and earth have fully revived; suppressing Samsara Hell is fundamentally impossible, for these resentful spirits are the truly terrifying existence.

Indeed.

The resentful spirits formed a black sea that swept across heaven and earth; even each ancient star was infected by this black qi—any ancient star that once held life, whether now extinct or teeming with life, will always harbor resentful spirits.

These resentful spirits are horrendously vast; if not salvaged, they will cause a tremendous upheaval.

This is the terror of the mythic ruins: not only do immortal beings exist, but there is also a dire crisis.

"Today, I propagate the Mahayana Dharma; may all aspiring beings under heaven comprehend the true meaning of the Buddha's teachings, nurture good thoughts, condense Buddha light, and save countless beings."

Facing the Ten Hall Kings' voice, Gu Jin Nian felt no fear.

He wore white robes purer than snow, his whole being in a state of supreme awakening; his voice was immensely grand.

As this voice sounded.

For a time, in the Western Desert, boundless scriptures empowered the monks there; simultaneously, the vast merit of the Buddha's teachings flowed like an ocean into all dynasties, into the whole of heaven and earth.

Everyone felt this terrifying merit.

People were somewhat astonished, not understanding what was happening.

But just then, a voice sounded, choked with sobs.

"Gu Sage Eternal ah."

"With the merit of establishing the teachings, bestowed upon heaven and earth, may all become Buddhas, may all cross the sea of suffering."

"This humble monk truly prostrates five limbs to the ground."

A mournful cry sounded; this was a Buddhist high monk who instantly understood what Gu Jin Nian intended to do.

Using his merit of establishing the teachings, he would cleanse everyone in the world, granting all people the power of true awakening, making all like Buddhas, thereby enabling the salvation of these resentful spirits.

Reliance on a single person's power is ultimately insignificant.

But Gu Jin Nian, for the greater good, sacrificed his own interests, exchanging them for a renewed heaven and earth.

Such magnanimity—how many throughout history have possessed it?

Upon hearing the eminent monk's words, the world fell completely silent.

Many fell silent; among them were not lacking former enemies of Gu Jin Nian, nor those who disliked him, and at this moment they could not help but be moved.

Looking back carefully, people found that everything Gu Jin Nian had done was never for himself.

Jiangning Prefecture flood, seeking justice for the people.

White Heron Prefecture, children missing, killing officials for the people, not hesitating to defy imperial edicts.

As an official, for the backbone of the Da Xia Dynasty, he established national maxims.

Corrupt Confucian-Daoist customs; he invited sages, established immortal words, to set the heart of heaven and earth, the destiny of the people, to continue the lost learning of past sages, to open an era of peace for myriad generations.

Before heavenly calamity arrives, he dispenses boundless merit, blessing the people of the world.

After counting them.

Gu Jin Nian had never done anything against his conscience; everything was for the sake of all living beings under heaven.

He truly accomplished it, establishing the heart of heaven and earth, establishing the destiny of the people, continuing the lost learning of the sages, and opening an era of peace for myriad generations.

Such a person possesses boundless merit.

"When the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara practices the profound Prajnaparamita, he perceives that all five aggregates are empty."

At that very moment, a voice rang out—it was a monk from the Western Desert, who clasped his hands, burned his own realm, transforming into brilliant light, the light of salvation, turning the surrounding hundred zhang into a pure land.

He was reciting the Heart Sutra, resonating with Gu Jin Nian.

"When the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara practices the profound Prajnaparamita, he perceives that all five aggregates are empty."

Soon, voices rose one after another; people spontaneously began to chant, whether they were Western Desert monks, immortal sect cultivators, nobles and wealthy, or ordinary commoners.

Amidst the great calamity, all people of the world, at this moment, chose to help each other, jointly resisting this terrifying catastrophe.

The Buddhist chants grew louder and louder.

This sound became ever more grand.

It surpassed the voice of the Buddha, surpassed Gu Jin Nian's voice; it was the voice of myriad peoples, the will of all under heaven.

Boom.

Buddha's light shone everywhere, continually purifying these resentful spirits.

Although the resentful spirits are endless, the unity of people also appears mighty and invincible.

Such a sight shocked the four tribes; they could not imagine that, at the final critical moment, all under heaven would unite as one—what they feared most had come to pass.

Ants are not frightening.

What is truly frightening is that these ants unite; that would be truly terrifying.

Indeed.

A despairing event occurred.

The number of resentful spirits is simply too many, too many.

No matter how people chant Buddhist sutras, it is difficult to completely ferry these resentful spirits, which exist in every age, summoned forth by the Hell of Saṃsāra.

It can be said to be endless.

"It's of no use."

"When the Hell of Saṃsāra emerges, the great age itself becomes hell."

"Unless the Tathagata personally appears, all is empty talk."

At that very moment, the voices of the Ten Kings of the Halls rang out in unison; they believed that Gu Jin Nian's actions were utterly meaningless.

Even if all under heaven possessed the power to ferry, what could they do? Unless the Tathagata personally appears, otherwise everything is mere empty talk.

Hearing these words, people's hearts were struck; they had come this far and could not resist, and since he spoke the truth, no matter how they tried to ferry, endless resentful spirits would inevitably appear.

As if they were endless.

Upon hearing this, the four great tribes felt quite pleased; they hoped Gu Jin Nian could not resolve this calamity, and best if he also perished.

But in the skies over the Southern Barbarian realm.

Gu Jin Nian, upon hearing this, made not a sound.

He closed his eyes.

He clearly comprehended the Heart Sutra, Zenfully understanding the supreme scripture of the Buddhist gate.

But in people's eyes, Gu Jin Nian's conduct seemed like giving up.

After all, whoever it is, facing the boundless vastness of resentful spirits will inevitably feel helpless.

"Sage Gu."

"Come to my Divine Mountain; it can shelter you safely."

"In this declining age, you may be exempt."

At this very moment, inside the Divine Mountain, a god clan elder spoke, seeking to win over Gu Jin Nian at this time.

The remaining three tribes, hearing this, could not help but loudly curse the god clan as despicable.

But just then.

A calm voice sounded slowly.

"I am Gu Jin Nian."

"Today, I set forth an immortal great vow."

"Hell shall not be empty."

"I vow not to become a Buddha."

A tranquil voice rang out.

Nothing earth-shattering.

But heaven and earth at this moment.

It fell completely silent. —Recommend a very funny novel 《What! You Want Me, the Lonely One, to Be an Actor? 》

Taking Qin Shi Huang to Hengdian to film a movie.

Taking Sun Simiao to Union Hospital for an interview.

Taking Chu Liuxiang to the British Museum.

Taking Zhang Sanfeng to participate in the boxing championship.

It's very good, quite interesting~ Everyone can go support it! A great reverse-time travel work!!!!

(End of chapter)