Chapter 257: Peace under heaven, a ten‑year agreement

Gu Jin Nian achieved Dharma Body Unity, and behind him the True Body of the Thus Come One appeared again, illuminating everything across past and present.

His aura could destroy heaven and earth.

Everyone knows that Gu Jin Nian previously relied on such a Dharma Body, and with a single palm strike he killed the entire demon clan.

Now he has also condensed the True Body of the Thus Come One, and his target is locked onto the sea clan—how could this not shock people?

What is he trying to do? Is he going to use the power of the True Buddha to exterminate the sea clan? People are shocked.

And Gu Jin Nian's figure has indeed arrived in the land of the Four Seas.

He silently gazes upon the Four Seas.

The entire Four Seas fell utterly silent at this moment; the Four Seas Dragon Kings all turned their gaze to Gu Jin Nian, speaking not a word, yet it was impossible for their hearts not to have some ripples.

If Gu Jin Nian had not received the True Buddha's blessing, that would still be okay; they would fear nothing.

But now Gu Jin Nian bears the True Buddha's blessing; they cannot help but fear him, for if he truly unleashes his fury, likely none could withstand him.

The two sides locked eyes.

Gu Jin Nian stands upon the Four Seas, his gaze fixed on the Dragon Palace, penetrating everything.

"Saint Gu, do you wish to fight?"

Just then, the East Sea Dragon King's voice sounded; he was very calm, and in fact both sides remained calm, as if each had reservations.

However, the East Sea Dragon King still could not help but ask Gu Jin Nian.

He is currently restoring the foundations of the Four Seas Dragon Palace, preparing to give his all in battle.

This is terrifying.

On the sea surface.

Gu Jin Nian gazes at the sea clan; he is indeed considering whether to act.

Now, relying on the True Body of the Thus Come One, I could easily exterminate everything, but doing so would surely bring great trouble, for the Four Seas Dragon Palace certainly has harsh measures.

I may not be able to suppress it.

But with the great era reviving and all tribes rising, if left unchecked, it will brew a great calamity.

However, forcibly suppressing it is not necessarily a good thing either.

This is very complicated.

"I do not wish for slaughter, but as the great era rises and myriad tribes stand tall, eventually all the world's beings will suffer because of it."

"So I am indeed considering whether to act and suppress everything."

Gu Jin Nian spoke lightly; this is his meaning, clear and direct.

He indeed wishes to act, to press down the great calamity entirely; doing so would incur inconceivable karmic force, stemming from the Heaven's Mandate of ancient times.

But if I were to do so, at least I could resolve part of the crisis.

At this moment, the great era seethes; although people had some guesses, when Gu Jin Nian spoke these words, they were still utterly shocked.

Having previously exterminated the demon clan, which everyone witnessed, now targeting the sea clan's budding threat seems too terrifying: "Do you intend to eradicate the ancient clans by the power of one person? If that were possible, in ancient times heaven and earth would have already done so."

"Saint Gu, although you have transcended the Six Paths, you are ultimately a person of this era; in a sense, we too have transcended the cycle of rebirth—you cannot destroy us, but doing so would disturb the order of heaven and earth."

"Under endless karmic retribution, the price you would pay would be even more painful."

The East Sea Dragon King spoke, showing no fear, merely stating a fact.

Upon hearing this, Gu Jin Nian did not agree.

"Is it truly so?"

He spoke lightly, and golden lotuses blossomed on the sea surface; people fell silent, instinctively thinking Gu Jin Nian was about to act.

The sea clan's strong ones also fell silent one by one; some even felt suffocated. At this critical juncture, no one dared to speak—not even the sea clan's mighty— they could only remain silent, awaiting the exchange between the Four Seas Dragon King and Gu Jin Nian.

"You may well try; have you considered that if you exterminate the sea clan, in the eyes of heaven and earth you are also our kind—eliminating the strong and seizing their fortune?"

The East Sea Dragon King spoke slowly; just a single sentence made people suddenly awaken.

"Yes, if Gu Jin Nian also did that, would it count as being within the scope of cleansing?"

"Or is it also like them, cleansing the mighty of the great era to let oneself stand out?"

Gu Jin Nian understands this clearly; indeed, because of the matter of seizing fortune, he has not directly acted.

"I do not wish for slaughter, nor do I hope that slaughter will occur thereafter."

