Chapter 275: I, Gu Jin Nian, today become the world

Boom—boom—boom!

Boom—boom—boom!

The world erupts in excitement.

No one expected that, at the crucial moment, Gu Jin Nian would utter such a domineering line.

Heaven does not give birth to me, Gu Jin Nian.

The Sword Dao stretches eternally like a long night.

What a display of dominance!

Especially the final sentence.

Sword, arise.

That is true dominance.

Above the firmament, countless flying swords surge from the Great World, gathering in the sky and appearing especially terrifying.

The sky‑filled flying swords, like a black ocean, eventually coalesce into a fearsome flying blade.

One hundred and eight Sword Mountains, all the flying swords, also rise and merge, forging an unparalleled flying sword.

A fierce wind arises.

Sun and moon are without light.

Astonishing Sword Qi pierces the heavens and earth; within the Sword Mountain, Gu Jin Nian's gaze instantly becomes profoundly calm as he looks at the summit of Tongtian Sword Mountain.

He speaks slowly.

"This is my Sword Dao."

Gu Jin Nian speaks, using his will and his insight to form his own Sword Dao.

Clang—clang—clang! Endless flying swords clash; these are the Great World's flying swords, and onlookers are filled with disbelief, especially the strong among the Ancient Human Clan, who fall silent.

They thought Gu Jin Nian would perish within Tongtian Sword Mountain, but they did not expect him to truly comprehend an unparalleled Sword Intent.

This is not a Sword Method nor Sword Qi, but an unparalleled Sword Intent.

Gu Jin Nian's own Sword Intent.

People gasp, numb with awe, especially within the Sword Origin Ancient Sect, where powerful cultivators stare blankly at Gu Jin Nian.

"The Sword Dao has one vein: first comes the Sword Technique, then Sword Qi, and finally Sword Intent."

"From ancient to modern times, never have we seen anyone grasp Sword Intent first."

"Heaven does not give birth to me, Gu Jin Nian; the Sword Dao stretches eternally like a long night."

"These words are truly domineering, containing the utmost meaning of the Sword Dao; across ages, with such will, who can resist?"

He sighs; as a Sword Cultivator, he naturally knows what Gu Jin Nian's words represent—Gu Jin Nian's Sword Dao will.

Shocking the ages, dazzling the present.

Astonishing heaven and earth.

Making gods and spirits weep.

Words cannot convey any trace of Gu Jin Nian's current brilliance.

Tongtian Sword Mountain.

The black flying swords form a dark cloud; this Sword Qi affects the Great World.

However, everyone's attention is on the summit, curious whether Gu Jin Nian's act can earn the Silent‑Extinction Sword God's approval.

It seems there should be no problem; such Sword Intent, if still not approved by the Silent‑Extinction Sword God, would indeed be frightening.

Indeed.

At the summit.

A figure slowly appears, a middle‑aged man; the Sword Qi mist vanishes, replaced by a gaunt silhouette.

His head is white with hair, yet his eyes shine brightly; the Sword Intent surrounding him is terrifyingly immense, chaotic Sword Qi and Dao Sword Qi swirl around him, his gaze seems to pierce all of existence.

Standing atop the summit.

He exudes an unparalleled aura.

Across the Great World, no one seems able to stop him.

Buzz—buzz—buzz! Sword Qi clashes, and before him all Sword Qi appears weak.

This is the Silent‑Extinction Sword God.

In the mythic age, the strongest Sword Cultivator, if he did not forge a new Sword Dao, would have continued the ancestors' path, carving out his own Sword Dao.

People look at the Silent‑Extinction Sword God with awe and respect.

Among the Ancient Human Clan, some voices slowly rise.

"Paying attention to his Sword Intent will yield great rewards."

A powerful member of the Sword Origin Ancient Sect speaks, urging everyone to observe the Silent‑Extinction Sword God's Sword Intent.

There will be great gains.

Hearing this, many people attentively focus on the Silent‑Extinction Sword God, unwilling to miss any detail.

"Junior Gu Jin Nian."

"I pay my respects, senior."

Tongtian Sword Mountain.

Gu Jin Nian, neither humble nor arrogant, gazes at the Silent‑Extinction Sword God and bows.

At the summit.

The Silent‑Extinction Sword God merely gives Gu Jin Nian a faint glance, says nothing, but waves a hand; in an instant the Nine Immortal Sword reappears, shaping the starry cosmos, Sword Qi crisscrosses.

