Chapter 266: A World in Silence, Ten Thousand Years of Darkness, the Eternal Night Approaches, an Omen that Shocks the Ancient Clan

The Dao De Jing has a total of eighty‑one chapters.

Gu Jin Nian did not recite it all.

He voiced the True Essence and its core, leaving part of it behind; these will become the supreme knowledge of the Qilin Pavilion.

And as Gu Jin Nian continued to recite,

True Essence Seals appeared one after another.

In the end they coalesced into nine paths.

These nine True Essence Seals represent the ability to forge nine invincible beings.

Mu Yun and Wu Man each obtained one path.

The middle‑aged Confucian scholar Li Xiaoyun also received a path; he practices both Confucianism and Daoism, and with this seal holy aura pervades his surroundings, yet he has not fully entered sainthood, for the Confucian‑Daoist line cannot be broken merely by such things—it still requires his own effort.

Of course, Gu Jin Nian suppressed his realm, allowing his Daoist cultivation to advance only to the Fifth Heaven, his Confucian‑Daoist state remaining a Half Saint.

A handsome man from the far north, named Wang Xuan, also obtained a seal; his body rumbles, filled with the sound of saints reciting scriptures, his origins are mysterious and he may well be a descendant of an ancient tribe.

The last person, a woman named Lin Xian'er, practices Buddhism; as the seal entered her body, a Buddha statue instantly manifested, surrounded by a blossoming Buddha realm, looking extraordinarily distinct and astonishing.

Mu Yun, Wu Man, Li Xiaoyun, Wang Xuan, Lin Xian'er.

These five, all unparalleled celestial prodigies—no less than Sword Nine Heavens and the like—when the Jie Tian Sect clashed with the Qilin Pavilion, chose resolutely to stay with the Qilin Pavilion.

They were unaffected.

Just on that basis, they qualify to receive the True Essence Seal.

And these five, with the aid of the True Essence Seal, will surpass everything in the future.

"This True Essence is truly terrifying, reaching straight to the Fifth Heaven realm; if Gu Sheng had not suppressed it, there might have been five Fifth Heaven masters, perhaps even a Sixth Heaven."

"Just one True Essence Seal is already that terrifying, and there are four more left; indeed it's frightening, those four remaining could be four more unparalleled celestial prodigies."

"It shouldn't be too late to join the Qilin Pavilion now, right?"

"I also want to join the Qilin Pavilion now."

"It's over, I've already entered the Jie Tian Sect, I regret it."

"What kind of regret is yours? The one who truly regrets should be that person."

"That Li Xiu from yesterday must be immensely remorseful now; if he just holds on a little longer he could obtain the seal, missing it would be a real miss."

People spoke, most of them regretted not going to the Qilin Pavilion; but there was nothing they could do, the chance had once been before them, and they failed to cherish it.

No one can be blamed.

Yet when Li Xiu was mentioned, many felt a mental balance; after all, Li Xiu left a few days ago, he must be the biggest miss.

Originally everyone was still a bit upset, but thinking of Li Xiu lifted their spirits.

After all, there is an even worse one.

Within the Jie Tian Sect.

It must be said that Li Xiu fell silent, gazing at the scene, his heart full of remorse.

The True Essence Seal…

How could one not feel remorse over such a thing?

If he had known such a thing existed, how could he have left the Qilin Pavilion?

Indeed, Li Xiu is the one suffering the most right now.

He appears calm on the surface, yet his heart is filled with unwillingness and remorse.

In the end, he clenched his fists, faced the chatter, and chose to speak up.

"I will be invincible."

"Even without the True Essence Seal."

Li Xiu spoke; perhaps these words sound like the utterance of a dissatisfied person, yet they also reflect his Dao heart.

He wishes to forge his own path.

But it cannot be denied that he missed the greatest opportunity.