Gu Jin Nian understands this principle, but he hopes even more that any ensuing slaughter not be overly bloody.

"This is not something you can stop; it is the choice of the great era, and also of heaven and earth—any age that reaches its extremity will do this."

"Saint Gu, having reached this realm, do you still not understand?"

The East Sea Dragon King spoke; he was not merely opposing Gu Jin Nian head-on, but stating a fact.

Any civilization, any cultivation practice, any system, upon reaching its extremity with no path forward, will often choose to undertake extreme actions.

This is unavoidable.

Because the road ahead has ended, one can only rely on one's own methods to blaze a new path.

"Is slaughter then the correct course?"

Gu Jin Nian asked calmly.

"Slaughter is not necessarily the right thing, but refraining from slaughter is not necessarily wrong either; looking over the long river of history, victors become kings, vanquished become bandits—if the road ahead ultimately is only this one, what should we do?"

The East Sea Dragon King is not compromising; he is asking Gu Jin Nian this question.

Not only is he asking Gu Jin Nian; in another way, he is asking the beings of this great era.

If truly there is no road ahead, what should we do? Should we choose to let go? How many people can actually let go? After posing this question, it indeed caused the people to fall silent.

"If there is no road ahead, must we necessarily choose slaughter?"

Gu Jin Nian questioned.

He does not accept this claim.

"It's true we don't have to choose slaughter, but is there any other path? Please, Gu Sheng, say a word."

The East Sea Dragon King remains domineering, and he is also very straightforward; if there is another path, they are not unable to choose it.

But speaking that question indeed left Gu Jin Nian silent.

All four Sea Dragon Kings have likewise become ultimate beings; their strength is probably close to the infinite Eight Realms, and they naturally know many things.

If there are other ways to ascend, the fighting is indeed unnecessary.

The Sea Tribe is naturally warlike, but not inherently bloodthirsty.

Both sides are at a stalemate.

It is a bit dull; for a moment, neither can outtalk the other—each has their own stance and thoughts.

"No matter what, slaughter ultimately won't work."

Gu Jin Nian spoke calmly, expressing his intention.

The golden lotus flowers around them trembled at that moment, clearly indicating that Gu Jin Nian was about to act.

"Since slaughter won't work and Gu Sheng can't propose a second way, should I just accept my fate? Is that possible?"

"Do not delude yourself into thinking you can suppress my Sea Tribe with such means; our tribe also possesses the ancestral dragon spirit and the Tathagata True Body, which may not be enough to subdue our ancestral dragon."

The East Sea Dragon King stepped forward, his figure manifesting a ten‑thousand‑zhang aura; the ocean trembled instantly, and terrifying waves surged, interlaced with gathering thunderclouds.

The Sea Tribe does not fear Gu Jin Nian, even though he possesses the Tathagata True Body.

They also have depth.

Indeed, an indescribable aura was released, strange and terrifying, evoking dread.

This is the underlying power of the Sea Tribe.

Both sides drew their crossbows.

The smell of gunpowder was strong; a full‑scale battle could erupt at any moment, and no one knows how many would perish.

But at that moment, a voice suddenly sounded.

"Amitabha."

"Well done, well done."

"Benefactors, could you spare a thin noodle for this humble monk? I have a plan that could quell this turmoil."

At that moment, a resonant voice rang out, echoing through the clouds, yet without any domineering aura; instead, it was gentle.

The onlookers looked on.

For a moment, it sparked many controversies.

"Supreme Saint."

Among the Confucians, someone gasped, pointing at the figure and uttering an incredulous sound.

"Supreme Saint?"

"Is this a saint?"

"A contemporary saint? Or an ancient saint?"

In an instant, various shocked voices rose; no one expected that at this critical moment, a saint would appear across the world.

There are only two recognized saints: Gu Jin Nian and Su Wenjing, but unexpectedly, there is another hidden saint.

Moreover, the background is significant; he is a saint from ancient times, whose name still endures.

The Supreme Saint is a practitioner of both Confucian and Buddhist cultivation; from childhood he comprehended the saintly path within the Buddhist sect, his dialectics were unbeatable, perfecting all dharmas, later becoming a Nirvana‑level strongman and then a Confucian‑Daoist saint.

He is highly respected; even in ancient times he bore a distinguished title.

