Chapter 281: Myriad Races Assembly, Peace Under Heaven, Approaching and Intercepting Heavenly Sect, New and Old Collide

Everyone knows that the Ninth Heavenly Tribulation is the most terrifying; even just the Eighth Heavenly Tribulation left the peak-era Extinction Sword God helpless.

This Ninth Heavenly Tribulation takes the form of a human silhouette; no one knows her origin, nor can they see through her past, yet from various signs one can infer.

This person is extraordinary; she has great confidence that she can slay Gu Jin Nian, and everyone thinks so.

Whether it's an illusion or not is unknown, but at least she is capable of this.

What no one expected, however, is that this immortal being would actually gaze toward West Zhou Mountain, as if she had obtained some answer.

To spare Gu Jin Nian, because of the will of the master of West Zhou Mountain.

People were astonished, and they felt increasingly that the master of West Zhou Mountain was extraordinary.

Just what is her origin? Even an existence summoned by the will of heaven and earth can be influenced by her.

The people gazed at the latter.

And the existence that resembled an empress said nothing, but instead fixed her gaze upon West Zhou Mountain, as if waiting for an answer.

About half an incense stick later.

No one knew what had happened; people saw the aura of the heavenly tribulation grow ever fainter, and the aura of this immortal also gradually dissipated, retracting into her body.

Sensing this aura, Gu Jin Nian let out a long breath; although he was confident he could block this tribulation, not having to face it was naturally a good thing.

However, Gu Jin Nian was also very curious as to why the master of West Zhou Mountain chose to help him.

He had been there once before, and gained nothing special.

But he never expected that this time the master of West Zhou Mountain would actually choose to help him.

This is strange.

Gu Jin Nian turned his gaze toward West Zhou Mountain, intending, if possible, to go there himself in a few days.

But at this very moment, the entity within the tribulation slowly appeared before Gu Jin Nian; her features were absolutely beautiful, hard to fault in any way—if one had to point out something, it would be her eyes, which were too bland.

As if devoid of emotion.

"Avoiding this tribulation is not a good thing."

"You have the opportunity to take with you a group of people you need to take."

"The future great calamity is not something you can resist; I can grant the master of West Zhou Mountain face, but I likewise give you a choice."

"Select one hundred thousand people, flee the heavenly-earthly extinction, await the next brand-new era, you shall seclude yourself in the mountains, and their descendants can continue to survive."

"One hundred thousand people is actually enough; you yourself understand."

The Immortal spoke, coming before Gu Jin Nian and presenting this condition; it seemed she did not intend to let it go just like that.

Frankly speaking, this condition is extremely tempting.

One hundred thousand people is indeed enough; for a single person, relatives and friends, plus more relatives and friends, basically the entire nine clans are included.

Escape this great calamity and welcome the new era.

This is a good choice.

But before Gu Jin Nian could speak, the latter's voice sounded again.

"You need not answer directly."

"I know you are a Saint, your heart concerns the myriad peoples of the world; that is correct, but you should think for yourself."

"Under this great calamity, if you now choose to relinquish, taking one hundred thousand people and teaching them diligently, awaiting the arrival of the next era, then it will truly be an eternity of splendor."

"You can consider whether a new world would be better, or whether to improve the present age."

"Moreover, one hundred thousand people is already the limit; more people is not necessarily a good thing—what do you think?"

The other party spoke, her words not meant to entice but to expound a principle.

If a new era were to descend, everything would be reshuffled, all things reborn; this is indeed a good thing, at least for the whole heaven and earth.

Therefore, faced with such a choice, Gu Jin Nian fell silent.

He was not greedy for life and fearful of death, but rather weighing and choosing.

The great age is lonely; many people look to Gu Jin Nian, the hearts of the myriad peoples are somewhat tense; Gu Jin Nian now is their last hope—if he chooses to agree, then perhaps no one in the world could save them.

No one spoke; at this moment, to have Gu Jin Nian's thoughts wavering is not a good thing.

They waited silently, and some also seriously contemplated this question, wondering how they themselves would choose if faced with it.

Most people had an answer in an instant; no one can foresee how terrifying the future great calamity will be, but now the great calamity has not yet fully manifested, yet many things have already occurred—if the great calamity truly arrives, even a toe knows it will surely bring despair.

"I can create a new era."