"Then let's see, where does this eternal Sword Dao come from?"

He spoke, saying thus.

As the voice fell.

Terrifying sword qi fell directly, turning into sun and moon, directly strangling the surrounding space.

"Why is this?"

"How did he suddenly strike?"

"Are you going to kill Gu Jin Nian?"

The people were shocked—how did they suddenly start fighting? This shouldn't be.

Logically, shouldn't there be some communication with Gu Jin Nian first? Why strike directly?

"His sword intent is indeed strong, but whether it truly exists remains unknown; what manner of person is the Ji Mie Sword God? A supreme being of the mythic age, invincible in the sword Dao—how could such a being be cowed by a few words?"

"Indeed, such a powerhouse cannot be intimidated by such words; without showing real substance, further talk is useless."

"In the end, one must still show genuine ability; otherwise, it's all superfluous."

Some voices sounded.

They guessed why the Ji Mie Sword God made a move.

After all, isn't it just to truly see Gu Jin Nian's strength?

Sword intent returns to sword intent.

Whether the sword intent can be displayed still depends on real ability.

Stars fell one after another.

The great age sank.

One hundred and eight sword mountains rumbled; Gu Jin Nian's expression remained calm as he raised his hand, and an intensely fierce sword qi appeared in his hand.

This sword qi shone brilliantly, permeating with terrifying light.

The sage's aura spread out, the sword qi's light reaching a hundred thousand zhang; yet this sage's aura did not feel blinding, instead becoming gentle, making one feel an unprecedented gentleness.

Like basking in a spring breeze.

The sage's imprint sank into the sword qi.

Soon, a second imprint appeared—the martial dao imprint.

Boom.

The sword qi surged again by tens of thousands of zhang; the terrifying martial dao aura swept across heaven and earth, this momentum terrifying beyond compare; the sage's aura was gentle, while the martial dao aura was even more forceful.

As the martial dao aura sank into it, this sword qi became terrifyingly formidable.

Soon, the immortal dao imprint, Buddhist dao imprint, technique dao imprint, and demon dao imprint all sank into this sword qi in the end.

Finally, the sword dao imprint also sank into it, producing a terrifyingly supreme power.

Boom! The intensely fierce sword qi pierced through heaven and earth, shocking and also indescribably terrifying.

All seven imprints merged together, becoming immensely terrifying; the sword light was astonishingly fearsome.

And this sword qi ultimately transformed into a blade of grass, crushing the stars one after another.

"I am invincible."

Gu Jin Nian's voice sounded; his gaze icy to the extreme, he took a step and shattered all the star sword qi.

People gasped, truly at a loss for how to describe it.

Above the Tongtian Sword Mountain, a beam of sword light pierced through all emptiness, shattering everything.

All light dissipated.

Within the sword mountain, it instantly became utterly tranquil.

At this moment, the seven great imprints converged into an invincible sword qi—the sword of the great age.

Above his head, the sword qi shone brilliantly, also possessing an inconceivable astonishment, appearing especially distinct.

This sword qi suppressed the entire great age, causing fear.

Within it were vegetal stars and myriad splendors, truly astonishing beyond measure.

This sword qi far surpassed Jiu Jian Tian and also far surpassed Mu Yun; it is Gu Jin Nian's sword qi.

Great Age Sword Qi.

"May I ask, senior, how is my junior's sword intent?"

Having resolved the other's test, Gu Jin Nian spoke, knowing that the Ji Mie Sword God had not dealt a killing blow; for such a person, if he truly had struck to kill, he himself could not possibly withstand it.

This is merely a test.

It is not truly meant to do anything.

Heaven does not give birth to me, Gu Jin Nian.

The sword Dao is like an endless night through the ages.

Indeed, it is a piece of uncut jade.

Enter the main peak.

The Ji Mie Sword God also felt some emotion; Gu Jin Nian's seven realms united, the great age sword he condensed was indeed astonishing.

Such will, no matter the era, Gu Jin Nian could become an unparalleled swordsman.

Thus Gu Jin Nian earned his approval.

Hearing this, Gu Jin Nian did not waste words; he feared no danger, nor felt fear, taking a step to arrive at the main peak of the Tongtian Sword Mountain.

Within the sword mountain there were endless formations, but at this moment they all fell silent.