Thus, the appearance of such a saint naturally draws attention.

Gu Jin Nian slightly restrained his aura, and the East Sea Dragon King also gave the other side face.

The Ancient Saint appeared; his figure stood before Gu Jin Nian. To Gu Jin Nian, he wore a kasaya, being not only a saint but also a Nirvana‑level strongman, a dual Confucian‑Buddhist cultivator—truly remarkable.

"Amitabha."

"I have seen the saint of later generations."

The Supreme Saint bowed toward Gu Jin Nian.

"I have seen the Ancient Saint."

Gu Jin Nian did not overdo it and returned the salute.

"The brilliance of the past can no longer conceal today's radiance."

"The Ancient Saint cannot bear the responsibility, but this humble monk has come today hoping for a period of peace; I have devised a method—may the saint of later generations listen?"

The Supreme Saint smiled faintly, his face kind, questioning Gu Jin Nian.

Hearing this, Gu Jin Nian did not answer immediately, but looked toward the East Sea Dragon King's figure.

Clearly, he is willing, though it's uncertain whether the East Sea Dragon King has other thoughts.

"Supreme Saint, please speak."

The East Sea Dragon King is not foolish; he knows that if the stalemate continues, the Sea Tribe will suffer, so rather than continue fighting, he prefers to see if there is a more diplomatic way to calm both sides' anger.

"Now the great world has only just revived, and ultimate brilliance is approaching; no one knows the future's changes."

"Our mutual slaughter serves little purpose; in ancient times, hadn't we killed enough?"

"Moreover, Gu Sheng's words are not wrong; the path of slaughter is not necessarily right. With the great world arriving, there may be another turning point."

"How about we sign a contract: a hundred years of peace across the world, during which the Seven Heavens' strong ones may not act, including those above the Seven Heavens; the disciples may fight each other, the great world's resources may be contested freely, as long as no one exerts overwhelming force, everything follows the rules?"

"What do you two think?"

The Supreme Saint spoke, presenting his own solution.

Upon hearing this, the East Sea Dragon King hesitated hardly at all.

"I, the king, can agree."

He was very straightforward, and immediately agreed, because for them it was extremely advantageous.

Even if the great era revives, as dragon kings, their realm strength still cannot forcibly emerge; they would be cleared by heaven and earth, needing only a slight transformation of the great era before they can emerge.

And in the great era's contention, opportunities are everywhere; it's impossible not to contend, and letting one's subordinates go seize them is indeed a good thing.

For them, it's overly advantageous.

But Gu Jin Nian isn't stupid; forbidding action above the seventh heaven isn't just restricting himself? As for above the seventh heaven, does the present human race have any experts above the seventh heaven?

It seems like they're binding the dragon kings, but actually it's just an excuse; if experts above the seventh heaven could act, would there be all this talk? Moreover, most importantly, the present human race's strength is truly too weak.

Don't even mention the seventh, sixth, or fifth heavens; experts of the seventh realm are few, how could it be easy? "Impossible."

"The realm threshold is set too high; the present human race lacks sufficient foundation."

Gu Jin Nian spoke up, directly vetoing this contract.

Not only him; all cultivators and martial artists of the great era frowned, they aren't stupid either, knowing this is a trap, clearly advantageous to the major ancient clans, extremely unfair to them.

"This is indeed fair; our cultivation didn't come from nowhere. If the great era erupts, would we really have to suppress our realms before fighting? Conversely, if today's experts are the present human race, does that mean encountering us still requires suppressing realms?"

At this moment, in the far north, the monster clan's voice sounded; they had been secretly observing, and now, as the Upper Residence Saint proposed this idea, the monster clan naturally found it interesting and wanted to agree.

This also benefits the monster clan.

"Indeed somewhat improper, forbidding action above the fifth heaven, Gu Saint, what do you think?"

A voice also came from the divine mountain; obviously, the god clan also agreed with the Upper Residence Saint's meaning, but the god clan is clever, they don't want to offend Gu Jin Nian, yet likewise wish to occupy the advantageous side, so they spoke thus.

On the surface it's helping Gu Jin Nian speak, but actually it means little; the seventh and sixth heavens aren't of great significance.

To put it bluntly, there aren't many human seventh-realm experts, so what's there to discuss about this and that?

"I disagree."

Gu Jin Nian spoke directly, gazing at the far north with calm eyes.

