Chapter 268: The River of Time, Sudden Enlightenment of the Dao, Nine Great Seals, Three Thousand Heavenly Prides, Farewell to Su Hua

Ten‑thousand‑zhang rays trembled, as if they were about to swallow the entire Great World.

Figures leapt out from the Nine‑Tier Divine Tower in succession.

The Qilin Pavilion has 1,500 Heavenly Prides that have obtained the Heaven‑and‑Earth Seals, and now within the Nine‑Tier Divine Tower they keep increasing continuously.

As each Heavenly Pride is born.

Illuminating the Great World.

"Great World's Qi fortune, empower my body."

At that moment, Gu Jin Nian's voice rang out; he stepped forward, and in an instant unrestricted Qi fortune and merit poured down onto the Three Thousand Heavenly Prides.

The roar of three thousand Dragon Paths sounded, signifying the Three Thousand Heavenly Prides fully transforming into dragons.

Their Qi fortune, physique, spirit, and even their realms all received massive enhancements.

The aura of the Three Thousand Seventh Realm swept the entire Great World, leaving countless people astonished and silent.

People knew Gu Jin Nian was powerful, but they never expected him to be this strong—cultivating three thousand Seventh Realm elites in one breath is truly terrifying.

"Break!"

Gu Jin Nian spoke again; the realms of the Three Thousand Heavenly Prides instantly broke through to the Seventh Realm's First Heaven, a technique peerlessly terrifying that shocked everyone and left them at a loss for words.

Across the whole world, perhaps only Gu Jin Nian can achieve such a level.

The Three Thousand Heavenly Prides ascended together.

"Break again!"

Gu Jin Nian spoke once more.

Boom Boom Boom.

The Great Zhou Tian Star Array erupted; above the heavens, three hundred sixty‑five stars quivered, releasing endless starlight that bathed the Three Thousand Heavenly Prides, making them appear especially distinct.

This is astonishing.

The ancient tribes fell silent one by one; this time they truly had no words, and nothing left to say as the Three Thousand Heavenly Prides broke through together.

The Heavenly Prides of the Jie Tian Sect wore faces ashen, some desperate, some silent, others regretful.

Especially the rebellious Heavenly Prides, at this moment, did not wish to speak at all.

Their eyes were filled with remorse.

There's nothing they can do.

This is what they call fated yet unattainable.

"Break again."

But just as everyone thought it was over, Gu Jin Nian's voice sounded again; he borrowed great Qi fortune from the heavens, directly raising his disciples' cultivation realms—not a case of forcing growth.

Because they had previously recited the Dao De Jing and the Yi Jing, among other texts, the disciples underwent a massive transformation, essentially giving them an extremely solid foundation, so it wasn't a forced promotion.

Third Heaven.

Three thousand disciples all reached the Third Heaven; the ancient tribes turned pale, and even the Divine Clan couldn't help but furrow their brows.

Their Divine Clan, boasting three thousand strong ones, each a deity, lofty above all, yet most of their realms actually hovered around the Second and Third Heavens.

Of course, the top tier is excluded; we only count the base‑level strength.

Now Gu Jin Nian has, in one breath, brought the Three Thousand Heavenly Prides to the Third Heaven, a force not inferior to the Divine Clan.

"What is this for?"

"Such a method shakes heaven and earth."

"Even consuming the Great World's Qi fortune, one could not reach this level—why is that?"

"Three thousand Seventh Realm elites—by what right?"

Some voices rose, expressing their unwillingness and extreme anger. The ancient Five Tribes—weren't they the ones who fought their way out of the Sea of Corpses and Blood? The Ancient War claimed countless lives and exacted a huge price, ultimately earning a name of ferocity. Now, Gu Jin Nian, single‑handedly, reaches this level, which greatly displeases them and leaves them especially irritated.

"From the Dao De Jing, and other scriptures of Gu Jin Nian."