Stepped onto the main peak.

Gu Jin Nian bowed to the Ji Mie Sword God, then slowly spoke.

"May I ask, senior, what is your wish?"

"The junior is willing to fulfill it for the senior."

Gu Jin Nian spoke; he had previously learned from Senior Tie Bing that these mythic supreme beings could revive because Heaven and Earth had chosen them, and they carried an immensely powerful desire that faded into the ages.

They, bound by Heaven and Earth's cause and destruction of the Great World, sought only to fulfill their own desire.

Otherwise, such beings would not respect Heaven and Earth at all; in their eyes, only their own Dao mattered, and Heaven and Earth were nothing.

"You cannot accomplish it."

"This Great World is also destined to be destroyed."

"Even if I do not act, every future being will surpass me."

The Silent Extinction Sword God did not reveal his own desire; instead, he resolutely told Gu Jin Nian that he could not fulfill his desire.

"Why can't I fulfill it?"

"Although the junior lacks great power, I am willing to try."

Gu Jin Nian spoke; he was not making solemn vows, but he was not without confidence either.

The Silent Extinction Sword God said nothing, but turned his gaze toward the Sword Sea above the firmament.

He showed no particular expression, merely speaking calmly.

"This is the source of disaster."

"You can no longer stop the coming cataclysm, and neither can I."

"Your talent is great, and you bear the Great World's fortune; no matter what, if you wish to survive, you will not be buried in this era."

"I, the old man, cherish talent and am willing to teach you some Sword Dao methods; study them well, and perhaps in the future you can surpass me and forge a path unlike any other."

"Cherish it well."

The Silent Extinction Sword God spoke, gazing at the Sword Sea, and uttered a baffling remark.

This Sword Sea was condensed by Gu Jin Nian.

How did it become the source of disaster? The world gasped, especially the sword cultivators of the Sword Primordial Ancient Sect, each brimming with envy.

"Senior, regarding the way of sword technique, the junior respects and admires you, but the sword method you transmit may not suit the junior."

Gu Jin Nian spoke; his words were somewhat arrogant, and to many observers they indeed sounded arrogant.

The magnificent Silent Extinction Sword God, the Sword Dao supreme of the mythic age, taught a sword method that anyone would covet.

Not only sword cultivators; even those who are not sword cultivators could not possibly refuse.

"Refusing the Silent Extinction Sword God? That is truly a waste of a treasure."

"A missed opportunity."

"Although Gu Sheng is powerful and uniquely gifted, the Silent Extinction Sword God's sword method is perhaps the pinnacle of sword techniques between Heaven and Earth. To refuse it is indeed improper."

Some voices rose, full of astonishment; some were heartbroken, deeming this a waste of opportunity, while others felt it was improper, thinking Gu Jin Nian's refusal was overly forced.

Tong Tian Main Peak.

The Silent Extinction Sword God looked at Gu Jin Nian and instantly knew what Gu Jin Nian was thinking.

"Do not use provocation."

"This is meaningless."

"Do you think this scheme has any meaning for me?"

The Silent Extinction Sword God spoke; at a glance he realized Gu Jin Nian was using provocation here to deliberately anger him.

Upon hearing this, Gu Jin Nian showed no hint of embarrassment; his gaze instead declared resolutely.

"My words are indeed somewhat improper, but they are also Gu's sincere words."

"Gu's Sword Dao lies at his own feet; it does not need senior's teaching, and senior might even teach poorly."

Gu Jin Nian spoke; his words were indeed quite heretical, confronting a supreme of the mythic age, a Sword Dao supreme, who arguably has the right to guide all swordsmen.

Even if the other is Gu Jin Nian, the son of the Great World.

People were astonished, yet some understood what Gu Jin Nian intended.

This was a deliberate provocation to force the other to reveal his inner knot; only then could a remedy be applied, otherwise, according to the Silent Extinction Sword God's view, the Great World would be destroyed.

If one does not know where his knot lies, how can it be untied?

The crowd fell silent, each looking at the Silent Extinction Sword God, awaiting his answer.

Within the main peak.

The Silent Extinction Sword God glanced at Gu Jin Nian; he neither angered nor became upset, but calmly looked toward the firmament's Sword Sea.

He let out a long sigh.

Senior Tie Bing's voice rang out immediately.

"Do not provoke him."

