Chapter 286: Self-proclaimed for three thousand years

A king just fell like that.

Thunder King.

Known as an immortal being, in ancient times he slaughtered in all directions, his mighty prestige suppressed the world.

He died just like that in Gu Jin Nian's hands.

Moreover, it was done in this strange way.

If it were a shocking great battle, people would have nothing to say, but this method really makes it hard to accept.

However, for the various tribes, the fall of the Thunder King represents different views.

For the common folk of the world, this is a good thing, at least showing the strength of the present human race.

For the four tribes, this is also a good thing, at least weakening the strength of the ancient human race.

But for the ancient human race, it's not a matter of loss or not; it's about the situation. The fall of a human king means the ancient human race cannot just sit idle.

This concerns too many things.

If the ancient human race ignores it, then could they continue to kill a second human king? Looking through history, a terrifying force that wants to fall has only two reasons: one is encountering a nemesis and being destroyed at its peak.

This situation cannot be helped; no one can stop it.

The second situation is like cutting flesh with a small knife for the greater good, step by step retreating; it seems a human king was killed, but the ancient human race still has eight, and the Thunder King's strength is not the strongest.

But actually? No king can die under any circumstance; the morale and confidence of the great clans are the true kingly way.

Once this is gone, it's completely gone.

Declare war!

This is Xuanyuan King's voice, without any hesitation; rather than being worn down like this, it's better to directly declare war and enter the final step.

Otherwise, the one who will suffer from the waxing and waning will certainly be the ancient human race.

That's how great powers are: pull a thread and the whole body moves.

Hearing Xuanyuan King's declaration of war, the major tribes changed expression; the five great tribes had prepared for early war, they didn't care about this, but because of the Thunder King's death they went to war, which was not in their considerations.

Boom boom boom.

Inside the Ancient God Mountain, beams of light shot up; they were ancient cultivators who had received the decree and naturally prepared for battle.

The expressions of the common folk of the world changed slightly; they hoped Gu Jin Nian could suppress the enemy, but they did not want premature war.

Given the current situation, once war breaks out, the unfortunate ones will certainly be the common folk of the world.

"Since we've declared war, let's just wage war."

At this moment, in the starry sky, 108 black holes merged into one, eventually forming Gu Jin Nian's body.

He bore a solemn and dignified appearance, like an invincible god standing in the starry sky, his gaze containing all things of the universe.

United with the God King Seal, Gu Jin Nian then broke through the Nine Heavens; after refining the Thunder King's origin, he was only a step away from the peak of the Nine Heavens.

He is the strongest of the present world, the most invincible existence of future eras, protected by the world, he can act freely without restraint.

Nor will there be any restrictions or imprisonments.

In a true battle, he has the foundation to annihilate a clan.

Endless heavenly tribulation descended upon the Human Race God Mountain; this is Gu Jin Nian's will.

Boom boom boom.

Thunder Palace, human-shaped lightning appeared one after another; these terrifying figures emerged, giving a feeling of suffocation.

The ancient cultivators who were originally full of killing intent, after feeling this aura, fell silent one by one.

They did not expect that Gu Jin Nian truly would not retreat at all.

This was somewhat beyond their expectations.

Logically, Gu Jin Nian should not choose to meet the enemy; this does not conform to his morality.

Of course, Xuanyuan King's intention to declare war is no joke; having come to this point, if they chose to endure, the ancient human race would not need to contend for the world's fortune.

"Do not fight."

But just at this moment, a grand voice sounded.

It was the Upper Resident Sage's.

At such a critical moment, someone inevitably had to step out to mediate.

Inside the Human Race Palace.

The figure of the Upper Resident Sage appeared; he first advised Xuanyuan King against declaring war on the world.

"At this point, are you still not going to act?"

"I fear the common folk of the world will truly think our ancient human race is hesitant and timid."

"I know what you want to say; after the Heavenly Court Ruins are fully opened, should we then declare war on Gu Jin Nian?"

"Upper Resident Sage, your idea is not wrong, but the situation has changed; looking at our emergence until now, we have gained no benefit at all, the reason being we have always been waiting."

"Even if the world suppresses us, this is not what we truly fear; our real enemies are still the other four tribes, not Gu Jin Nian."

"Precisely because of this, we have allowed Gu Jin Nian to grow."

"Of course, his growth to this extent is indeed something this king did not anticipate."

"But having allowed this for so long, we cannot continue to allow it."

Xuanyuan King's voice sounded.

He did not feel angry because of the Thunder King's death; to him, the Thunder King died, and naturally a successor king would take his place.

What he is doing now is chosen according to the situation, unrelated to anyone.

Hearing this, the Upper Resident Sage spoke with a calm expression.

"Your Majesty."

"I am not stopping this war because of the Heavenly Court Ruins."

It is a problem among the Five Races.

If we truly declare war, given the current situation, it would be the Ancient Human Race versus the Contemporary Human Race. Gu Jin Nian has now become a decisive factor; if we truly clash with him, we would likely wound the enemy a thousand and lose eight hundred ourselves.