"He comprehended the true principle; the emergence of the long river of history is not an evolutionary anomaly, but a grant of Qi fortune spanning past and present, enabling him to achieve this."

"In other words, he took the past's Qi fortune and borrowed the future's."

Some voices sounded.

They revealed where the Qi fortune originated.

The crowd stared at Gu Jin Nian; some wondered whether he would let them all break through to the Fourth Heaven, or even the Fifth.

But perhaps the world is overthinking this.

After the Three Thousand Heavenly Prides reached the Third Heaven, Gu Jin Nian stopped borrowing Qi fortune from the heavens; the reasons were twofold: first, it was indeed insufficient, and second, forcibly advancing to the Fourth Heaven would truly feel like pulling up seedlings.

The Third Heaven already posed problems; without the Dao De Jing and the support of numerous ancient scriptures, their foundations would be shattered, leaving them unable to ascend for a lifetime. Overly rapid advancement holds little meaning and could even harm them.

As three thousand divine lights surged skyward, within the Qilin Pavilion the auspicious beast Qilin roared, showcasing the Pavilion's might.

At this point, things were essentially settled.

The first stage of the conflict between the Jie Tian Sect and the Qilin Pavilion had drawn its curtain.

Undeniably, the Qilin Pavilion achieved a complete victory.

It remained a reversal: using the Dao De Jing, the chief of ten thousand classics, to alter heaven and earth, causing tremors, condensing fourteen True Essence Seals, completing a defiance of fate.

This is Gu Jin Nian's marvel: every time he faces a dire situation, he can step forward.

In contrast, the Jie Tian Sect, though previously grandiose and indeed overbearing, now has completely become a backdrop, daring not even to lift its head before the Qilin Pavilion.

After all, in terms of destiny, the Qilin Pavilion also possesses abundant destiny; a single Great Zhou Tian Star Array is incomparable to the opponent.

The core of the Jie Tian Sect should have been the ancient scriptures, inherited from antiquity, but now with Gu Jin Nian's texts emerging, those ten thousand ancient classics instantly seem insignificant.

In the first stage, recruiting the world's talents, the Qilin Pavilion won far too much.

Nevertheless, the real contest is still slaughter; no matter how many Heavenly Prides, they cannot decide anything. The Jie Tian Sect has many geniuses, and with the likes of Sword Nine Heavens, honestly they might not lose.

Simply put, if both sides refrain from fighting, the Qilin Pavilion would essentially win.

Of course, if it's a melee, given the current situation, it's really hard to judge anything.

Boom! Within the Great World, in the Eastern Wilderness realm, terrifying sword qi once again spreads between heaven and earth, creating an unprecedented solemn killing aura.

This is Tong Tian Sword Mountain.

In an instant, one divine mountain after another revived; around Tong Tian Sword Mountain, a hundred divine mountains revived, each topped with countless celestial swords, looking terrifyingly imposing.

However, among the divine mountains there are also peerless treasures, true creations of the Great World.

It attracted much attention; even the major ancient tribes, upon seeing such wondrous creations, couldn't help but be moved.

It's very shocking.

There are supreme elixirs, also celestial artifacts, and some ancient scriptures that glitter within the sword mountain.

But the most astonishing thing is the nine ethereal sword shadows floating above the divine mountains.

This is the Nine Immortal Swords of the Sword Path.

Gu Jin Nian has now gathered the Nine Great Divine Artifacts, the Nine Great Buddha Artifacts, and the Nine Great Confucian Artifacts; if he now acquires all the remaining supreme items, the Nine-layer Divine Pagoda can complete its final transformation.

Sword qi runs rampant, sweeping the entire Great World; a hundred divine mountains sparkle brilliantly, their light endless.

"Within Tong Tian Sword Mountain lies supreme creation, possibly a peerless sword intent; let all disciples of the Jie Tian Sect go to seize this life force."