"His temperament is eccentric; a single misstep could truly have you slain here."

"He is a mythic supreme, an invincible Sword Dao master; to you, such words appear as a clown in his eyes."

Senior Tie Bing understood his meaning; although the Silent Extinction Sword God said nothing, from his standpoint, Gu Jin Nian's words were indeed somewhat laughable.

They even provoked laughter.

It is like a newly hatched ant telling the true dragon in the heavens, 'I do not need your help; your help is meaningless to me.'

Utterly laughable.

Indeed, the Sword Sea suddenly erupted; layers of divine light infused it, each flying sword undergoing transformation, and in an instant, killing aura spread, a solemn murderous atmosphere sweeping across the Divine Continent.

It was terrifying.

It seemed the Silent Extinction Sword God was about to act.

"Senior."

"We have come this far; why are you unwilling to speak? In Sword Dao, the junior truly is not as good as the senior."

"But that doesn't mean we can't untie the senior's knot; please, senior, speak it out. If I truly cannot resolve it, I can act later, and it won't be too late!"

Gu Jin Nian hurriedly spoke; he knew the other party wasn't fooled, was determined to follow Heaven and Earth's will and destroy this great world.

So he couldn't help but speak, hoping the other would change heart.

Sure enough.

Upon hearing this, the Silent Extinction Sword God fell silent for a moment, and the turmoil of the Sea of Swords also calmed slightly.

He looked at Gu Jin Nian.

He did not directly state his knot, but asked some other questions.

"Just now you absorbed so many Sword Souls."

"What is your view on the Sword Dao?"

The Silent Extinction Sword God spoke, questioning Gu Jin Nian about this matter.

Each Sword Soul just now was a story of a sword cultivator; although most endings were not pleasant, they were still stories.

Now hearing the question, Gu Jin Nian pondered for a moment, then slowly said.

"Obsession."

"Bond."

"Will."

"All thoughts converging become the Sword Dao."

Gu Jin Nian spoke calmly; this was his understanding of the Sword Dao.

"Obsession of what?"

The Silent Extinction Sword God asked.

"Sending a letter, walking a stretch of road, meeting some people—these are all obsessions."

Gu Jin Nian replied without hesitation.

He is a saint, so his words naturally brim with varied resonance.

"Then what is a bond?"

The Silent Extinction Sword God asked again.

"From the moment one grasps a sword, a bond forms; meeting different people creates different bonds."

Gu Jin Nian gave his answer.

"What is will?"

The Silent Extinction Sword God asked finally.

"Both advancing and retreating are will; when raising the sword, it is unyielding will, when sheathing it, it is the will to let go."

Gu Jin Nian spoke calmly.

This was his perspective on the Sword Dao.

After hearing this, the Silent Extinction Sword God nodded appreciatively; he was very pleased with Gu Jin Nian's words.

Looking at Gu Jin Nian, the Silent Extinction Sword God felt both sighs and emotion.

"A saint truly lives up to the name; it's a pity you weren't born in my era—otherwise, I would have taken you as a disciple."

"Your view on the Sword Dao is different; very good, very good."

The Silent Extinction Sword God spoke, praising Gu Jin Nian without any stinginess, because the answer truly satisfied him immensely.

Before Gu Jin Nian could smile, the Silent Extinction Sword God's next words silenced him again.

"Unfortunately, the outcome has already been predetermined."

"Some things cannot be changed."

"The world's obsessions ultimately become evil will; the great world's decay has been set, you cannot resolve it, nor can I control it."

"I will give you a set time; seize this period, rescue those who need saving, protect those who must be protected, otherwise there will be no chance."

The Silent Extinction Sword God stood with his hands behind his back; instead of taking further action against Gu Jin Nian, he let him handle some aftermath, which counted as a form of acknowledgment.

"Please, senior, reveal your knot."

Hearing this, Gu Jin Nian remained neither humble nor arrogant; he still asked about the other's knot, wishing to fulfill the other's wish.

At this moment, the Silent Extinction Sword God's gaze toward Gu Jin Nian shifted slightly.

He had already clarified everything, yet did not expect Gu Jin Nian to remain so persistent.

"When I finish speaking, you will have no chance left; then the Sea of Swords will boil, generating 1.08 billion sword qi, sweeping across the Shenzhou Continent, and few will survive. Moreover, if my knot remains unresolved, I will go mad, become a sword maniac, and wherever I go, no life can exist."