"How many years have the ancient clans cultivated? What are the resources of the ancient era? No need for me to remind."

"If it weren't for you all fighting in the ancient era, heaven and earth wouldn't have changed so greatly."

"No action above the seventh realm; this is my bottom line."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, he was very straightforward, demanding no action above the seventh realm; only then would it be a true struggle.

Actually, if one must speak, the seventh realm and above aren't of great significance either; the sea clan has the True Dragon Technique, the monster clan has the Qilin Technique, the Phoenix Technique—these peerless divine abilities, let alone the ancient human clan; all ancient legacies are in their hands.

As for the god clan, born as divine beings, they fundamentally fear nothing, innately possessing blessed fortune.

Under these circumstances, even if action above the seventh realm is forbidden, the human race still suffers a great loss.

But saying this aloud, the four clans all sneered.

"No action above the seventh realm? Among these mountains and rivers, how many perilous places require strong ones to assault? Is it just because we want world peace that we shouldn't contend for treasures?"

"Gu Saint, you're perhaps being overly domineering."

This is the East Sea Dragon King's voice; hearing Gu Jin Nian's words, he found them laughable, extremely laughable, considering this too fantastical.

Just because we pursue peace, we restrict everyone's strength? No action above the seventh realm?

"If that's the case, we might as well start fighting now; Gu Saint, you have indeed obtained the Heaven's Mandate seal, but have you considered that if the four ancient clans unite as one rope, even if you truly summon the Buddha, it may not be able to suppress us."

"Conversely, if you fail to do this, the great era will, because of you, be sent to an early grave; this is already giving face to the present human race; without you, slaughter would have begun long ago."

The Monster God spoke; he too was somewhat overbearing, but not because he wanted to help the sea clan—rather, because it benefited him, he could not fail to strive for it.

"Gu Saint, your request is indeed somewhat excessive; forbidding action above the seventh realm is indeed somewhat bad."

The god clan also thought Gu Jin Nian was being ridiculous, but since they needed to use him, they didn't make their words especially harsh.

"Amitabha."

"Gu Saint, no action above the seventh realm—this simply doesn't hold up; in the great era's contention, with divine mountains reviving everywhere, what are seventh-realm experts worth?"

"Please, Gu Saint, for world peace, make a concession."

"After all, the advantage does not lie with the present human race; if this stalemate continues, the great war will come early, and then the karmic forces of billions of beings will all be bestowed upon you."

The Upper Residence Saint spoke; his eyes were kind, yet these words were somewhat strange.

"What is meant by the great era's karmic force upon oneself? Striving for the human race's rights and peace is actually a mistaken thing?"

In an instant, Gu Jin Nian looked at the Upper Residence Saint; the respect in his heart instantly halved, for no other reason than feeling that this Upper Residence Saint was very strange, definitely having some other motive.

Upon reflection, it actually makes sense; this fellow clearly favors the ancient human clan, coming out to speak nice words, merely to shape an image.

Boom boom boom.

However, just then, within the Nanman Classic, in the netherworld's underworld, a terrifying voice sounded.

The figures of the Ten Palace Kings all appeared together above the firmament, their gazes calm, standing behind Gu Jin Nian, they spoke lightly.

"Brother Jin Nian, if we initiate the great war, then let us act together; we ten elder brothers will guard your path."

The voice of Qin Guang King sounded; he was very domineering, likewise looking down with a contemptuous gaze at the so-called sea clan, god clan, or the ancient human clan and monster clan.

In their eyes was contempt.

These ten are existences from the mythic era, now even more recognized by heaven and earth, the ten Yama Kings who govern the netherworld; if they join the great war, the outcome would truly be hard to decide.

Indeed.

With the Ten Palace Kings' addition, the situation instantly became extremely tense; the four clans had originally wanted to suppress Gu Jin Nian by various means, but they hadn't expected the Ten Palace Kings to join the battlefield at this moment.

For a moment, the four clans' representatives fell silent; even the Upper Residence Saint didn't know what to say at this moment.

"Then let's fight."

Finally, the East Sea Dragon King's voice sounded; he knew that since neither side would yield, he might as well fight to the end.

Let's see who fears whom.

The Ten Palace Kings are indeed strong, but he believes they cannot act at will; they have borne this era's Heaven's Mandate, become Yama Kings, obtained some things, and will inevitably sacrifice something as well.

