Chapter 258: Legend of the Seven Realms, Heaven‑Shaking Variable, Spanning Past and Present, the Greatest Secret

The land of the four seas.

Everyone knows that Gu Jin Nian wants to spend ten years to exchange for the rise of humanity in the present age.

Ten years.

It may sound very long, but for cultivators, ten years is truly not long, even a bit too fast.

To support humanity within ten years, the whole process is probably as hard as climbing to heaven.

You must know that the formidable enemy humanity faces in the present age is the ancient clans, and moreover the most terrifying of the four ancient clans.

Fortunately the demon clan has been exterminated; if the demon clan were not exterminated, then we would have to face a five‑clan melee.

But upon reflection, with the demon clan exterminated, the sixth clan rose to take its place—actually it is still five clans.

Such a terrifying force proved everything in the ancient era; they waged war for an age, forged in blood, absolutely not ordinary folk.

Thus in this era it gives the illusion that any random member of the five great clans is very strong.

Actually in the ancient era, after experiencing terrifying slaughter, any survivor—even a lowly soldier—was overwhelmingly invincible, standing out as a top figure in this era.

Furthermore, this era itself has declined; heavenly treasures are scarce and pitiful, so it is only natural and reasonable that it cannot compare to the ancient experts.

So when Gu Jin Nian said such words, the four clans couldn't help but sneer inwardly.

They simply did not believe Gu Jin Nian could cultivate any peerless powerhouse.

Of course, to say humanity has no talent is impossible; they believe there is a one‑in‑a‑million genius, and also believe there are peerless heavenly talents.

But time is no longer enough.

Ten years of time.

With what will Gu Jin Nian cultivate? Merely, when Gu Jin Nian announced the establishment of the Qilin Pavilion, the five great clans all fell silent, furrowing their brows.

Gu Jin Nian setting up the Qilin Pavilion is nothing; cultivating disciples and casting a wide net is reasonable, but Gu Jin Nian saying he will transmit the foremost Dao scriptures raises a problem.

To speak frankly, in recent years Gu Jin Nian's words have basically all come true; not only do they come true, each time they cause a great commotion in the world.

Therefore, this time when Gu Jin Nian spoke, not only the four clans but also all major powers fell somewhat silent.

To the world's common folk, they are full of anticipation, looking forward to the Qilin Pavilion with great expectation.

But for the ancient clans and some hidden forces lurking in the dark, they do not want to see this scene.

However, the contract has already been signed, so they have nothing more to say.

"I hope everyone will keep their promises and not, upon seeing our human race grow strong, start gossiping."

"If anyone dares to break the agreement, I, Gu, will spare no expense to have them executed."

Having finished speaking about the Qilin Pavilion, Gu Jin Nian then turned to the representatives of the four clans and said these words.

It would have been better left unsaid, but as soon as he spoke, the North Sea Dragon King's voice sounded.

"It is not that I look down on the present‑day humanity."

"Ten years is not enough for you to cultivate a true powerhouse; time is also a very important thing."

"However, the divine clan intends to cooperate with you; you may certainly give it a try. In short, after ten years you will truly see the might of the sea clan."

The North Sea Dragon King could not tolerate this attitude; in his view, Gu Jin Nian's confidence is normal, but this comes across as overly arrogant.

Afraid the four clans will interfere? Are the four clans really like that? They, the four ancient clans, carved out a mighty reputation; would they fear a mere handful of humanity? The present‑day humanity may have talent, which he acknowledges, and peerless talent, which he also acknowledges, but in ten years those talents will not grow enough to make the great ancient clans fearful.

Thus he has the confidence to say these words, locking icy gazes with Gu Jin Nian.

"For our heavenly talents of humanity, ten years is enough."

Gu Jin Nian spoke lightly, yet also possessed supreme authority.

"Well then, I, the king, would like to see whether in ten years Sage Gu can lead humanity to rise."

"I am very much looking forward to it."

The North Sea Dragon King clearly had a somewhat sarcastic, tone‑twisting attitude.

"No need to look forward to it."

"In ten years, our heavenly talents of humanity will behead the dragon clan's crown prince as easily as slaughtering chickens and dogs."

Gu Jin Nian spoke lightly, possessing absolute confidence.

"Like slaughtering chickens and dogs, then I, the king, will truly have to keep constant watch on Sage Gu's Qilin Pavilion."