"Do you truly wish to take the risk?"

"If you choose to leave now, at least you can survive, and those you wish to protect can also survive."

"The great world's masses aren't truly that important; under the passage of time they will inevitably die. Think more openly— even a supreme being is not erased by time, is he?"

The Silent Extinction Sword God, curious, asked thus.

It is indeed terrifying, putting one in a dilemma: on one hand, to risk and die if things go wrong; on the other, the survival of all under heaven.

Yet faced with this choice, Gu Jin Nian inhaled deeply, showing hardly any hesitation.

"Senior, please reveal the knot."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, without any hesitation, still posing the question.

Hearing this, the Silent Extinction Sword God formed a completely different view of Gu Jin Nian; by now, Gu Jin Nian was willing to make such a sacrifice for the great world's masses.

Such virtue alone is rare in the world.

Thus, the Silent Extinction Sword God let out a long sigh.

He gazed at the heavens and earth, then spoke.

"I was born in the Mythic Age, spent my life pursuing the ultimate Sword Dao; at birth I possessed a peerless Sword Dao constitution. In my life I have experienced an unbroken path as well as the lowest valleys of existence."

"All along this road, there have been friends and also enemies; looking back, the bond began because of the sword, and I have become obsessed because of the sword."

"In this lifetime, there have been missed chances and gains, I have let go and taken up again, unable to discern right from wrong, yet understanding what is good and evil."

"But in the end, I still cannot step into the ultimate realm of the Sword Dao."

"I cannot comprehend the legendary sword technique."

"In old age I am troubled, with no one to keep me company; even a single enemy I cannot meet. When I immerse myself in seeking the Dao, looking at the world again, countless people struggle as I do."

"On the path of the Sword Dao, some have failed; I think their failure is good, at least they are not like me. Others press on, but in my arduous pursuit of the Dao I see no future, no hope."

"In this lineage I have reached the extreme, yet I still follow the steps of the ancestors."

"I wish to forge a path of my own and to open a broad avenue for future sword cultivators."

"But the final outcome is that I glimpse a fragment of the future: everything will wither, and the Sword Dao lineage has no road ahead."

"My obsession is the final step: to continue the Sword Dao's glorious road, yet throughout my life each step is hard."

"Can you resolve it?"

The Silent Extinction Sword God spoke, recounting his story and clarifying his wish.

Around him, myriad phenomena unfolded: a baby was born, celestial anomalies, a youth wielding a sword, acting on his heart's intent, singing all the way, climbing high mountains and standing in valleys.

Single‑minded for the sword, he missed many people, yet received different rewards.

In his old age, looking back on his life, he sighs deeply, having found his pursuit and devoted his remaining time to the Sword Dao, yet ultimately cannot obtain a satisfactory answer.

This is the Silent Extinction Sword God's knot.

In the Sword Dao lineage, he has reached the extreme; he wishes to continue it for future generations—this is his obsession, the thing he has sought to achieve all his life.

A sky‑piercing avenue appears, formed of sword qi, terrifying to behold, representing the heavens‑and‑earth Sword Dao.

Astonishingly, this Sword Dao road extends three thousand zhang before finally stopping.

It rises straight into the clouds.

Yet in the end it still stops.

It signifies that the Sword Dao has no forward path.

This is also the Silent Extinction Sword God's greatest obsession.

People sigh; in the world many feel a certain lament. They cannot fully grasp the Silent Extinction Sword God's true thoughts, but with a change of perspective they can understand.

Having pursued the Sword Dao all his life, he has let go of too much, missed countless stories; looking back, the whole world seems left with only himself, solitary.

In this situation, how can the obsession in his heart not become a demonic thought? In other words, if Gu Jin Nian wishes to resolve the other's knot, he must continue the Sword Dao lineage, taking it a step further.

This is almost impossible.

"Now Gu Jin Nian is in for bad luck."

"The Sword Dao lineage was already validated in the mythic age; no one can forge a new path forward."

"This road ultimately reaches its summit, leaving no further possibilities."

"Is this the Silent Extinction Sword God's knot? No wonder he never wanted to speak of it; saying it now is meaningless. Who can untangle it for him?"

"Gu Jin Nian truly is about to have bad luck."

Some voices rang out, declaring that Gu Jin Nian cannot fulfill this wish—not out of contempt for him.