Previously they were born because of heaven and earth's will, letting them destroy and annihilate the great era; although they have become Yama Kings now, their strength absolutely cannot be as great as in the mythic era.

Thus the East Sea Dragon King fears nothing; since we must fight, we will fight to the end.

Alright.

Go all out, wage war in advance.

The Monster Clan's voice also rose; they were fearless, responding to this great war.

They come from ancient times, having endured terrifying slaughter; if one must say, they are not afraid, not at all afraid of such a war.

It's nothing but a matter of interests.

"Since the two clans are going to war, the God Clan isn't afraid either." The voice of the God Clan's representative rang out, looking to see who fears whom.

Sigh.

The Shangju Saint sighed, turning his gaze to Gu Jin Nian; he remained silent, clearly wanting to wait for Gu Jin Nian to yield.

"What does the present Human Clan have to fear from a single battle?"

However, I had thought that under this pressure, Gu Jin Nian would make a suitable compromise; yet I never expected that Gu Jin Nian would have no fear at all, nor any intention to compromise, his gaze unwavering.

He voiced his true feelings.

Gu Jin Nian knows better than anyone that now is the time to compare morale; without dragging in useless things, if we fight, we fight; the more we drag, the more we lose momentum.

Although the possibility of the Human Clan's defeat is great, so what? "Obey the Saint's decree!"

"People of Central Province, hear my command: all citizens are soldiers, go to war!"

Just then, the Central Province Emperor's voice rang out; dragon aura surrounded him, his face full of resolve. At this moment, he did not choose to persuade Gu Jin Nian, but chose to unconditionally support Gu Jin Nian.

If you fight, I will fight.

"Da Xia's subjects hear the order, obey the Saint's decree; all of my Da Xia's subjects, die in battle without regret."

At the same moment, the Da Xia Dynasty, Emperor Yongsheng also did not retreat.

Although knowing they cannot win.

Although knowing they cannot beat them.

But they absolutely could not let Gu Jin Nian lose face at this moment.

Isn't it just a dead end? Do they truly fear life and death? Either way, death is death; better to simply die standing.

"Fight!"

A sky-shaking roar rang out, echoes reverberating; the present Human Clan, regardless of dynasty or sect, at this moment chose to battle.

Terrifying public opinion surged into Gu Jin Nian's body; the sky over the sea instantly became a pure land, with the Buddha's heavenly sounds ringing, boundless Buddhist law, illuminating the infinite light beyond.

This is Gu Jin Nian's confidence.

He now represents this great age.

Boom boom boom.

The Ten Palaces King also released his aura at this moment, always ready for the great war; the hundreds of millions of Yin soldiers all roared in unison, this sound echoing through heaven and earth.

A terrifying great war, as if about to lift its curtain, making one feel suffocated.

But it did not make one feel afraid.

Because at this moment, everyone is united, fearless of all; at worst, it's just a dead end.

"Sigh!"

"Everyone, can we calm down a bit?"

Finally, the Shangju Saint spoke again; he did not want a great war, in fact no one wants to start a great war now, the great age has not yet fully emerged, only just beginning to transform; if they were to slaughter each other at this time.

That truly is not worth it.

However, he thought to use the momentum of other great clans to pressure Gu Jin Nian, making Gu Jin Nian retreat knowing the difficulty; yet he never expected that Gu Jin Nian is just a headstrong fool, never retreating.

That truly is overbearing to the extreme.

The scene did not calm down because of the Shangju Saint's words; always ready for the great war, now just waiting to see who makes the first move.

"In this way, above the Fourfold Heaven, no one may act; do you all agree?"

The Shangju Saint spoke, lowering his demands further, while looking at Gu Jin Nian he said.

"How great is the difference between the future Saint and the Fourfold and Fivefold Heavens? You know this; the Fourfold Heaven is also a watershed; using this as a boundary, it should be acceptable; I don't know what the future Saint means, how?"

The Shangju Saint indeed lowered his demands, and greatly so.

The Fourfold Heaven is strong, but not overly terrifying; while the Fivefold Heaven is a massive watershed, a single fingertip can kill a hundred Fourfold Heaven experts.

Under these circumstances, limiting to the Fourfold Heaven is already the limit.

Above the Seven Realms is impossible.