"To see what changes will come about."

"Putting else aside, if within ten years we can cultivate a Fivefold Heaven powerhouse, I will present the Dragon Pearl to Sage Gu."

The North Sea Dragon King said with a cold smile.

Originally, Gu Jin Nian's lofty demeanor already made him displeased; clearly the four clans were dominant, yet it turned out Gu Jin Nian became strong and overbearing.

This made them quite displeased, so Gu Jin Nian's establishment of the Qilin Pavilion was viewed by the North Sea Dragon King as a joke.

Of course he believes Gu Jin Nian can cultivate some decent heavenly talents.

Even if given sufficient time, they would not be inferior to the sea clan, which is reasonable; after all, the world's fortune rests upon Gu Jin Nian, and if he truly exerted himself, how could he fail to cultivate? But a mere ten years, he really does not believe it.

So he can wager his own personal Dragon Pearl.

"The North Sea Dragon King actually wagers his personal Dragon Pearl; my demon clan naturally will not be outdone, willing to stake the Phoenix Inner Elixir. If within ten years humanity can cultivate a Fivefold Heaven powerhouse, I will give the Phoenix Inner Elixir."

"Of course, if not, may Sage Gu share one‑tenth of the present age's fortune with my demon clan?"

At this moment, the Demon God spoke up; the North Sea Dragon King said this only because he could not bear it, whereas the demon clan is different—they have something to gain and want to plot Gu Jin Nian's world fortune.

Using the Phoenix Inner Elixir as the stake.

But although the stake seems huge, in many people's eyes it is already a sure‑profit, no‑loss deal.

With malicious intent.

"Good."

Gu Jin Nian directly agreed, without any hesitation.

As soon as these words were spoken, many people's faces changed.

"Gu Jin Nian, my worthy junior, the Fifth Heaven is no joke; unless a fated place opens it, these heavenly materials and treasures may not be enough."

King Qin Guang immediately spoke up to remind Gu Jin Nian, urging him to be careful and not underestimate the enemy.

However, the Demon Clan gave Gu Jin Nian no chance to back down.

"Then it's settled; if we make an oath, we won't make one. The Sage's word is golden; no oath is needed."

"Within ten years, if a Fifth Heaven strongman emerges, the Demon Clan will offer a Phoenix Internal Pill."

The latter spoke, laughing.

The Phoenix Internal Pill holds an extremely terrifying value; granting it to avian‑type demon beasts can awaken the Phoenix bloodline and forge a quasi‑demon god, who will start at least from the Seventh Heaven.

Such an item is dreadfully valuable; even the Demon Clan's versions are incomplete.

Yet it still possesses great worth.

Logically, a single Great World fortune may not surpass a Phoenix Internal Pill, since this Great World has not yet fully formed.

"Since the Demon Clan acts thus, the Divine Clan will also join the gamble, offering ten thousand jin of Nine Yang Divine Water as a stake to obtain a Great World fortune. I wonder if Gu Sheng is interested?"

At that moment, the Divine Clan, seeing the scene, couldn't help but speak up: the guaranteed profit is too tempting.

There's no way around it; it's not a question of greed, but who wouldn't take a free handout? The Divine Clan wishes to cooperate with Gu Jin Nian, but more so to drain every usable value from him. To them, Gu Jin Nian is insignificant; his value is what matters.

Since the Divine Clan has spoken, Shang Ju the Sage no longer holds back; just as he was about to speak, Gu Jin Nian's voice rang out.

"Do the Ancient Human Race also wish to place a bet?"

Gu Jin Nian spoke, directly asking the Shang Ju Sage; having read the Sage's intent, he asked outright to avoid the Sage's words.

"Amitabha."

"Monastics do not join gambling, but I, being a Sage and a Nirvana Buddha, care for all living beings. Since Gu Sheng is so confident and has such odds, I will treat this as supporting the present Human Race, offering a Divine Mountain of my Ancient Human Race as a stake. I wonder how Gu Sheng feels about that?"

The Shang Ju Sage truly embodies Confucian–Buddhist dual cultivation; his words made him sound like a saint.

He clearly also covets the Great World fortune, yet pretends as if he is aiding the Da Xia Dynasty.

It's utterly ridiculous.

"Fine: a Divine Mountain, a Life Dragon Pearl, a Phoenix Internal Pill, and Nine Yang Divine Water."