"Between heaven and earth, the strongest is the Dao heart; all heavenly materials, earthly treasures, supreme True Essence scriptures may help, but they cannot sustain a lifetime."

At this moment, among the ancient human clans, a voice rang out, encouraging the followers of the Jie Tian Sect.

But such words are merely talk, nothing more than a morale boost.

After all, now before them lies a choice: the True Essence scriptures or rely on themselves? Normally, a sane person would not choose to rely on themselves.

With a True Essence Seal, who would choose to rely on themselves?

"From today onward,"

"We shall recite all scriptures."

"All celestial prodigies of the Qilin Pavilion who comprehend the Way of the scriptures and pass the Ninefold Divine Pagoda may obtain the remaining four True Essence Seals."

"Regardless of gender or age."

Gu Jin Nian's voice rang out.

He spoke slowly, announcing the ownership of the remaining four seals.

Those with ambition may all strive for these seals.

When this was said, countless people of the world were thrilled; with four seals left, it meant four people could obtain the True Essence Seal.

It represented four great opportunities.

How could the world not be excited? How could they not be thrilled?

Yet Gu Jin Nian's chanting rose again.

However this time it was not only the Dao De Jing, but other scriptures as well.

He recited all the previous scriptures anew.

Golden Dragons descended from the firmament.

"Is this reshaping the scriptures?"

"How terrifying, Gu Sheng is re‑reciting the scriptures, using his years of understanding to convey a different meaning."

"Listen carefully; there are great benefits."

Many voices sounded; they instantly understood what Gu Jin Nian was doing, so they spoke, urging the world to earnestly listen to these scriptures.

Everyone knew that such scriptures held immense benefit, and no one dared to ignore them.

One by one, they listened earnestly.

"Heaven moves strongly."

"A gentleman constantly strengthens himself."

A familiar voice rang out as Gu Jin Nian recited the I Ching, and Golden Dragon fortunes fell from the firmament.

Three thousand Golden Dragons entered the Qilin Pavilion, and every Heavenly Pride in the Qilin Pavilion received a Golden Dragon fortune.

Afterward.

The power of merit poured down as if it were free, flooding into the bodies of these Heavenly Praises.

In an instant, beams of light shot upwards, and these Heavenly Praises—precisely, the ones discarded by the Jie Tian Sect—

Although a small portion were not lacking, even if they went to the Jie Tian Sect they would be taken in.

But their thinking was simple: better to be a chicken's head than a phoenix's tail, so they chose to enter the Qilin Pavilion.

They did not expect that misfortune would bring fortune, granting them great benefit.

This single Golden Dragon fortune could at least help them smoothly break through the Seventh Realm; aside from the Confucian Dao and the Art Dao, any other system they practiced would inevitably breach the Seventh Realm.

It also increased fortune, altered physique, and the benefits were endless.

Although it could not match the many benefits the Jie Tian Palace bestowed upon the Six Great Heavenly Praises, it was not far behind.

Meanwhile.

Gu Jin Nian was reciting the scriptures, and this benefit was even greater.

Everyone in the world listened attentively.

No matter who, even Gu Jin Nian's enemies could not help but quiet their hearts and listen to these ancient scriptures, for they truly helped them.

And as each scripture was recited, more terrifying events unfolded.

Seals floated above the Qilin Pavilion.

Each seal contained the world's fortune and the power of Heaven's Dao.

These seals were not as good as the True Seal.

But they were still a rare manifestation of the Heavenly Will.

Everyone became like dragons.

Each seal could transform a person, shedding the mortal body and enhancing fortune.

One could say a seal can forge a peerless Heavenly Pride—perhaps not as powerful as the Sword of Nine Heavens—but three thousand seals represent three thousand Heavenly Praises, implying countless incredible events.

Three thousand seals are destined to give birth to three thousand Heavenly Praises; the Jie Tian Palace has nothing like that.

Just this one thing.

It surpasses all the resources of the Jie Tian Palace.

People went completely mad.