"No need for replacement."

However, Gu Jin Nian's voice slowly sounded, his gaze firm, and he gave his answer.

That answer made the people let out a long breath, and at the same time their admiration for Gu Jin Nian grew much stronger.

And that answer also made Su Wenjing smile; this is truly a Saint.

Actually, the condition given by this Immortal is indeed very good; from any angle it is a fine choice, and ninety-nine percent of people in the world could choose it, but in Su Wenjing's view, Gu Jin Nian cannot choose this way.

Anyone can, except Gu Jin Nian alone cannot.

He must walk the Saint's path, to become a Heaven's Mandate Saint, and therefore cannot be like an ordinary person.

Upon hearing these words.

This Immortal nodded, showing no dissuasion or anger; on the contrary, she looked at Gu Jin Nian and spoke.

"No wonder this one would step forward to block this calamity for you."

"You truly possess a spirit that none of the heavenly prodigies of past and present have; you are very different from them."

"Although I praise you, in my view the future great calamity is still something you cannot get through."

"However, everything has a sliver of hope; perhaps you can achieve what no one else can."

The words fell away.

She turned into specks of starlight and finally dissipated between heaven and earth.

As the Heavenly Tribulation gradually dissipated, it was replaced by a boundless clear sky.

All calamities vanished completely.

All gloom also dispersed completely with the wind.

If it weren't for what just happened, it would be utterly inconceivable, unable to be erased from people's minds; honestly, it feels like an illusion.

As heaven and earth calmed.

Gu Jin Nian said nothing more; he simply vanished from the spot and appeared within Tongtian Sword Mountain.

His gaze fell upon the Silent Extinction Sword God.

The latter sat cross‑legged, having healed his injuries, but that did not mean he could endure in this world forever.

A halo of light enveloped him, as if it could vanish at any moment.

"Elder."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, calling out to him.

The latter opened his eyes, his gaze filled with tranquility.

"The Great Tribulation is approaching."

"I, the old man, no longer possess any ability to aid you."

"The road ahead ultimately still depends on you alone."

The Silent Extinction Sword God spoke, somewhat lamenting that in this age he was powerless, and could only place a certain hope onto Gu Jin Nian.

"Please, elder, rest assured."

"I, the junior, will certainly safeguard this Great World."

"However, I have a few matters I wish to ask you, elder."

Gu Jin Nian spoke; indeed he harbored many doubts, and seized this chance to seek clarification.

However, the Silent Extinction Sword God seemed to know what Gu Jin Nian intended to ask and simply shook his head.

"There are matters even I, the old man, do not understand."

"But the words of the city‑empress just now were correct; future great calamities will be even more terrifying."

"You must be prepared."

"At present, the only solution I can devise for you is a single path."

The Silent Extinction Sword God guessed that Gu Jin Nian believed he was formed by the convergence of heaven and earth, and thus should know some hidden secrets.

Unfortunately, he truly did not know.

"Please, elder, enlighten me."

Gu Jin Nian nodded, his eyes brimming with anticipation.

"Heaven's Mandate Saint."

The Silent Extinction Sword God calmly uttered four words.

His gaze became especially resolute.

"Only by becoming a Heaven's Mandate Saint can one have a chance to break the impasse."

He spoke, stating that this was the best method, indeed the only one.

Upon hearing this answer, Gu Jin Nian fell silent; he knew the method, yet becoming a Heaven's Mandate Saint was far too difficult.

"Is there truly no other way?"

Gu Jin Nian could not help but ask.

"There is none."

"Only this single path remains."

"However, I know what you worry about."

"You need not overly worry about the speed of your realm advancement; the Great World's destiny has chosen you. Do you know why?"

"It is because you follow the Confucian‑Daoist lineage; had you chosen another system, perhaps there would be little hope, but the Confucian‑Daoist path is different."

"This path holds a monumental turning point."

"As long as you walk it steadfastly, there will be no major issue."

"What is needed is insight; though time is insufficient, there is another method that can resolve this trouble."

He spoke slowly, pointing out a method that can illuminate the Great Dao, helping Gu Jin Nian achieve sainthood early.

"Please, elder, enlighten me."

Hearing this, Gu Jin Nian immediately asked.

"Time River."

The Silent Extinction Sword God calmly spoke, indicating the sole clear path.

Time River.