"I hope everyone will keep their word then."

Gu Jin Nian spoke; regarding their contempt, he felt no anger or turbulence, his disdain was normal.

"Then we shall wait and see.

The North Sea Dragon King still looks down, but with that said, they did not continue this entanglement.

At that moment, silhouettes vanished one after another.

The Four Seas Dragon King returned to the sea.

The Shang Ju Sage also departed.

Only Gu Jin Nian and the Divine Clan Great Being remained.

"Gu Sheng, I am Da Zhu. In establishing the Qilin Pavilion this time, I fear it requires not only material supplies but also the method of inheritance."

"The Divine Clan possesses many Ancient inheritance methods; we wish to invite Gu Sheng for a visit, to see them, and to provide Gu Sheng some assistance. To be frank, the Divine Clan has always advocated peace."

The latter spoke; his name is odd, yet rumors within the Divine Clan say his origin is mysterious, possessing the most complete inheritance and civilization. Their name represents much; the more clichéd and simple the name, the more it signifies great power.

However, Gu Jin Nian does not believe a single word spoken by this Da Zhu.

The Divine Clan claims peace?

In the ancient great wars, the Divine Clan participated heavily; surviving from antiquity to this era, they are far from ordinary, let alone benevolent.

It's just a prettier way of speaking.

If they were truly benevolent, they wouldn't join this gamble; compared to that, the Divine Clan is far better than the Shang Ju Sage, at least they don't sound so pompously sanctimonious and disgusting.

Nevertheless, faced with the Divine Clan's invitation, Gu Jin Nian did not accept outright.

"The inheritance methods can be discussed later; moreover, ancient inheritances may not suit this era."

"Thank you, sir."

Gu Jin Nian politely declined; he knew the Divine Clan surely had other motives, so a direct refusal was best, leaving future talks for when truly needed.

Upon hearing Gu Jin Nian's words, Da Zhu the Divine had no resentment; rather, he thought Gu Jin Nian's stance was reasonable.

A cautious heart is understandable.

"Gu Sheng, you need not worry; our Divine Clan sincerely invites you, please honor us with your presence."

The latter smiled.

"No need, ten years indeed fly by; Gu— does not want to waste a single second. The Divine Clan's goodwill is received with gratitude."

Gu Jin Nian still refused, without fuss, taking a single stride and vanishing above the sea.

"Gu Sheng, this is unnecessary, right? Our Divine Clan is friendly, especially our Wa Huang lineage, which is extremely amicable. By contrast, the Pan Divine Clan would not be so courteous. Since Gu Sheng previously exterminated our Divine Clan cultivators, my Wa Huang lineage remains friendly, without excessive entanglement."

"The Pan Divine Clan intends to target Gu Sheng, but our Divine Maiden has suppressed them. At this moment, if Gu Sheng could visit the Divine Clan, there would be reason for reconciliation. You are a child of the Great World; we are also a celestial Divine Clan. If we cooperate, we can discover a new path of vitality."

"Please honor us with your presence, Gu Sheng."

The latter spoke, his tone sincere, apparently truly requesting Gu Jin Nian to go to the Divine Mountain.

Yet the more they say this, the greater their greed, so Gu Jin Nian has no intention.

"The matter of the Qilin Pavilion is currently my greatest concern. I appreciate the Divine Clan's goodwill; I will inform the Divine Maiden that I do not need her assistance. If the Pan Divine Clan seeks trouble with me, I will see it through to the end."

Gu Jin Nian was straightforward; his figure vanished without a trace, and no one knows where he went.

Now, as a Seventh Heaven unparalleled master, his power is invincible, naturally beyond the reach of ordinary pursuers.

Watching Gu Jin Nian depart, Da Zhu the Divine furrowed his brows. He is a Sixth Heaven strongman and this time's Divine Clan envoy; in theory his status is not inferior to Gu Jin Nian, yet he humbly asks Gu Jin Nian to the Divine Mountain.

But he did not expect Gu Jin Nian to give no face at all.

"Truly, he is somewhat ungrateful."

Looking at the already departed Gu Jin Nian, Da Zhu could not help but speak, feeling a certain aversion to Gu Jin Nian's behavior.

The Great Pillar Deity did not waste words and headed straight for the Divine Mountain.

Thus.

A cataclysmic battle finally drew its curtain at this moment.