Then we might as well just go to war.

They are not afraid of the present Human Clan getting a head start; mainly, the great age revives, with infinite treasures—who wouldn't want to grab them wherever they are?

Hearing this, Gu Jin Nian fell somewhat silent.

And the East Sea Dragon King spoke first.

"Impossible."

"Some secret realms cannot be entered without the Fivefold Heaven; the Fourfold Heaven is too low; the Fivefold Heaven is the bottom line of the Sea Clan; if not agreed, we go straight to war."

"Mm, I agree."

"The Fourfold Heaven is indeed too low; the Fivefold Heaven is just right."

The Monster Clan and God Clan echoed in turn; they do not recognize the Fourfold Heaven, which is not conducive to their development.

Hearing this, the Shangju Saint was utterly speechless; he didn't know what to say, whether Fourfold Heaven or Fivefold Heaven, fearing both sides would be dissatisfied.

A great war truly is about to lift its curtain; this is very troublesome.

But just at this moment, Gu Jin Nian's voice sounded slowly.

"We can try another way."

He spoke, and the representatives of the four clans involuntarily turned their gazes to Gu Jin Nian, curious what method he would propose.

However, this shows that Gu Jin Nian also does not want to engage in slaughter and war, which is a good thing; the worry is that Gu Jin Nian, being barefoot and unafraid of those wearing shoes, if a fight really breaks out, he could become the spark.

It would still be based on the Seventh Realm, except that going forward each tribe cultivates talent; if our human race cultivates a Fifth Heaven strong expert, the boundary would be based on the Fifth Heaven; if our human race cultivates a Fourth Heaven strong expert, then the boundary would be the Fourth Heaven.

How?

Gu Jin Nian put forward his own idea; he also did not want to engage in slaughter, but this struggle actually amounts to setting the future situation.

We cannot retreat at all; if we retreat even a little, the ones who will suffer are the people of the present age.

This is somewhat ridiculous; if the human race does not produce a Fifth Heaven strong expert in a thousand years, does that mean we also cannot dispatch a Fifth Heaven strong expert to war?

Gu Jin Nian, considering you are a present-day sage, I won't say anything against you, but as a sage, how could you not understand some principles? In the mountains and rivers lie endless treasures; just because the human race lags behind, must my monster clan endure?

Gu Sheng, the four clans are all yielding to you; you have already won too much for the present-day human race. We are ancient strong clans, not ordinary folks; sitting down for peaceful talks, in a sense, is giving you great respect.

As a sage, you should understand this principle; we respect you, but we do not fear you.

The divine race representative also became somewhat displeased.

What he said is correct; the four great clans indeed think this way. In ancient times they were overwhelmingly invincible; the reason the present day has five clans is not that only five clans exist, but that they carved a bloody path out of the myriad clans.

They proved themselves with fresh blood.

Thus being able to sit down and peacefully negotiate with Gu Jin Nian is actually a concession; still haggling here, how can anyone tolerate this?

Upon hearing the voices of the four clans, Gu Jin Nian appeared calm; he was not angry.

Ten years.

Gu Jin Nian spoke lightly, looking at the representatives of the four clans, and stated a deadline.

What does that mean?

The representatives of the four clans were somewhat curious, not understanding what that meant.

Within ten years, according to this regulation; after ten years, there will be no such regulation.

Gu Jin Nian looked at the four clans and said these words.

He wants to set the time limit at ten years; within ten years, according to the strongest of the human race, naturally that strongest is not himself, but presumably a Seventh Realm First Heaven strong expert.

After ten years, as one wishes; you may send however strong a person to fight, and everyone may do as they please.

Indeed.

Upon hearing this, not only the four clans, but even the Ten Palace Kings could not help but frown.

Because, ten years is too short, too short.

For beings like them, ten years is not even a blink; it's equivalent to just closing off for cultivation.

So, upon hearing this, everyone felt a bit startled, even thinking they had misheard; and the great world's strong ones, each fell silent, feeling that Gu Jin Nian had become somewhat obstinate.

After all, ten years is too brief.

Are you sure it's ten years?

The voice of the East Sea Dragon King sounded; he was not quite sure, so he asked again.

That's right, it's ten years.

If even this is not acceptable, then let's just go to war; Gu Mou cannot guarantee anything else, wiping out two clans is no problem.