At that moment, a voice sounded beside Chang Yun Tian's ear—it was the voice of the Ancient Human King.

Hearing this, Chang Yun Tian didn't dare to refuse at all and spoke immediately.

"Jie Tian Sect disciples, obey the command."

"Those who obtain a celestial sword may receive the Supreme Ancient Inheritance."

He offered a reward, sending Jie Tian Sect disciples to Tong Tian Sword Mountain.

Hearing this, the Jie Tian Sect disciples showed no hesitation, rushing toward Tong Tian Sword Mountain; in fact, even without Chang Yun Tian's words, they would have gone.

And at this moment.

Meanwhile, at Qilin Pavilion.

After the Jie Tian Sect disciples moved, the Heavenly Pride of Qilin Pavilion also could barely contain themselves.

"Sir, what about us?"

Mu Yun's voice rang out; he, carrying a wooden sword, asked Gu Jin Nian.

"If you want to go, then go."

"However, if danger arises, you are responsible yourselves; I will not intervene."

Gu Jin Nian spoke calmly, knowing that the disciples of Qilin Pavilion were also becoming impatient.

As soon as he said that, in an instant, three thousand Heavenly Pride sprang into action, heading to Tong Tian Sword Mountain to seek the creation.

Of course, some held back, choosing not to go and intending to watch quietly.

"Jin Nian, if they all go and something major occurs, wouldn't that be…?"

At this moment, Su Wenjing's voice sounded; he looked at Gu Jin Nian, still feeling a certain wariness toward Tong Tian Sword Mountain, fearing that a major issue there might not be a good thing.

"This is the path they chose themselves; we can safeguard their cultivation, but we cannot safeguard their destiny."

"Master, excessive protection becomes an obstacle; moreover, the enemies they will face in the future are the Ancient Great Clans, which require bloodshed."

Gu Jin Nian spoke lightly, his tone also tinged with a hint of coldness.

Hearing this, Su Wenjing fell silent.

A saint should possess a heart of benevolence and righteousness.

Yet Gu Jin Nian's words were correct; the Great World is about to arrive, and the Heavenly Pride of Qilin Pavilion, though indeed powerful with perfect foundations, would pose no issue in an ordinary Great World.

But facing the Ancient Great Clans, the meaning changes.

Even as five-layer Heaven strongmen, whether Qilin Pavilion or Jie Tian Sect, they likely cannot match the strength of the Ancient Great Clan's warriors, who emerged from corpse mountains and blood seas, each brimming with battle fervor and decisive killing.

Dealing with these people, if one does not become ruthless, one will eventually suffer the loss oneself.

Thus, facing Gu Jin Nian in this way, Su Wenjing said little.

However, at this moment, Gu Jin Nian walked toward the pavilion interior, while Su Huaiyu was discussing something with Senior Tie Bing.

As Gu Jin Nian and Su Wenjing arrived, the two stopped their discussion.

"Will the revival of Tong Tian Sword Mountain cause any trouble?"

Entering the pavilion, Gu Jin Nian asked Su Huaiyu this question.

"Not a big problem."

"With their sword intent, they cannot disturb the Sword God."

"However, danger exists, but it is unavoidable; having chosen to vie for the Great World's opportunity, a price must be paid."

Su Huaiyu shook his head, giving an affirmative answer.

This answer was just as Gu Jin Nian had guessed.

But Su Wenjing, standing nearby, couldn't help but look curiously at Gu Jin Nian.

"He is the reincarnation of a divine clan's God King."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, revealing his mentor Su Huaiyu's identity; hearing this, Su Wenjing was somewhat astonished, having never expected Su Huaiyu to be a God King.

"I have met a God King."

Su Wenjing bowed toward Su Huaiyu, who quickly waved his hand.

"Sir, you speak heavily; that was only a thing of the past. In this life, you can be considered half my teacher."

Su Huaiyu did not boast, but instead bowed to Su Wenjing.