Under Gu Jin Nian's hardline stance, the battle settled down.

But the world knows that ten years is a deadline.

Gu Jin Nian established the Qilin Pavilion, hoping to strengthen the present Human Clan, but that is too difficult; regardless of whether Gu Jin Nian has confidence, the world's masses actually have little confidence.

Using ten years to chase after the ancient tribes? Isn't that a joke?

It is utterly impossible.

Inside the East Sea Dragon Palace, the Four Sea Dragon Kings gathered, discussing the matter.

"What do you think of the Qilin Pavilion?"

The East Sea Dragon King spoke; regarding Gu Jin Nian's Qilin Pavilion, he remained resentful. Though he was convinced the Pavilion could not rise, some matters still required caution and could not be ignored.

"Brother, it's not that I look down on Gu Jin Nian; with his strength, trying to forge a group of geniuses is too hard, especially within ten years."

"It's almost impossible; what can Gu Jin Nian use to cultivate a batch of Heavenly Talents that surpass our Sea Clan?"

The South Sea Dragon King spoke first; his rank is second only to the East Sea Dragon King, so his words carry great authority.

"Indeed."

"Second brother makes a good point; brother, you can see for yourself how much Qi fortune our Sea Clan plundered in ancient times. To put it bluntly, even if other ancient tribes try to nurture geniuses, they could never succeed."

"The Qilin Pavilion is merely a bluff, but if Gu Jin Nian exhausts every method and trains earnestly, Fifth Heaven masters are impossible, yet perhaps a few Second or Third Heaven talents could be cultivated."

The West Sea Dragon King spoke; he was not overly contemptuous of Gu Jin Nian, but rather reasoned.

"Actually, perhaps we have all been mistaken."

At that moment, the North Sea Dragon King's voice rang out, calm as if he had guessed something. Upon hearing this, the three Dragon Kings turned to look at him.

"How so?"

The three Dragon Kings were full of curiosity.

"Could it be that Gu Jin Nian never intended to establish any Qilin Pavilion; his goal is to seize the world's resources, concentrate this destiny, and reach the Eighth Heaven himself?"

"Once he steps into the Eighth Heaven realm, he will possess absolute power to duel us, and thereafter his words can be far more forceful."

The North Sea Dragon King's voice sounded again, presenting a possibility.

Upon hearing this, the three Dragon Kings fell silent.

Because it made a lot of sense.

"Makes sense; rather than waste these resources on a group of insignificant Heavenly Talents, he could swallow them himself. Gu Jin Nian didn't anticipate such meticulous scheming."

"That must be the case; I wondered why he pledged a ten‑year covenant—an impossible task. He does this to plunder the world's Qi fortune."

"How calculating."

The West Sea Dragon King and South Sea Dragon King immediately believed this possibility, but the East Sea Dragon King couldn't help but frown slightly.

Because he sensed the matter was not that simple.

"Brother, don't you think so?"

Seeing the East Sea Dragon King silent, the South Sea Dragon King asked.

"Ten days after Gu Jin Nian, he will transmit the Head of the Ten Thousand Sutras; I fear he truly has methods, for he now possesses the world's Qi fortune, and just that forces us to be on guard."

The East Sea Dragon King remained rational; he believed in Gu Jin Nian's strength, and though reluctant to admit it, it was an undeniable fact.

Gu Jin Nian's power truly is terrifying.

"The Head of the Ten Thousand Sutras, brother—do you truly believe his words?"

The West Sea Dragon King couldn't help but speak, seemingly taking Gu Jin Nian lightly.

"Who wouldn't trust one who can produce the supreme Buddhist Heart Sutra? He has done countless deeds, each shaking the ages, causing heaven and earth to tremble; reaching this point, all is by his own hand."

"What world fortune? Isn't that world fortune something he snatched away bit by bit himself?"

"Do not become overly arrogant; our Sea Clan may be confident, but confidence is one thing, arrogance is not good."

The East Sea Dragon King opened coldly, clearly not wanting to be overly arrogant nor to despise Gu Jin Nian, lest he suffer a great loss.

At this point, the three Dragon Kings looked at each other, unsure how to reply.

After a brief pause.

The North Sea Dragon King could not hold back and spoke.

"Gu Jin Nian did indeed produce the Heart Sutra, but brother, I think it is mainly due to the blessings of heaven and earth."