"Step into the Time River and comprehend the stories of the Great World's people; you will gain much, and there is a certain chance to reach the Eighth Realm."

"However, the Time River is not an ordinary thing; there is a great possibility it will transform you, and by stepping into it to comprehend the endless stories of the Great World's people, you will live through their entire lives, and cannot guarantee you will remain unaffected."

"The sorrow of heaven and earth is the sorrow of the Great World."

"One must still be cautious; unless absolutely necessary, do not take this step." Though the Silent Extinction Sword God offered a direction, he did not wish Gu Jin Nian to pursue it.

The Time River is terrifyingly vast, recording all of history past and present.

And if one steps onto the Time River, one will traverse countless cycles of reincarnation, experiencing story after story—joy, anger, sorrow, happiness, partings and reunions.

Yet the Great World's sorrow is essentially humanity's sorrow; there is so little joy—ninety‑nine percent of living beings are ultimately sorrowful.

Thus, throughout ages, some have entered the Time River, but the overwhelming majority remain forever within it, becoming unnoticed ripples.

"I, the junior, understand."

Gu Jin Nian felt somewhat heavy‑hearted; he hadn't expected that the only solution would be this.

Step onto the Time River.

Observe and comprehend all the laws of the world.

Somewhat heavy.

But Gu Jin Nian still said nothing; since matters had come to this point, there was nothing left to say.

"Gu Saint.

"You still have the final foundation."

The Silent Extinction Sword God spoke slowly, reminding Gu Jin Nian with a sentence.

"Final foundation?"

Gu Jin Nian grew curious, gazing at the Silent Extinction Sword God, not knowing what this final foundation meant.

"You possess the Great World's fortune; in truth you are the Lord of the Great World. They can summon these people, and you can as well."

"Moreover, you are a saint; the marks of four Heaven's Mandate saints still linger between heaven and earth."

"If the crucial moment truly arrives, summon all the saints; I will also appear, in the most invincible stance, to cut a decisive sword for you."

The Silent Extinction Sword God spoke, reminding Gu Jin Nian of his current identity and situation.

Upon hearing this, a flash of light flickered in Gu Jin Nian's eyes; he truly hadn't expected that it could be done this way.

"Junior, I comprehend."

Gu Jin Nian bowed deeply; this was a new idea that could help him better stabilize the heavens and earth.

"Minor matter."

"Hope we can meet again in the future."

"My wish is fulfilled; I have no lingering ties. When we meet again, I will certainly let you see the true Sword Dao."

The Silent Extinction Sword God smiled; for him, his greatest wish now was to fully comprehend the ultimate of Sword Dao.

Now, he has completed his wish and naturally feels no regret.

"Respectfully see off the Sword God."

Gu Jin Nian bowed toward the latter; sword cultivators worldwide also bowed toward Tongtian Sword Mountain, seeing off the Silent Extinction Sword God as he departed.

At this very moment.

The Silent Extinction Sword God's body turned into light, dissipating point by point between heaven and earth, yet his gaze remained somewhat reluctant.

It was his first feeling of reluctance; he wished to stay in this era to witness things he had never seen before, to behold the scenery he once longed to see.

Half a quarter hour later.

The Silent Extinction Sword God vanished.

And within Tongtian Sword Mountain, only Gu Jin Nian remained.

However, at that moment, the Silent Extinction Sword God's voice sounded again.

"As you depart, I grant you another destiny."

As the Silent Extinction Sword God's words fell.

In an instant, billions of sword qi rose above the firmament, still a sea of swords, yet each blade of qi embodied a peerless sword intent, all descending upon Tongtian Sword Mountain.

Thus this place became a trial ground for sword cultivators.

It was a great providence; for Gu Jin Nian and for all sword cultivators under heaven, it was an indescribable great opportunity.

"Thank you, Sword God."

Gu Jin Nian thanked the Silent Extinction Sword God on behalf of all sword cultivators of the world.

Then he spoke slowly.

"Transmit my decree: Tongtian Sword Mountain is the secret realm of my Qilin Pavilion; all disciples may enter Tongtian Sword Mountain for trials, to comprehend sword intent."

"Any Great World sword cultivator of virtuous character may also enter Tongtian Sword Mountain to obtain peerless sword intent, Teaching Without Class."