Boom—boom—boom.

Beams of light rose from everywhere, racing toward the Qilin Pavilion; although they were not peerless Heavenly Praises, they were local heroes, constantly pondering where to go.

Now their resolve was set: to come to the Qilin Pavilion, with no hesitation.

Figures hurried toward the Qilin Pavilion.

Inside the Qilin Pavilion.

Gu Jin Nian gazed upon this scene of heaven and earth.

After he finished reciting all the scriptures, he slowly rose.

Heaven and earth shone with boundless light.

Dispelling all darkness.

Yet his body lacked such brilliance and extraordinariness; he seemed an utterly ordinary person, but the Time River before him elevated him to the most radiant person in the world.

Gu Jin Nian stood before the Time River.

The golden river shimmered with an indescribable grandeur; a single glance could make one fall into ruin.

In this situation, Gu Jin Nian appeared especially calm.

Golden light spread at his feet; the crowd remained silent, unaware of what phenomena would follow.

"Impossible."

However, at that moment, the voice of the Ten Hall King rang out; they had been watching Gu Jin Nian, and now, seeing this scene, could not help but speak, telling him not to move forward.

"Time River, within it all eras flow; Jin Nian, worthy junior brother, if you step onto the Time River, you may be assimilated and cannot escape the years."

Qin Guang Wang spoke, warning Gu Jin Nian never to step onto the Time River, for it would be terribly frightening.

One would be eroded by time, unable to extricate oneself; after all, the ages spanning past and future are excessively long, and as long as Gu Jin Nian retains humanity, he would be greatly affected.

As Qin Guang Wang spoke, the world could no longer sit still; some peerless masters could not help but exclaim in awe.

"Does Gu Sheng want to step onto the Time River?"

"What audacity! To step onto the Time River? To behold the grandeur of the ages?"

"Too terrifying."

The world spoke, each person shocked into silence.

Time River, everything from past to present is buried in this river; this river contains boundless principles.

If one possesses humanity, stepping into this river, one can see everything from past to present and will also empathize; thus, one is likely to have their humanity worn away and be assimilated by the Great Dao.

It can be said that without the strength of the Eight Realms, one absolutely cannot step into the Time River.

There are even rumors that an Eight Realms powerhouse once stepped onto the Time River, had their flesh and primordial spirit assimilated, and could not withstand everything from past to present.

Gu Jin Nian now wants to test himself with danger; this naturally makes the Ten Palace Kings anxious, fearing that Gu Jin Nian is overconfident and has taken this wrong path.

Hearing the voice of King Qin Guang.

Gu Jin Nian fell silent; he gazed at the Time River and frankly said he wanted to gain some insight—this was an intuition. Once he stepped onto this river, he would surely undergo an indescribable transformation.

However, Gu Jin Nian also understands that given his current realm and insight, stepping onto this river is very likely to result in his dissolution into the Dao.

And decay together with heaven and earth.

"Do you want to enter the Time River and comprehend the ultimate holy path?"

Among the Divine Race, there are peerless powerhouses gazing at Gu Jin Nian, their eyes filled with curiosity.

"If he were to step into the Time River, he would surely lose."

"Indeed, with his current realm and insight, stepping into the Time River is a dead end."

"Time River, we dare not lightly set foot in it; although Gu Jin Nian is strong and possesses the sage's Great Dao, once he sets foot, his fate is destined to be desolate."

"I actually hope he steps into the Time River."

Some wills sounded; they very much hope Gu Jin Nian steps into the Time River, for then they could reduce a great enemy.

However.

Before the river.

Gu Jin Nian finally sighed; he indeed had an impulse to walk into it, but ultimately he gave up.

Splash! The golden river gradually dissipated, causing many to sigh; many truly hoped Gu Jin Nian would walk into the river, while some wanted to see Gu Jin Nian gain benefits from the Time River and shock the heavens anew.