"You speak too highly."

Su Wenjing hurried to speak, but before he could continue, Gu Jin Nian's voice rang out, interrupting their politeness.

"Brother Su, what did you mean just now by saying you cannot disturb the Sword God?"

Gu Jin Nian became aware of the problem, and he couldn't help but speak, asking the other side.

"The final brilliance arrives."

"Numerous mythic relics appear, and behind each relic there will be a great terror, akin to the underworld. If it weren't for the Crown Prince's transcendent methods and his chanting of the Heart Sutra, this world would have already fallen."

He spoke, calmly looking at Gu Jin Nian, and said thus.

"So you mean there will be beings like the Ten Palace Kings appearing? Destroying heaven and earth?"

Gu Jin Nian's brows knit tightly, and Su Wenjing beside him also couldn't help but frown.

"More or less, but it's not unsolvable. These mythic strongmen each bear their own resentment; before they die they harbor massive grievances. Heaven and earth revived them. Though we can control them, they possess their own will."

"If you can get their will to recognize you, then it's no big problem."

Su Huaiyu spoke, her tone serious.

"Who rules Heaven-Piercing Sword Mountain?"

Gu Jin Nian continued to ask.

"The Silent Extinction Sword God."

The answering voice sounded, but it was not Su Huaiyu—it was Senior Tie Bing, who seemed to know some hidden facts.

"The Silent Extinction Sword God?"

Gu Jin Nian looked at Tie Bing. "Yes, in the mythic age, the first Eight Realm master of Sword Dao, the Silent Extinction Sword God, wielded one sword to suppress a great world. As an Eight Realm master, long ago a single sword defeated all mythic-era strongmen; he holds an extreme obsession with Sword Dao."

"He wishes to forge a new Sword Dao, to surpass his master, the Sword Dao Founder, but despite a lifetime of achievement surpassing his master, he still failed to create a new Sword Dao."

"That's inevitable; after all, his master had only just opened the Sword Dao lineage, and in such a short time it cannot be surpassed."

Senior Tie Bing seemed to know the Silent Extinction Sword God well and recounted his legend.

"Eight realms?"

Gu Jin Nian felt somewhat heavy‑hearted; such power might be impossible to resist.

"Do not worry."

"You should still have a few years left."

Su Huaiyu's voice rang out; the first half gave relief, but the second half left one speechless.

This fellow truly has a somewhat negative attitude.

"Is there any way to solve this?"

"Don't joke."

Gu Jin Nian looked at Su Huaiyu; he was earnest.

"An Eight Realm master—how could that be solved? Unless I restore the Divine King Realm, perhaps there is a way to resist."

After pondering, Su Huaiyu gave this reply.

Restoring the Divine King Realm to resist the Silent Extinction Sword God is indeed startling.

"Actually, it's not without a method."

At that moment, a voice sounded—it was Senior Tie Bing, who voiced a possibility.

"What method?"

Gu Jin Nian looked on curiously.

Not only him, but Su Huaiyu also became curious; she couldn't think of any method herself, so what could Senior Tie Bing have in mind?

"Arrange the Twelve Sealed Heavenly Array."

Senior Tie Bing spoke, presenting a method.

Twelve Sealed Heavenly Array? Gu Jin Nian was surprised, but he knew what those twelve arrays meant.

It's one of the strongest formations, indeed capable of sealing strong beings.

Yet for an Eight Realm master, might that be too much to demand?

Gu Jin Nian looked at the other side.

"Can it successfully seal them?"

He asked.

"Not necessarily."

"However, regarding Heaven-Piercing Sword Mountain, as long as you don't disturb the Silent Extinction Sword God, everything is manageable."

"It can buy some time—perhaps three to five years, maybe even several decades."

He spoke, informing them of this matter.

Thinking carefully, this indeed is a method; after all, dealing with an Eight Realm master is almost impossible.