"Of course, brother, your admonition is correct, but we must not overly amplify his momentum to the point of diminishing our own prestige."

"In ancient times, what Heavenly Talents have we not seen? What strong ones have we not encountered? Even the Yin‑Yang Twin Emperors did not fall at the hands of our four brothers?"

"Such a mere Gu Jin Nian—why so fearful?"

The North Sea Dragon King was not foolish; he knew his elder brother was right, yet the ancient era had instilled him with invincible confidence.

In ancient times, myriad races stood, slaughtering each other; the strong were as numerous as clouds. Which one was not a renowned strong one? Which one was not a world‑shaking Heavenly Talent? Yet in the end, the races that survived were the five, especially our Sea Clan, the ruler among rulers. Now, because of one Gu Jin Nian, they worry and become irritable, which displeases him and is unacceptable.

Hearing the North Sea Dragon King's words, the East Sea Dragon King sighed, acknowledging the point.

He still felt there were some issues.

"Enough."

"Regardless, open the Dragon Prison early, let the Sea Clan's younger generation go forth to train; life and death are in the heavens."

"Whatever Gu Jin Nian is plotting, after ten years the younger generation will indeed vie for supremacy; when we act, it will already be the final moment, still some distance away."

"The Human Clan, Divine Clan, and Demon Clan will likely start the Great Clan Trial early, prepare everything, finish the trial soon; when the Ancestor Dragon Land appears, they can contest. Our enemies are not only Gu Jin Nian but also the other three tribes."

"I don't think the Demon Tribe has been completely eradicated; they surely have remnants hidden in the shadows, merely insignificant now."

The East Sea Dragon King spoke.

Inquire what the Sea Tribe will do next.

"Respectfully obey elder brother's decree."

The three great Dragon Kings said no more and nodded.

Meanwhile, a figure appeared outside the Dragon Palace.

"Report!"

"Divine Clan Elder, we have delivered an invitation, asking the four Dragon Kings to gather at the Divine Mountain tomorrow."

The figure appeared, and then the sounding of the report echoed.

"Divine Clan invitation?" The three Dragon Kings frowned slightly; their relationship with the Divine Clan was not good, so this timely invitation seemed odd.

"Fine."

The East Sea Dragon King agreed outright, without any hesitation.

"Elder brother, the Divine Clan is more cunning than the Human Clan; if they invite us over, could something go wrong?"

The South Sea Dragon King seemed to loathe the Divine Clan, his eyes filled with disgust.

"No, just send the fourth one tomorrow; we won't go."

"Now that the Divine Clan seeks us, they must have a request or something about a future great upheaval; they know more than we do, so we can go and see what they want us to do."

The East Sea Dragon King spoke calmly; at this critical moment, he did not want any dispute.

"Fine."

The three Dragon Kings nodded.

Meanwhile.

Within a great river.

Inside the Great Hall, fourteen figures sat upright within a magnificent palace.

Among these fourteen, nine were Ancient Human Kings, and six were the six supreme ancient human clan elites.

Supreme Sage ranked tenth.

The fourteen sat, and the palace atmosphere felt especially eerie and oppressive.

It made one feel a bit suffocated.

"The Great World Fortune is fully bestowed upon Gu Jin Nian alone; that is not a good thing."

"The Ancient Heavenly Court needs the Great World Fortune to recreate the splendor of the mythic age; what do you all think, seize the Great World Fortune?"

At this moment, a voice rang out—it was the Wind King's voice, informing everyone of the current state of the Ancient Heavenly Court and posing a question.

He hoped the others could answer.

But when his voice fell, the Great Hall grew unusually quiet, as if there was no good solution.

However, another voice quickly rose, breaking the silence.

"How about I forcefully manifest and execute him."

"Though he possesses a Dharma Body, as long as we catch his flaw, it is possible to execute him."

"If the execution succeeds, we will obtain the Great World Fortune and fully revive the Ancient Heavenly Court."

A Human King spoke; he was blunt and overwhelmingly domineering, wishing to manifest early and execute Gu Jin Nian.

His words were immediately met with opposition.

"Impossible."

"Thunder King, if you manifest directly, Heaven and Earth will surely react; Gu Jin Nian will likely sense it instantly. I cannot guarantee he won't be on guard. If he is, the purpose is lost, and manifesting early would affect us."