But most people, however, hoped Gu Jin Nian would die therein.

However, Gu Jin Nian chose to give up, disappointing these people. The Time River dissipated.

The next moment, Gu Jin Nian's gaze also gradually calmed.

Thud.

Thud.

Thud.

In an instant, the sound of war drums, deafening, echoed throughout heaven and earth.

Countless flower petals fell from the entire firmament; the world was dazzling, Holy Punishment's Light, waves of celestial music rose, and golden dragons coiled above the firmament.

Boom.

Divine light like a pillar shone directly onto Gu Jin Nian's Nine-layer Divine Pagoda.

Immortal weapons appeared one after another; these are the Nine Supreme Immortal Artifacts, all of which entered the Nine-layer Divine Pagoda.

The Dao De Jing, the foremost scripture of the Immortal Dao; when Gu Jin Nian previously chanted the Heart Sutra, he obtained nine Supreme Buddhist Artifacts, so obtaining these immortal weapons is nothing special.

"Still want to contend?"

Inside the Qilin Pavilion.

Gu Jin Nian gazed toward the direction of the Severing Heaven Sect, his tone calm, directly asking the Severing Heaven Sect whether they still wanted to contend.

At this moment, people finally realized that the portent had just begun; the scripture Gu Jin Nian chanted truly surpassed everything.

Inside the Severing Heaven Sect.

Chang Yun Tian and others, hearing this question, fell silent; the present Gu Jin Nian is unrivaled, unbeatable, and they truly did not know what to say.

"This has only just begun; you must think you're sure to win, right?"

"If you truly have such invincible confidence, let them directly break through to the Fivefold Heaven and ignite the Great World Strife—do you dare?"

At this very moment, the voice of the Shangqing Daoist rang out; at the critical juncture, he stepped forward and engaged Gu Jin Nian in dialogue.

This voice rang out, granting everyone in the Severing Heaven Sect confidence.

That's correct.

Gu Jin Nian suppressed the five heaven-defying prodigies, preventing them from entering the Fifth Heaven; in a sense, it is indeed possible that he does not want to so quickly ignite the Great World Strife.

Otherwise, they could clearly break through to the Fivefold Heaven, so why forcibly suppress them? "You always have ten thousand kinds of excuses."

"Only the weak like to make excuses."

Gu Jin Nian spoke lightly; he had long grown tired of these people's various excuses.

"You like to be stubborn, huh?"

"Then I'll beat them until they dare not be stubborn."

"Heroes of the world, enter my Qilin Pavilion."

"Forge three thousand heaven-defying prodigies."

"Personally transmit the supreme method."

Gu Jin Nian had no nonsense; arguing with them about these things was utterly meaningless—better to simply display his true strength for them to see.

As Gu Jin Nian's voice sounded,

In a moment, countless people surged into the Nine-layer Divine Pagoda.

Everyone was watching; they knew Gu Jin Nian was about to truly display his abilities.

No nonsense at all.

Gu Jin Nian personally presided over the examination; at the same time, with a raise of his hand, in an instant a new mark appeared—this was still the True Doctrine Seal.

Actually, the True Doctrine Seal is not nine, but fourteen.

He left five roads, directly looking toward Su Wenjing.

Teacher, this seal brings you great benefit; in times of peril for humanity, please accept it.

Gu Jin Nian knew his mentor would not accept this true seal, but he also knew that at this critical juncture, cultivating an unparalleled heavenly prodigy was still difficult.

But enhancing someone already strong is not a problem.

Good.

Hearing Gu Jin Nian speak thus, Su Wenjing neither talked excessively nor acted pretentious; she directly accepted this seal.

Afterward, Gu Jin Nian's figure vanished.

He went straight to the Da Xia imperial palace, inside the Hall of Nurturing the Heart.

Seeing Gu Jin Nian appear before him, the Yongsheng Emperor was somewhat surprised; before he could speak, Gu Jin Nian had already implanted a true seal into his body.