But if one can buy some time, that's also good.

"Alright."

Gu Jin Nian nodded.

Yet, Su Huaiyu couldn't help speaking out.

"Crown Prince, for this Heaven-Piercing Sword Mountain, will you not participate? The Enlightened Sword Dao Seal, with all seven systems reaching the Seventh Realm, can activate the Divine King Seal, which would greatly aid you."

"Moreover, within Heaven-Piercing Sword Mountain lies a peerless treasure, a rare find."

"If possible, we could compete for it."

Su Huaiyu reminded, noting that Gu Jin Nian's seven major systems lack a Sword Dao, and the appearing Heaven-Piercing Sword Mountain is a perfect opportunity.

"Fine."

"I'll see."

Gu Jin Nian nodded, but his current concern remained the Twelve Sealed Heavenly Array.

Such a formation requires finding twelve different materials—six yang and six yin—aligned with heaven, earth, sun, moon, mountains, rivers, yin‑yang, thunder, lightning, wind, and fire.

Now the Tongtian Sword Mountain is about to revive, and Gu Jin Nian knows in his heart that little time remains for him.

"Teacher, Brother Su, I'll trouble the two of you to guard the Qilin Pavilion during this period."

Gu Jin Nian doesn't dawdle; since he knows the solution and doesn't wish to linger, he departs to seek the necessary materials and set up the twelve sealed heavenly arrays.

"Understood."

The two nod, saying little else.

At once, Gu Jin Nian takes Senior Tie Bing and heads to the Great World to look for the required materials.

The power of heaven and earth is in Gu Jin Nian's hands; as for the rest, he recalls that he recently gathered many treasures, surely among them the needed materials—a pleasant surprise.

After careful calculation, the remaining items are few; searching for them is no trouble.

Boom.

But the Tongtian Sword Mountain emits a terrifying rumble.

Someone has already stepped onto the divine mountain.

It's Jian Jiutian.

He had been waiting on the divine mountain; now that the Tongtian Sword Mountain has opened, he naturally steps forward without hesitation.

One hundred and nine sword mountains rise from the ground in a circle, the central one being the most terrifying, with countless celestial swords embedded within it, surrounded by invisible sword qi of unparalleled sharpness; ordinary seventh‑realm cultivators would die upon approaching.

One cannot even look at it directly.

Besides the main peak, the surrounding one hundred and eight sword mountains each contain heavenly materials and earthly treasures, awaiting a destined person to claim them.

Yet atop the peaks there is also powerful sword qi, the exact nature of which remains unknown.

People cast their eyes outward.

The first sword mountain.

Jian Jiutian is domineering.

Stepping onto the sword mountain, chaotic sword qi spreads around him, causing countless flying swords to rise; in an instant, this sword qi transforms into sword souls—once their masters—now reappearing in the world this way.

Each flying sword bears a strong Sword Dao will; any sword qi that can leave its name on a sword mountain is a Sword Dao Heaven's Pride, right? "Break."

Jian Jiutian lets out a roar; his body trembles as chaotic sword qi expands and contracts, exterminating sword souls one by one.

Chaotic sword qi is indeed terrifying—a legendary constitution rarely seen across ages.

A sword light sweeps across, erasing thousands of sword souls completely—this is Jian Jiutian's method, undeniably powerful.

In the next moment, the wills of the sword souls merge into his body, making his sword intent even stronger.

"These sword souls are all the strongest Sword Dao Heaven's Pride from across history, yet Jian Jiutian casually exterminated them—truly formidable."

"The Chaotic Sword Body alone crushes ninety percent of Sword Dao strongmen, let alone some sword souls."

"But within this sword mountain, slaying sword souls can obtain their Sword Dao inheritance—something I hadn't expected. Should we give it a try?"

"I advise you to stay calm; not everyone is Jian Jiutian. He is now a Fivefold Heaven strongman; what are we? To him those sword souls are nothing, yet to us each is an invincible being."