The fate of our Human Race could very well be like that of the Demon Race; even if we kill Gu Jin Nian, what meaning would that have?

Supreme Sage Shang Ju voiced the crux of the matter.

Now the Divine Race, Beast Race, Sea Race, and Demon Race have not stepped forward, clearly each sweeping the snow from before their own doors; they are eager for Gu Jin Nian to wage war against our Human Race.

It would be best for both sides to slaughter each other, leaving none alive.

But in that case there would be no meaning at all; at least for the Ancient Human Race, it would be a huge loss.

With those words spoken,

upon the throne.

King Xuanyuan rose involuntarily; chaotic aura surrounded him, making his appearance and form impossible to discern.

The only thing that could be felt was a terrifying, invincible aura.

"I, the king, have studied Gu Jin Nian's deeds carefully; the reason he has reached this point is that all his enemies are hesitant."

"They fear this, they fear that; Gu Jin Nian's greatest skill is to exploit such hesitations, to stall the enemy, make them reluctant to act, and then seize time to alter the outcome."

"I understand the things you fear, but the Four Races are not foolish; they previously agreed to act together against Gu Jin Nian. Could they now betray that agreement at this moment?"

King Xuanyuan spoke, asking Supreme Sage Shang Ju.

However, this was not naive; it was still a judgment based on the situation.

"Your Majesty."

"If the other Four Races truly kept their pact, the Thunder King would not have died."

"Especially the Divine Race; the will Gu Jin Nian possesses is closely tied to the Divine Race. Whether there is a Divine Race shadow behind this, no one dares to confirm."

"If the Divine Race secretly allies with Gu Jin Nian, the Demon Race would already be half‑dead; the Sea Race and Beast Race are rivals, and given the Divine Race's nature, they would inevitably stir discord between the two."

"In that case we could only trust one of the two races, and this matter was initiated by us, the Ancient Human Race. It would be fine to have them help, but at the crucial moment they might be turned against us."

"I even more strongly believe that the Four Races may have secretly reached some understanding with Gu Jin Nian, waiting for this great war to jointly annihilate our Human Race."

"Your Majesty, do you think this possibility is great?"

Supreme Sage Shang Ju, upon saying this, fixed his gaze tightly on King Xuanyuan.

The latter fell silent the instant he heard it.

A moment later, his voice rose involuntarily.

"Do you mean to replace them?"

He understood Supreme Sage Shang Ju's concerns.

"Yes."

Supreme Sage Shang Ju was somewhat helpless, yet he nodded.

"Your Majesty, for the Four Races, they do not wish to be enemies of us, so they choose to aid Gu Jin Nian and replace us; this is not an impossible thing."

"On the contrary, even if I am over‑cautious, the current situation shows Gu Jin Nian displaying a hegemonic bearing; whether the Sea Race or the Beast Race, they will likely entertain such thoughts."

"At present, we and Gu Jin Nian are mortal enemies; there is no possibility nor need for reconciliation."

"Therefore, the urgent task is to make the Four Races fully understand that Gu Jin Nian is our common enemy, and dispel their thoughts of cooperation."

"Otherwise, today's declaration of war could very well be a grand scheme."

Supreme Sage Shang Ju considered the matter very thoroughly.

In the eyes of the world, it seems Gu Jin Nian and the Five Races are enemies, but in reality there is no true enemy between them; or rather, the Five Races view each other as foes, and Gu Jin Nian is also a foe.

Everyone simply has different positions and thoughts; there is no genuine enemy, nor a genuine friend.

Having heard Supreme Sage Shang Ju's words,

King Xuanyuan fell even more silent.

But in the end, he could not help but speak.

"What do you all think?"

He asked the other kings.

"Supreme Sage Shang Ju's words are not false; if we declare war on Gu Jin Nian, I am not afraid, but concerning the struggle among the Five Races, it is better to be cautious."

King Tun Tian's voice rang out; he is also an immortal ruler, guarding the Human Race's Divine Mountain.

"Let us follow Supreme Sage Shang Ju's suggestion then."

King Zhu Shen also gave his answer; the three supreme rulers agreed, thereby fully endorsing it.

"Since that is so, we will trouble Supreme Sage Shang Ju then." "However, if Gu Jin Nian continues to press step by step, we need not worry so much."

King Xuanyuan spoke; King Tun Tian and King Zhu Shen both agreed, and he truly had nothing more to say.

"Fine."

Supreme Sage Shang Ju nodded, somewhat relieved, as he was very worried about an actual declaration of war.

After all, the Heavenly Court Ruins have not yet revived.

"If Gu Jin Nian agrees, in a few days we will covertly contact the other Four Races' overlords; Gu Jin Nian has become a decisive factor and cannot be ignored."

"Moreover, the Heavenly Court Ruins will open in the next few days; if we can fully control them, we can declare war outright, this time merely feigning peace."

"At the critical moment, we must not delay too long; he possesses a great contemporary fortune, now having reached the minor summit of the Ninth Heaven; one more step would be the true apex, perhaps truly attaining Heaven's Mandate."