Uncle.

Accept this seal; as an emperor, it will bring you great benefit, and in future turmoil it will be a huge help.

Gu Jin Nian spoke no excess words, even extremely clean and decisive, letting his uncle accept this seal.

Good.

The Yongsheng Emperor nodded, but before he could say anything more, he discovered Gu Jin Nian had already disappeared.

And as Gu Jin Nian vanished, streams of true dragon qi spread from his body; this true dragon qi entwined the true seal, causing the Yongsheng Emperor's bearing and flesh to undergo a frenzied transformation.

Imperial fate allowed him to instantly break through to the seventh realm, the seventh realm of martial arts.

Boom! The aura permeated the Divine Continent; the birth of a seventh-realm powerhouse is still not to be trifled with—if not for the ancient clans' reasons, a seventh-realm being would originally be invincible in this world.

Upon entering the seventh realm, the Yongsheng Emperor's smile was intensely rich.

Moreover, his realm kept surging, reaching the fourth heaven in full, before it stopped.

It is not that he cannot be raised further, but the fifth level truly needs proper comprehension; otherwise, forcing growth would ultimately be bad.

Roar.

A Golden Dragon appeared behind him, its aura terrifying and overwhelming.

I, now count as one of the world's unparalleled masters.

Hahahaha.

With the realm rise, the Yongsheng Emperor could not restrain a inner roar; he indeed had strength, though not counted as an unparalleled master, but now through the true seal plus imperial fate, combined, he ranks among the world's unparalleled masters.

Setting aside the existence of the ancient clans, this is indeed one of the world's unparalleled masters.

Among the present age, foremost.

At this time, Gu Jin Nian also came to the Gu Family, still without any nonsense, giving the seal to his grandfather.

Grandfather and grandson needed no words; a single glance let Grandfather Gu know what Gu Jin Nian was thinking, and he showed no courtesy at all.

After accepting the seal, not long after, this terrifying aura again shook the world.

All the major ancient clans utterly did not know what to say; the Sect of Severing Heaven stands behind the ancient clans, and indeed the strongest batch of them, they have poured in many resources, though not to the point of ruining their families.

At the very least, they have expended great effort, yet the result is not as good as Gu Jin Nian reciting a scripture.

Fourteen true seals signify that fourteen unparalleled powerhouses will emerge in the future; other than that, at the very least they equal the rank of the Sea Clan's prince—just think how terrifying that is? Truly, comparing people makes one furious.

Inside the Severing Heaven Palace.

A deathly silence.

Although the previous words were especially inspiring when spoken, who cannot say nice words? In comparison, who is stronger or weaker, everyone roughly has a sense in their heart.

One can say, however arrogant the Sect of Severing Heaven was before, now it is just as quiet, with hardly anyone speaking anymore.

Boom! Another terrifying aura spread, coming from the Zhongzhou Dynasty; no need to guess, one knows whose aura it is.

The Zhongzhou Emperor.

One must say, Gu Jin Nian remembers kindness; truly, a drop of gratitude is repaid with a spring.

Su Wenjing, the Yongsheng Emperor, the Zhongzhou Emperor, Grandfather Gu.

These four people, each received one seal.

Now there remains one seal; people wonder whom Gu Jin Nian will give it to.

The Zhongzhou Dynasty.

After Gu Jin Nian bade farewell to the Zhongzhou Emperor, he extended his divine sense and surveyed the world.

Yet he found no trace of a person.

Su Huaiyu.

Yes.

Before and after, there had been a year without meeting Su Huaiyu; earlier it was fine to say, after all there were many matters, I was too busy, so I didn't pay much heed.

But now it's different.

He can now pause a bit; Gu Jin Nian wishes to meet Su Huaiyu.

Su Huaiyu's origins are too mysterious.

He is certainly not just a mere constable; as to who he is, Gu Jin Nian has no idea, and his final true seal is also left for Su Huaiyu.