The main reason is that this knot is truly terrifying; ordinary people cannot accomplish it.

No, even the current top sword cultivator would likely be unable to untangle it.

Let alone Gu Jin Nian.

"Can you untie this knot for me?"

The Silent Extinction Sword God fixed his gaze on Gu Jin Nian; his eyes were calm, yet anyone could see the anger in his heart beginning to kindle.

"Run quickly."

"This guy is about to become demonic."

"No need to answer his question; let the Ten Hall Kings act—they should have a way to open the passage."

"Run first, then talk."

Senior Tie Bing's voice suddenly rang out; he sensed that the other party was likely about to become demonic.

Indeed.

Strands of black vapor seeped from his body, turning into terrifying sword qi that churned the Sword Sea, astonishingly dreadful.

Boom—boom—boom.

One hundred and eight Sword Mountains quaked directly; within the Sword Sea, every flying sword underwent metamorphosis, each releasing powerful, fearsome sword qi.

In an instant, across the hundred‑thousand‑li sky, sword qi surged, forming a world‑ending great dragon—a dragon of sword qi.

It truly is astonishing and utterly terrifying.

If this sword qi were released, the whole world would have few survivors.

"Form the formation!"

Within the Heaven-Cutting Sect, a terrifying will sounded; the Ancient Humans immediately formed formations to block this calamity.

In an instant, ancient formations were activated, the area bursting with ten thousand divine rays; each grand formation was both terrifying and astonishing.

They exist to block such a disaster.

Soon, Divine Mountain, the Four Seas, the Far North Land, and all major ancient tribes frantically activated their formations; they all knew that if the Silent Extinction Sword God acted, it would be no joke.

In the world, ninety‑nine percent of people would perish here.

An unprecedented crisis shrouded the world; everyone felt the world‑shaking sword qi, sending chills down their spines.

"The Sword Dao runs to its end; the Silent Extinction Sword God's knot is to go further—how is that possible? He is a Sword God, the supreme of the mythic age, the invincible of the Sword Dao."

"If even he cannot think of it, how could Gu Sheng ever conceive it?"

"Indeed, isn't this a challenge for the strong? Who can untie such a knot?"

Now, a great disaster truly looms over our heads.

Some sounds rang out; most people felt despair and terror, they were helpless.

And the Southern Barbarian lands.

The terrifying netherworld power penetrates heaven and earth; it is the Ten Palace Kings, they all act together, using the netherworld holy artifacts, wanting to open a passage for Gu Jin Nian.

Jin Nian, younger brother, flee quickly!

King Qin Guang's voice rang out.

After his divine sense was transmitted, the netherworld power bombarded within the Towering Sword Mountain.

Scram!

However, the main peak of Towering Sword Mountain, the Extinction Sword God let out a great roar; his white hair flew, each strand forming terrifying sword qi that slaughtered everything, terrifying sword qi, Holy Punishment's Light Shooting Upwards, reaching ten thousand zhang, directly crushing the netherworld power.

Old man, I ask you.

Does the Sword Dao still have a path ahead?

At this moment, the Extinction Sword God has indeed fallen into demonhood; he himself was revived by relying on the power of heaven and earth, because of the obsession in his heart, he received heaven and earth's support, therefore he has come to accomplish ultimate glory.

This is his inner demon.

The sword sea spanning a hundred thousand li is also churning; it looks astonishingly terrifying, making one's flesh creep.

If these sword qi are fully released, then no one will be able to survive.

This is too terrifying.

Especially, he turned his gaze toward Gu Jin Nian; behind him condensed a golden sword qi; if no accident occurs, Gu Jin Nian, if he cannot answer, or if he answers but does not meet his meaning, he fears he will be slain on the spot.

I've already said it, hurry up and run, hurry up and run, why won't you run?

You insist on dragging me along; now it's fine, we'll die together, why did you provoke him out of the blue?

Senior Tie Bing wanted to cry but had no tears; he spoke, his tone full of complaint, ultimately regretting following Gu Jin Nian to Towering Sword Mountain; if he had known earlier, he would have just left.

Within the Sword Mountain.

Gu Jin Nian took a deep breath; he ignored the Extinction Sword God, instead turning his gaze toward the golden Sword Dao.

Everyone in the Great Era is paying attention to Gu Jin Nian.