"Don't go to your death."

Seeing Jian Jiutian reap many benefits, many eyes turn envious, desiring to enter and gain more.

Yet some remain clear‑headed, reminding others who Jian Jiutian is.

Indeed.

After all, this is Jian Jiutian.

The Chaotic Sword Body aside, he also gained many inheritances; now a Fivefold Heaven great being—who can stop such a great being?

A handful of sword souls are indeed unstoppable.

But soon, a scene that astonished the world appears.

It is Jian Jiutian.

Within the sword mountain, Jian Jiutian shakes his body, dispersing all the sword intent inside him—this is the will of the sword souls he just absorbed.

Those sword souls each imbue their understanding of the Sword Dao into Jian Jiutian's body.

It serves to help Jian Jiutian swiftly comprehend the ultimate Sword Dao.

The sea embraces all rivers.

But unexpectedly, Jian Jiutian forces out those sword intents; his expression turns cold, and chaotic sword qi around him surfaces, slaying all those sword intents.

"My Sword Dao does not need to comprehend others."

Jian Jiutian's voice sounds.

It leaves the world utterly shocked.

Isn't this overly domineering? Absorbing others' sword intent is a good thing—only by embracing all can one truly become stronger.

But unexpectedly, Jian Jiutian actually gave up.

Moreover, from his gaze and tone one can tell he despises those sword intents, deeming them ordinary and unworthy of him.

One must admit, this is arrogant, yet Jian Jiutian truly has the right to be so.

Chaotic Sword Body.

Indeed it needs no other sword intent; for him, it's a fine path—walking the pure Sword Dao belonging to himself.

It's simply that he is somewhat arrogant.

But it cannot be denied that Jian Jiutian is indeed very strong.

Boom! Chaotic sword intent refines greatly at this moment; his choice is correct, purifying his own sword intent once more.

However.

At that very moment, another sword mountain trembles.

It is Mu Yun.

He bears a wooden sword and steps onto another sword mountain.

He said nothing.

He only took a step forward, and in an instant all the sword souls were completely erased by his sword intent.

Very strong.

In sword intent, he is not weaker than Jian Jiutian.

Within the Sword Mountain, Jian Jiutian sensed Mu Yun's sword intent; he remained calm, but did not restrain his own sword intent, instead released it fully, suppressing the entire Sword Mountain.

"Sword Path One Line, with me invincible."

A voice rang out.

Jian Jiutian was imposing; with a single leap he landed directly on the summit, suppressing a hundred thousand flying swords.

"Words are useless."

Yet Mu Yun did not yield; Great Dao Sword Intent swept everything away, and the two almost reached the summits of their respective Sword Mountains at the same moment.

This scene attracted a lot of attention.

The peerless heavenly prodigies cultivated by the two great forces—who is stronger, who is weaker—they truly don't know.

However, at that moment a voice sounded, instantly drawing everyone's gaze.

"Sword Mountain does not judge by realm; possessing sword intent allows one to ascend. The realms of these sword souls adjust according to the tester's realm; if one can withstand the pressure, one can obtain sword intent inheritance."

No one knew who shouted.

In an instant, countless hearts stirred, especially the sect disciples, who at this moment could no longer restrain themselves.

They surged toward the Sword Mountain.

They wanted to obtain these terrifying sword intents; even for beings like Jian Jiutian and Mu Yun, such sword intent is immensely precious, and for these people it is an unimaginably valuable treasure.

Any single one could save them a hundred years of arduous cultivation.

Naturally, no sword cultivator remained unmoved.

Yet.

After Jian Jiutian and Mu Yun reached the summit.

In an instant.

The two Sword Mountains emitted a humming sound, swords clashed, and a hundred thousand sword souls surged into the summit.

Soon.

Two figures appeared.

Under the blessing of heaven and earth, they reflected the great world.

(End of Chapter)