Brother Su.

May we meet?

The next moment, Gu Jin Nian's voice sounded; he was calling Su Huaiyu, wishing to see him.

All in the world heard Gu Jin Nian's voice; they were somewhat curious, most people did not know whom Gu Jin Nian wanted to meet.

However, whoever could make Gu Jin Nian seek a meeting is probably extremely mysterious.

Fate comes, fate goes.

Your Highness the Crown Prince, why insist on forcing a meeting?

Soon, Su Huaiyu's voice sounded; this was his reply, seemingly not wanting to meet.

「Fate not yet exhausted, why are you unwilling to meet? 」

Gu Jin Nian continued to speak.

However, as Su Huaiyu said this, Gu Jin Nian became even more certain that this guy's origins were truly mysterious.

「Your Highness. 」

「If we were to meet, what significance would there be? 」

「You guard this world, and that is already enough; my aspirations lie elsewhere. When the world prospers for ten thousand generations, I will reveal myself and meet with you. 」

Su Huaiyu spoke, still refusing, not wanting to meet Gu Jin Nian.

Hearing this, Gu Jin Nian nodded.

「You will definitely not meet? 」

Gu Jin Nian asked.

「When fate arrives, we can naturally meet. 」

He spoke, but looking at this, he truly does not want to meet.

「Understood. 」

Gu Jin Nian said nothing; his figure vanished, arriving at the Qilin Pavilion, gazing at the Qilin Pavilion crowded with people, Gu Jin Nian's gaze fell directly on Lin Xian'er.

This can be considered her disciple.

Lin Xian'er's appearance is absolutely beautiful, her bearing transcendent; she cultivates Buddhism, and around her there are layers of Buddha-light, giving a feeling of tranquility, also bearing the countenance of a bodhisattva, a pair of eyes full of great compassion and mercy.

People were curious, especially the disciples within the Qilin Pavilion; they all looked at Gu Jin Nian, their eyes filled with reverence and also admiration.

But they were also curious, not knowing what Gu Jin Nian intended to do.

The next moment.

Gu Jin Nian landed and walked slowly toward Lin Xian'er.

Feeling Gu Jin Nian's gaze, Lin Xian'er's beautiful eyes also showed some surprise, though more so, she was still puzzled.

「I have seen you, Sir. 」

Lin Xian'er spoke; her voice was extremely pleasant, but when facing Gu Jin Nian, she was extraordinarily nervous.

She cultivates Buddhism, her mind steadfast beyond compare, yet for some unknown reason, upon personally seeing Gu Jin Nian, especially at such close proximity, her inner heart trembled uncontrollably.

It is not fear, nor dread, but an inexplicable feeling that cannot be put into words.

But undeniably, Gu Jin Nian's appearance is exceptionally handsome, his bearing rare in the world; he is the son of the great era and also the present sage; under heaven, there truly are hardly any who can compare with him in appearance and bearing.

Gu Jin Nian said not a word, directly came before Lin Xian'er, without speaking, directly reached out his hand to touch her shoulder.

People were curious, really not understanding.

Could it be that he has taken a liking to Lin Xian'er?

That seems unlikely; Lin Xian'er is indeed beautiful, but it wouldn't cause a sage to lose composure in public, would it?

The latter felt nervous inside.

Did not dare to speak further.

But just at this moment.

A familiar voice sounded from behind Gu Jin Nian.

「Hahahaha! 」

「Your Highness. 」

「Indeed, we are fated. 」

A figure appeared.

It was Su Huaiyu's figure; he wore a plain white robe, without any sense of luxury, looking very simple, yet giving an unfathomable feeling.

The only somewhat strange thing is that his smile is a bit stiff. —Recommending friend Sister Wei La's new book.

I'm Making Inventions in Hogwarts.

En! ~ Everyone can go show support~~~ (End of chapter)