East Sea Dragon Palace, the Four Sea Dragon Kings gaze upon Gu Jin Nian's silhouette, their eyes full of complexity.

We've come to this point; what else can he do?

The Sword Dao lineage was extraordinarily glorious in the mythic era and has reached its extremity; otherwise, the mythic era could not have had so many sword cultivators; and up to now, the path that should have been walked has already been walked; the Extinction Sword God is the foremost person of the Sword Dao; the future he cannot see, no one in the present age can see either.

Gu Jin Nian has no possible solution.

The voice of the North Sea Dragon King rang out, his tone sounding confident and resolute, convinced that Gu Jin Nian will surely lose this time.

The West Sea Dragon King and the South Sea Dragon King likewise approved, nodding their heads.

But the East Sea Dragon King remained silent, gazing at Gu Jin Nian, unknown what he was thinking.

Big brother, what does your expression mean? You don't think Gu Jin Nian can still break the limit, do you?

Seeing the East Sea Dragon King like this, the North Sea Dragon King couldn't help but speak up, asking the East Sea Dragon King.

No.

Whether Gu Jin Nian can break the limit and continue the glory of the Sword Dao, this is not the key; the key is that after this great calamity ends, regardless of the outcome, the sea race will emerge.

All five races will emerge; the great era's conflict will be opened ahead of time.

The East Sea Dragon King spoke, his eyes especially solemn.

Open ahead of time?

Why is that?

The three great Dragon Kings are all somewhat curious.

If Gu Jin Nian truly resolves this matter, he will inevitably receive the immortal inheritance of the Sword Dao, the seven realms united; his future self will be unstoppable; the five races must join forces to exterminate Gu Jin Nian, giving him no chance.

But if Gu Jin Nian does not resolve this matter, the Extinction Sword God will slaughter the Great Era; for us, this is a good thing, as heaven and earth decline, we emerging can just seize everything.

Get ready.

Be ready to act at any time.

Regardless of the outcome, it's about time.

The East Sea Dragon King slowly opened his mouth; his tone was calm, yet unquestionable.

Respectfully follow the elder brother's decree.

The three great Dragon Kings had no nonsense, directly responded.

And within the Divine Mountain.

There is also a terrifying will communicating.

Having reached this point, we must also be prepared; wait for the Great Era to wither, then act at the first opportunity to seize the True Dharma imprint.

Then reopen the Great Era's hegemony struggle.

This is the supreme will of the Divine Race; their gaze always remains on the True Dharma imprint; when Gu Jin Nian dies, they will directly act against those heavenly prodigies of the Qilin Pavilion, seizing all their imprints and merging them into themselves.

This is their idea.

And among the ancient human race.

The nine kings all rose to their feet.

When Gu Jin Nian dies, prepare to revive the ancient heavenly court; all humanity will migrate to the ancient heavenly court, which can protect all-around and also occupy various advantages in the impending great change.

The will of the ancient human kings sounded, having made all plans and preparations; now we are just waiting for Gu Jin Nian to die.

The nine venerable kings stared tiger-like, their eyes also holding fervor and passion; they await a battle.

The far northern lands.

The will of the demon god was also conveyed.

Waiting for the result.

Gu Jin Nian dies, waiting for the Great World to wither, then declares war outright.

If Gu Jin Nian does not die, war must still be declared; we can no longer delay, nor wait any longer.

The Zhongzhou Dynasty, its Great Emperor, feels some worry as he gazes at Gu Jin Nian.

In the Da Xia Dynasty—inside the Qilin Pavilion, the Da Xia Imperial Palace, the Marquis of the State's Residence—many people are worrying about Gu Jin Nian.

The Sword God of Extinction's knot of heart is truly too great; it cannot be untied at all.

Gu Jin Nian's fate this time is truly a nine‑deaths‑to‑one‑life situation.

No, saying nine‑deaths‑to‑one‑life already hints at a lucky mindset; this is fundamentally unsolvable.

If this person were not Gu Jin Nian, the world would have already gone mad and would never be waiting here for a miracle.

"Speak!"

"Is there any at all?"

At Tongtian Sword Mountain, the black aura around the Sword God of Extinction swells to the heavens; his gaze is ice‑cold to the extreme as he looks at Gu Jin Nian, filled with murderous intent, and golden sword qi that could fall on Gu Jin Nian's head at any moment.