Gu Jin Nian is very straightforward, and also extremely overbearing.

Once war breaks out, killing two major clans is no problem, with the aid of the Tathagata's true form.

But saying that, the four clans all sneered repeatedly; it's not that Gu Jin Nian is boasting, but rather they think he has no idea how strong they are.

Like a frog at the bottom of a well.

Good!

This king can agree.

However, I fear you might regret it.

The East Sea Dragon King spoke directly; he agreed, and indeed did so without hesitation.

The reason is nothing else.

Ten years' time, the great world fears it will be fully revealed; ultimately, glorious revelation also needs some time; ten years is neither too much nor too little, but for them it is bearable, and indeed the best tolerable range.

Of course, the East Sea Dragon King's last words are also true.

He fears Gu Jin Nian will regret it.

Because ten years is too brief, passing in the blink of an eye; by then, if the human race still fails, and Gu Jin Nian regrets it, they would have nothing to say, after all Gu Jin Nian possesses an invincible dharma body and can fight at any time.

We could establish a Great Dao oath, with the sea clan, monster clan, divine clan, and our ancient human race, plus Gu Sheng's Heaven's Mandate seal, jointly taking the oath; such an oath, no one dares to violate.

After the East Sea Dragon King finished speaking, the Upper Residing Sage immediately spoke first.

He uttered the Great Dao oath.

This person has a big problem; making an oath is fine, but directly establishing a Great Dao oath clearly shows he does not think highly of Gu Jin Nian's ten years.

He thinks Gu Jin Nian is just hot-headed, randomly coming up with an idea.

As Gu Jin Nian says ten years, who doesn't know what he's thinking? Nothing more than wanting to buy ten years to cultivate human strong experts.

Gu Jin Nian currently is a Seventh Heaven strong expert; evidently he has some confidence, able to cultivate many strong experts.

That is why he proposes this ten-year limit.

But as ancient great clans, whether sea clan or monster clan, the ancient human race actually understands deep down that it's not because your personal strength is strong that you can cultivate many excellent strong experts.

To say something unpleasant.

Unless one is an Eighth Realm strong expert, wanting to cultivate a Fifth Heaven strong expert requires favorable timing, location, and harmony, especially various resources; these resources are most important—without them, what would you use to accumulate an unparalleled strong expert? They think Gu Jin Nian is just a dreamer talking nonsense.

I agree.

The divine clan also agrees.

With almost no hesitation, the monster clan and divine clan spoke at the same moment, all agreeing to Gu Jin Nian's request.

Brother Jin Nian, ten years is too short; you should not agree, better change it to fifty years, if possible to a hundred years; if they want to fight, with elder brothers and such present, we can match them in strength.

Qin Guang Wang's voice rang out—a voice transmission—as he kindly reminded Gu Jin Nian that ten years was indeed too short.

It's simply not enough for Gu Jin Nian to cultivate an unparalleled genius.

Upon hearing this, Gu Jin Nian shook his head and looked at the representatives of the four clans.

"Having made a ten‑year agreement, I have one more request: within these ten years, the mountains, rivers, earth, and all kinds of treasures must not be fought over."

Gu Jin Nian is not foolish; making a ten‑year pact shows his confidence, but he also understands that resources are the true way.

Trying to make the human race strong merely by relying on scriptures is almost impossible.

One still needs all kinds of heavenly materials and earthly treasures.

So he still has one final request: within these ten years, the four clans must not appear in the world, and all treasures must be obtained solely by the present‑day human race.

As soon as he said that, the representatives of the four clans frowned.

But before they could say anything, Gu Jin Nian's voice already rang out.

"Don't think you've lost anything."

"The human race is weak not because it lacks strong individuals, but because the ancient myriad clans slaughtered each other, causing heaven and earth to undergo great change; without that, would the present‑day human race be weak?"

"Moreover, in just ten years, even if the divine mountain were to recover, it could not fully recover; some places of creation would likely need more than ten years to form, and I understand this better than you do—it's merely some ordinary heavenly materials and earthly treasures."

"Even if there truly were peerless treasures, what then? Your foundations have been accumulated over an age, while the present‑day human race has none to speak of."

"This is already quite unfair; demanding that you not emerge for ten years is not an excessive request."

"If you do not agree,"

"then there's no point in talking—let's fight now."