"If he is not on guard, it does not mean your strength is lacking, Thunder King; rather, Heaven and Earth will protect him, making forced execution difficult. If he does not die, our ancient human clan will be in trouble."

Another Human King spoke, rejecting the idea.

With the Great World Fortune already bestowed on Gu Jin Nian, forcing an execution is extremely difficult, almost impossible.

Although this method is simple and direct.

"We have already located the Ancient Heavenly Court; without the Great World Fortune, we cannot fully revive it. Though our human clan now occupies it, without complete revival it may end up in vain, and this matter..."

Thunder King spoke, emphasizing the matter of the Ancient Heavenly Court ruins.

The Ancient Heavenly Court is an old site built by a supreme being from the mythic age, who gathered all of Heaven and Earth's rare treasures to forge this court. Most terrifying is that within it lie nine Heavenly Dragon Veins; once revived, the spiritual energy would be terrifyingly immense.

Human cultivators residing in the court need do nothing to reach the Six Realms; with a little cultivation they can attain the Seventh Realm.

Among them, the supreme being also constructed several Divine Weapon Halls, such as the Elixir Heaven Palace, which houses an Elixir Furnace of extraordinary power, turning decay into marvels. Legend says one of the nine great divine artifacts, the Dragon‑Tiger Treasure Furnace, was modeled after this furnace.

Just imagine how terrifying this Ancient Heavenly Court is.

It is a Gold Mountain, an extremely terrifying Gold Mountain; having obtained it, they naturally do not wish others to seize it.

However, although they have partially revived the Ancient Heavenly Court and gained benefits, to truly revive and fully control it requires the Great World Fortune.

But the Great World Fortune resides on Gu Jin Nian, which is a headache.

"May I ask how much Great World Fortune is needed?"

At that moment, Supreme Sage spoke, asking the Human Kings who had visited the Ancient Heavenly Court ruins.

"Forty percent!"

"Actually thirty percent works too; it's just a bit reckless."

Thunder King spoke, stating a figure.

At least thirty percent, preferably forty percent.

Hearing this, Supreme Sage fell silent, and everyone turned their gaze toward him.

Their eyes were full of curiosity.

After a moment, Supreme Sage's voice rang out.

"Actually, if it's thirty percent, it is not hard to obtain."

Everyone, think carefully: what does this Great World Fortune concern?

It is nothing but the world's living beings of this era.

Since it concerns the world's living beings of this era, why not fight for it?

The Supreme Sage spoke up and presented a plan.

Upon hearing this, everyone became even more curious.

"Does the Supreme Sage mean that we should support the contemporary human race?"

Someone, having guessed the possibility, couldn't help but ask aloud, wanting to confirm whether their thought was correct.

"Exactly."

The Supreme Sage nodded, then rose and spoke slowly.

"Gu Jin Nian established the Qilin Pavilion to support the contemporary human race; such an act naturally receives Heaven and Earth's approval, so the Great World Fortune attached to him will increase."

"Because this side of Heaven and Earth regards us as enemies."

"His targeting of us follows this side of Heaven and Earth's will; this is destiny. The Great World Fortune bestowed upon him is therefore reasonable."

"But at this moment, if we, the ancient human clan, support the contemporary human race, will we obtain Great World Fortune?"

"To put it mildly, with our ancient human clan's legacy, taking a thirty percent share when it spreads out isn't excessive, right?"

"As long as we have thirty percent, and within ten years Gu Jin Nian fails to cultivate a Fifth Heaven strongman, the betting contract requires him to give us an additional ten percent; that would make it forty percent, right?"

"Even if Gu Jin Nian stalls, it doesn't matter; with thirty percent we can secure the Ancient Heavenly Court Ruins, and once those ruins are secured, everything becomes easy."

The Supreme Sage spoke, very directly.

For a moment, everyone showed surprise; they said nothing, merely pondering.

Then several voices rang out.

"This method works."

"Good, this method is good."

"The Sage truly lives up to the title, having thought of this method."

"Exactly, we ancient human clan can also step forward to aid the contemporary human race; after all we share the same origin, they might even be our descendants, which isn't a bad thing. The main goal is the Great World Fortune."

"The Sage is indeed wise."

Everyone spoke up; this problem was truly solved by the Supreme Sage.

However, voices of doubt rose as well.

"But if Heaven and Earth do not recognize our ancient human clan, what should we do?"