Feeling this unparalleled murderous aura, Gu Jin Nian still does not care.

Instead, at the crucial moment, he closes his eyes.

In an instant, the Saint Dao Seal appears above his head, followed by the Martial Dao Seal, Immortal Dao Seal, Buddha Dao Seal, Demon Dao Seal, Technique Dao Seal, and the Six Paths Seal, all hovering above him.

Finally, the Sword Dao Seal also materializes.

The seven seals entwine his head, evolving into astonishing phenomena and radiance that astonish and seem miraculous.

Clang! Sparks fly everywhere.

The Sword God of Extinction's golden sword qi slashes directly at Gu Jin Nian's head, but the seven seals block it.

The crucial moment.

Gu Jin Nian also opens his eyes.

He looks at the Sword God of Extinction, then turns his gaze to the Sword Dao path.

He then gives an answer.

"There is no way forward."

This is Gu Jin Nian's reply.

He had just comprehended with the Saint Dao Seal; the Sword Dao line truly cannot advance beyond this point—it has reached its limit, and cannot take another step forward.

Or perhaps, there might be a path, but it cannot be continued.

At least Gu Jin Nian cannot discern a way forward.

"Since there is no way forward."

"Then what meaning do all beings have?"

"In the end it is death; perhaps we should just be buried in this Great World."

Having received the answer, the Sword God of Extinction calms down.

He waves his hand.

In an instant, the sea of swords churns and flies toward the Shenzhou Continent, dense and countless, intending to exterminate everyone between heaven and earth.

Leaving not a single chance.

But at this moment.

Gu Jin Nian's voice also rises slowly.

"Sword, come!"

His voice, echoing through heaven and earth, calls "Sword, come," and with the will of his seven great seals, the previously scattered sea of swords reconvenes atop his head at this moment.

"Can this stop me?"

The Sword God of Extinction speaks; he does not mind the newly reconvened flying swords—if he wishes, he can let Gu Jin Nian experience what true Sword Dao supremacy is.

However.

Gu Jin Nian does not answer his words.

If he raises his hand.

In an instant, an azure‑sharp sword appears in his hand; it is his Great World sword, also his Saint sword, his spirit sword.

"I am Gu Jin Nian."

"For the sword‑cultivators of the world."

"Continuing the supreme Sword Dao."

"Today, the sword opens the Heavenly Gate."

A calm voice sounds.

It comes from Tongtian Sword Mountain.

And with that voice, above the sky dome, the countless sea of flying swords seems to feel an unprecedented resonance.

Buzz—buzz—buzz! The terrifying flying swords converge into an incredibly dreadful sword qi.

Piercing through heaven and earth.

Dong! A terrifying sound echoes.

The sky dome seems pierced.

A beam of light shines down.

A gate appears.

Above the gate are various patterns and some mysterious glows, looking extraordinarily extraordinary.

Inside the gate, celestial lights are released, falling to the mortal realm, appearing especially beautiful.

This is Heaven Gate.

The people of the world stared wide-eyed, and the strong ones of the five tribes were all dumbfounded, utterly unable to believe this astonishing sight.

"Sword Opens Heaven Gate?"

"Is this forcibly continuing the path for the sword cultivator lineage?"

Someone cried out in shock, feeling incredulous.

"On what grounds?"

"How can Gu Jin Nian achieve this? He hasn't cultivated the sword Dao, yet he wishes to continue the sword Dao lineage and forge a new path."

Someone went mad—this is something even the Silent Extinction Sword God could not accomplish.

But Gu Jin Nian did it.

"This time, Gu Saint truly will rise to a higher level."

Some also felt foolish.

They muttered to themselves.

As if they could see what further benefits Gu Jin Nian would gain next.

As for within the Heaven-Reaching Sword Mountain,

The Silent Extinction Sword God also became somewhat foolish.

He gazed at this sword gate, silent, the surrounding black aura also drawn inward and slightly suppressed—"Senior."

"Why walk another's path?"

"True sword Dao."

"Wielded by the sword wielder."

"With a sword in hand, if the way is blocked, then forge a new sword Dao."

Gu Jin Nian's voice rang out.

This is his sword Dao.

This is also his answer.

For all sword cultivators under heaven.

Sword Opens Heaven Gate!

""

"The Heaven-Reaching Sword Mountain has been fully activated; you will understand shortly why it is said."

(End of chapter)