Gu Jin Nian continued, saying he had not claimed Tongtian Sword Mountain for himself, yet not everyone could come to obtain sword intent.

Establishing rules is necessary for lasting continuity.

As his words fell, the sun, moon, and stars, along with one hundred and nine sword mountains, gathered a force; this formation prevented intrusion, and anyone wishing to enter must obtain Gu Jin Nian's permission.

"Jin Nian, junior."

"I have matters to discuss."

At that moment, ten figures appeared within Tongtian Sword Mountain; they were the Ten Hall Kings.

They had been observing this calamity; when Gu Jin Nian completely quelled it, the ten instantly emerged, having other matters to discuss.

"I have seen you, brothers."

Seeing the Ten Hall Kings, Gu Jin Nian dared not be presumptuous and immediately stepped forward to pay his respects.

"You are being courteous, junior."

"I, the humble brother, will not babble; what do you plan to do next?"

"Currently, with this incident at Tongtian Sword Mountain, the various races are stirring, likely to strike you hard; you have now reached the Eighth Heaven, and in their eyes you are the greatest threat."

"I, the humble brother, have deduced that a war among all races is imminent; the situation has drastically shifted."

The Ten Hall Kings spoke, looking directly at Gu Jin Nian.

The current situation indeed has changed enormously; Gu Jin Nian has reached the Eighth Realm, and in terms of talent, aptitude, and future prospects, he far surpasses them.

Especially with the Seven Seals united, who knows what further changes the future may bring.

Under these circumstances, it is hard to guarantee that the races will not harbor other intentions.

"No problem."

"With the Great Dao oath in place, they dare not act; should they truly act, the humble junior and his mentor together can suppress them."

Gu Jin Nian really isn't afraid of them resorting to desperate measures, after all there is the Great Dao oath; if they really cause trouble, then we'll die together.

"That's actually the truth."

"Then if they make a move, we older brothers will also make a move and kill them."

"Start war early."

The Ten Palace Kings all spoke up, willing to start war early for Gu Jin Nian.

But as soon as he said that, Gu Jin Nian shook his head.

"No."

"Elder brothers, we cannot start war; now the great age is low, slaughter fills heaven and earth, we need to peacefully eliminate it, if we continue like this, that is the true terror."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, he knew the secret of heaven and earth, naturally, to prescribe the right cure.

"Then what do you mean?"

Qin Guang Wang became a bit curious.

"Convene the Myriad Races Assembly."

"Call for peace under heaven."

Gu Jin Nian said lightly.

He voiced his opinion.

He wants to convene the Myriad Races Assembly, to make all races under heaven peaceful; only thus can the resentment between heaven and earth be eliminated.

But as soon as he said that, the Ten Palace Kings all furrowed their brows.

It's not that they think it's impossible, but they think this method is hard to carry out; the myriad races slaughtered each other in ancient times, and now only the five great races remain, they'd love to kill everyone—how could they live in peace now?

Is that possible?

"Not very possible, somewhat idealistic."

Qin Guang Wang spoke frankly, voicing his opinion.

"I understand."

"So, we still need to do some things."

"At the time of the Myriad Races Assembly, could elder brothers lend this younger brother a hand?"

Gu Jin Nian nodded, knowing that convening the Myriad Races Assembly is difficult, but not impossible.

But he will do it.

"Rest assured."

"Just a small matter."

The ten all nodded and agreed.

Having obtained the promise and agreement.

Gu Jin Nian let out a long breath, and then his gaze, in an instant, fell toward the direction of the Sect of Severing Heaven.

The heavenly tribulation vanished.

Much information flooded into his mind.

Gu Jin Nian knew all the deeds of the Sect of Severing Heaven during this period.

At this moment.

Gu Jin Nian's gaze also exuded a hint of killing intent.

Although we now need to stop the war.

But he understands even more clearly that some things must be done, otherwise it will only be an endless tangle.

It's time to settle accounts.

Thinking of this, Gu Jin Nian's figure vanished and appeared outside the Sect of Severing Heaven.

In an instant.

The great age boiled again.

Who could have thought that just as the Towering Heaven Sword Mountain ended, Gu Jin Nian rushed to the Sect of Severing Heaven?

"Is this about starting the Myriad Races War early?"

Someone exclaimed.

Will the strong of the new and old lineages clash for the first time at this moment?

(End of chapter)