As that voice sounded, everyone fell silent again.

Indeed, Heaven and Earth treat them as enemies; at this critical juncture, supporting the contemporary human race may not be approved.

Yet the Supreme Sage shook his head and smiled slowly.

"We need not appear ourselves."

"Just appoint a few people to represent us, that will do, right?"

The Supreme Sage spoke, and after saying this, several figures slowly entered the Great Hall.

The leader was the Head of the Great Dao Office, followed by Chang Yun Tian, Guang Yuan, the Ascending True Buddha, the Yin‑Yang Palm Patriarch, and the Upper Pure Daoist.

Six individuals appeared, looking somewhat fearful; they dared not look up, for those seated were the strongest of the ancient human clan—nine Human Kings and six Peerless Strongmen—any one of whom could wipe out the six of them in a single breath.

"We bow to the ancestors of the human race."

At that moment, Chang Yun Tian's voice rang out first; he knelt, kowtowed to the fourteen, bowed his head, showing no dignity or backbone.

Seeing Chang Yun Tian do so, the other five dared not breathe, kneeling and kowtowing to demonstrate their respect.

Seeing this, the fourteen's eyes remained unmoved; they felt neither contempt nor disdain, for these six had no right to be despised.

"What does the Sage mean? To have those six represent our ancient human clan?"

Thunder King rose and asked the Supreme Sage, his tone carrying other meaning, clearly looking down on the six.

"Yes."

"These six were defeated by Gu Jin Nian and bear deep hatred toward him. Before the Great World Fortune manifests, they are still among the elite, possessing considerable prestige. If we intervene, granting them a destiny and letting them transmit ancient supreme teachings, the result should be excellent."

"Later we let them acquire the Great World Fortune; when the time is ripe, we can have them offer it."

The Supreme Sage smiled faintly.

He valued those six merely for their stance; although they lost to Gu Jin Nian, they still hold prestige and are capable hands for tasks.

"But what if they refuse to give?"

At that moment, a voice sounded—a elder, who calmly raised the question.

Refusing to hand over the Great World Fortune is indeed a problem.

"Then just kill them outright."

"Don't even talk about thirty percent; even if they obtain all the Great World Fortune, executing them isn't simple?"

"The Great World Fortune is merely luck; it is not the Fortune that made Gu Jin Nian, but Gu Jin Nian who created the Fortune. I, the king, do not believe another Gu Jin Nian can arise in this world."

A faint voice sounded—it was Thunder King's voice; he didn't care whether these people would give.

Because they have no right to choose.

Greed itself is irrelevant; whether one dares to be greedy is another matter.

He was domineering, stating it outright to their faces; it was not a warning but a fact.

"Please, ancestors, rest assured: if I obtain the Great World Fortune, I will certainly devote it to you. Should I break the oath, I will meet a terrible death, heaven's wrath and earth's destruction. Ancestors, the descendants only wish to serve you; we hope you will grant us a chance."

Chang Yun Tian's voice rang out.

He was originally supremely arrogant; within the Great Dao Office, he was the pride among prides.

But since encountering Gu Jin Nian during the Da Xia calamity, he misstepped, leading to further errors, becoming merely a background figure.

Gu Jin Nian grows stronger every day, while he himself is like a rat, dodging east XZ; this makes his inner feelings extremely dissatisfied and displeased, his inner self already twisted; now to him, dignity or not dignity is irrelevant.

He only wants to surpass Gu Jin Nian; even if he cannot surpass Gu Jin Nian, he also hopes Gu Jin Nian will fall from the divine altar.

That is his idea.

Therefore, kneeling here, he does not lose face; even calling his ancestors, he does not feel ashamed; as long as he can accomplish his purpose, anything can be said.

After saying this, the remaining five people fell silent, yet still echoed a sentence, willing to serve the ancient human race.

Although the five of them hate Gu Jin Nian, they still have some dignity; they do not want to do this, as doing so would be utterly undignified.

The fourteen people glanced at each other; in an instant, everyone understood each other's thoughts.

At that moment, the Thunder King stood up and looked toward Chang Yun Tian.

"You are not worthy to call us ancestors."

"However, your attitude, this king is very satisfied."

"Good, then you shall be the representative of our ancient human race; the remaining five shall obey your commands."

"Come, send them to the Thunder Pool to thoroughly temper their flesh and rebuild their bodies."