Gu Jin Nian spoke his words in an absolute manner.

The ancient clans had indeed accumulated an era's worth of fortune, with myriad heavenly materials and earthly treasures, and countless creations.

Although most of them were lost in the ancient era, what remains are even rarer treasures.

Take the sea clan, for example: they can casually produce some elixirs, and even a single pill is something the present day cannot produce.

Under these circumstances, if we don't give ten years to compete for resources, what can the human race fight with? His words make perfect sense.

The four clans, who had originally intended to speak, fell silent at this moment.

They glanced at each other, and finally the voice of the East Sea Dragon King rang out.

"We can refrain from contending for the world's great creations, but we cannot avoid emerging; we still need to vie for some things, but rest assured, these things come from antiquity and are supreme creations."

"You may also contend; we do not demand everything."

"Contend as you will, but let there be no bloodshed—how about that?"

The East Sea Dragon King agreed to Gu Jin Nian's request, merely making some minor adjustments.

"All right."

Gu Jin Nian did not hesitate; he directly agreed.

Although we don't know what the four clans still wish to contend for, allowing ourselves to contend poses no major problem.

The great world's contention.

What matters is simply contention.

Peaceful development is impossible unless an unparalleled powerhouse is born, one person suppressing all; otherwise, faced with the manifestation of endless heavenly materials and earthly treasures, not only the ancient four clans but even the human race itself would fight until heads are broken and blood flows.

This is unavoidable.

That's about enough.

Continuing to argue would be meaningless and could very well trigger a heaven‑shaking upheaval.

"Good!"

"Then let's establish a contract."

The East Sea Dragon King nodded, then demanded that a contract be drawn up.

As the East Sea Dragon King spoke, the Upper Immortal Sage immediately condensed the human race's imprint—this is the ancient human race's imprint, representing the fortune of the ancient human race.

The demon clan's imprint, the divine clan's imprint, the sea clan's imprint— the four great imprints all appeared.

Gu Jin Nian wasted no words, condensing his own Heaven's Mandate imprint.

The five imprints condensed together, after which heaven and earth rumbled.

Strands of divine light intertwined, eventually forming an ancient star that hovered above the firmament.

If anyone dares to break the pact, they will suffer a fatal blow—a fatal blow to the entire great clan.

Such a contract, no one dares to violate.

"Excellent."

"Then let's see how Lord Gu, using ten years, cultivates an existence surpassing the foundation of my sea clan."

The contract is signed; it cannot be regretted.

The East Sea Dragon King spoke, his words calm, yet his eyes held a cold smile; previously he had not done so, fearing Gu Jin Nian might regret it.

Now that the contract has been signed, he can directly voice his thoughts.

"The demon clan also looks forward to it, Lord Gu—since you are a human sage, let me give you a heads‑up: among the demon clan, those who have reached the Fifth Heaven alone number seventy‑two, and these seventy‑two are the fortune seized from the slaughter of three thousand great clans."

"Relying solely on heavenly materials and earthly treasures to cultivate seventy‑two Fifth Heaven powerhouses is as difficult as climbing to heaven."

"Hahaha."

The demon god's voice rang out; he was very pleased and also uttered a figure, an astonishing figure.

Of course, this may not be true, since there is no verification, and given that he exposed his own foundations, the demon god is not that foolish; he is likely just trying to intimidate.

He wants to suppress Gu Jin Nian's morale.

"Lord Gu, the divine clan can cooperate with you."

The divine clan's representative spoke, not mocking but proposing cooperation.

Of course, this cooperation is nothing but seeing that Gu Jin Nian is under great pressure, lending a hand casually, hoping to reap more benefits.

But they heard these sounds.

Gu Jin Nian couldn't help but speak slowly.

"I am Gu Jin Nian."

"Today, we establish the Human Qilin Pavilion!"

"In ten days."

"At Da Xia Academy, the foremost of the Dao Transmission Scripture!"

A faint voice sounded.

Yet at this moment, it resonated through heaven and earth. — End of Volume Three! Volume Four, everlasting peace.

It's also the final volume! — I'm already in the emperor's old age, and the golden finger only arrives now? I strongly recommend this book again! It's extremely good!!! Zhetian fan‑fiction!!!!!! Can't get enough of how good it is~ Too many words~ can be slaughtered! (End of chapter)