The Thunder King spoke; he looked down on this Chang Yun Tian, yet he appreciated Chang Yun Tian, for the ancient human race needs someone like him.

"Thank you, ancestors! Thank you, ancestors!"

Chang Yun Tian was overjoyed, kowtowing wildly on the ground.

But before they could say anything, a strong person walked in and directly took the six away to rebuild their bodies.

As they left.

The Wind King's voice sounded unbidden.

"These six people were once Gu Jin Nian's defeated subordinates; can they still do it now?"

The Wind King was curious and did not believe this group.

"With the ancient human race's blessing, plundering three-tenths of the qi fortune is no problem."

"Supporting them is not to defeat Gu Jin Nian; as long as we achieve our goal, that's enough."

The Upper Dwelling Saint spoke, stating the core.

He did not expect these six wastes to surpass Gu Jin Nian; merely disgusting Gu Jin Nian would suffice.

"Good."

"If so, then please trouble the Saint."

"Thank you for your hard work, Saint."

Everyone also understood the meaning, said no more, and agreed to this matter.

Just then, a voice sounded from outside.

"Report!"

"The God Clan envoy has sent a message; please, all kings, come to the God Mountain for a gathering."

The voice sounded, and the hall fell silent again.

"God Clan invitation?"

A Human King frowned, unable to comprehend why the God Clan would invite them at this time.

"I will go tomorrow."

The Thunder King stood up; his character is straightforward, and he does not care about anything.

"Good."

"Thunder King, just pay attention to a few things."

The people said no more, and thus it was settled.

At the same moment.

Southern Barbarian Lands.

At this moment, the Southern Barbarian Lands have become completely tranquil; the Netherworld Underworld lies in another space; the Southern Barbarian Lands now appear quite ordinary, as always, even the demonic soil of the Western Desert has utterly vanished.

Inside the Hall of King Qin Guang.

The Ten Yama Kings gathered; Gu Jin Nian's silhouette also slowly appeared here.

He did not go directly to the Da Xia Dynasty.

Instead, he came to the Netherworld Underworld; it was not because of business, but because King Qin Guang had previously sent a sound transmission, asking Gu Jin Nian to come for a chat.

Upon meeting again, King Qin Guang patted Gu Jin Nian's shoulder and said with a solemn expression.

"Brother Jin Nian, you have been deceived."

King Qin Guang spoke, his eyes somewhat sorrowful.

"Is it about the Qilin Pavilion?"

Gu Jin Nian spoke, asking whether it was this matter.

"Yes!"

"Ten years is far from enough; the Five Clans have plundered nine-tenths of the ancient qi fortune and resources; in this era, it is impossible for another Fivefold Heaven powerhouse to appear; you are special, counting as one of the variables."

"However, the elder brothers have given you an idea."

"Pretend to establish the Qilin Pavilion, secretly plunder resources from the various God Mountains, concentrating them on you alone; you have already stepped onto the Seventh Heaven, and one more step forward would be the Eighth Heaven cultivation."

"With the elder brothers present, acting together, the Four Clans dare not act arrogantly; many future matters can still be discussed."

"As for your wager with them, you can simply go back on it; verbal promises are worthless."

King Qin Guang indeed worries about Gu Jin Nian and also believes Gu Jin Nian has been deceived, hence he said this.

"Please rest assured, elder brothers; since I dare to speak, I actually have some confidence."

Facing everyone's concern, Gu Jin Nian smiled faintly and also expressed his own confidence.

Seeing Gu Jin Nian like this, ten people were somewhat surprised.

However, they were not ordinary people; since Gu Jin Nian felt there was no problem, they didn't say more.

"No matter what, there is one thing you must pay attention to."

"You currently cultivate the six great systems, having already reached the seventh realm; the Heaven-Reaching Sword Mountain may soon emerge, you can take this opportunity to obtain the Sword Dao Mark, and if all six great systems reach the seventh realm, for you it could bring great benefit."

"There has never been such a person in past and present, breaking the limit, with boundless benefits."

"We brothers have speculated, and there will be a huge variable."

"It can affect all eras."

"It can even know the greatest secret that penetrates past and present."

Qin Guang Wang spoke up, revealing an extremely shocking secret.

This also startled Gu Jin Nian.

"The greatest secret that penetrates past and present?"

(End of chapter)