"If he becomes the Heaven's Mandate Saint, everything would be utterly impossible."

King Xuanyuan spoke.

He expressed his own thoughts.

Seizing the Heavenly Court, launching war—whether Gu Jin Nian agrees or not, time is pressing; unlike before, we cannot wait slowly.

This turmoil must reach a result quickly; regardless of who the ultimate victor is, they have waited an era and truly do not wish to keep waiting.

"Please, Your Majesty, rest assured."

The Supreme Saint nodded, and then his figure vanished from the spot.

The next moment.

In the starry sky.

The Supreme Saint's figure appeared before Gu Jin Nian.

"Gu Saint!"

"Please, Gu Saint, for the sake of all living beings under heaven, cease the confrontation."

The Supreme Saint's figure appeared.

He was surrounded by a saintly aura, radiant and dazzling, and before Gu Jin Nian he did not appear at all weak.

On the contrary, like two suns, each bore its own brilliance.

"Wasn't it your Ancient Human Clan that initiated the war?"

"How can you make me stop?"

Seeing the Supreme Saint again, Gu Jin Nian felt no good mood; since both sides had already chosen to declare war, what was there left to say?

There was no need to save face any longer.

Moreover, this Supreme Saint was no good person; our positions were irreconcilable. Pretending to be amicable before was one thing, but now there was truly no need to continue the pretense.

"Please, Saint, forgive me."

"The death of the Thunder King crossed the bottom line of our Ancient Human Clan, so in anger we chose to declare war."

"Now, as the ultimate brilliance descends, all beings of the great world—whether contemporary beings or our Ancient Tribes—are each on edge; indeed we do not wish any more bloodshed."

"Our Ancient Human Clan is willing to retract the decree and coexist peacefully; what do you think?"

The Supreme Saint spoke, answering in a very gentle manner.

He did not wish to enrage Gu Jin Nian, yet would not appear overly humble.

"You say war if you wish war, and peace if you wish peace? All such words have been spoken by you?"

Under the starry sky.

Gu Jin Nian is now the overlord of the Ninth Heaven and no longer needs to be restrained as before.

He possesses the great world's fortune; at critical moments he can reach the pinnacle of the Ninth Heaven. Whether kings, the Dragon Kings of the Four Seas, demon‑tribe deities, or the supreme of the demon race, their strengths are roughly comparable.

Yet under the great world's suppression, they cannot unleash their true power, so in other words, Gu Jin Nian now truly has an advantage.

At least for a single tribe, Gu Jin Nian could completely annihilate them together.

Unless the five tribes unite, threatening Gu Jin Nian would be exceedingly difficult.

"Gu Saint."

"Both you and I are saints, also the elite of this great world; many truths need not be spoken, you understand."

"What is the true meaning of going to war?"

"Who benefits from it?"

"I fear it benefits no one."

"Stopping here is the best outcome."

"The Ancient Human Clan has never feared any war; we lived through the Ancient Dark Age, leaving a notorious reputation. This is not a threat but a fact."

"What do you think?"

The Supreme Saint neither smiled nor angered, merely gazed at Gu Jin Nian, articulating his will and thoughts.

Although the Supreme Saint did not wish for war, he indeed was not fearful; if it could be eased, it would be, yet it truly could not be.

He had no other way.

If war must be, then let it be.

Upon hearing this.

Gu Jin Nian said little; he knew the other was right— the Ancient Human Clan truly fears no battle.

And for himself, a true declaration of war brought only drawbacks, no benefits.

At most it would drag the human race into the mire.

"But what is the meaning? If so, we could have declared war outright earlier; why be so hesitant? 'We can halt the war.'"

"Ancient Tribes, seal yourselves for three thousand years."

Gu Jin Nian spoke calmly; this was his condition— a ceasefire was fine, but the five tribes must seal themselves for three thousand years.

Upon hearing this, the Supreme Saint gave a faint smile.

"Gu Saint."

"Do you think, even if I agree to this condition today, you would believe it?"

"Moreover, if the human race agrees, what about the other four tribes?"

"Would they agree?"

"Three thousand years? Heaven's Mandate may appear at any moment; not even three years— even three years, the five tribes would likely be impatient."

"How about this, Gu Saint, didn't you say earlier that a Grand Assembly of Ten Thousand Tribes should be convened?"

"Three months later, Gu Saint will choose the venue; we will hold the Grand Assembly of Ten Thousand Tribes, negotiate the division of the world, and from then on, each shall keep to their own waters, peacefully awaiting Heaven's Mandate. How does that sound to you, Gu Saint?"

The Supreme Saint mentioned the Grand Assembly of Ten Thousand Tribes.

Sealing themselves for three thousand years is impossible.

Gu Jin Nian himself also knew this demand was impossible.

But the Grand Assembly of Ten Thousand Tribes was indeed what Gu Jin Nian needed.

"Fine."

Myriad Races Assembly.

However, there is one requirement: the ancient races must attend; if they do not come, we will attack them together.

Moreover, the races must not cause trouble.

Gu Jin Nian spoke up, agreeing.

He established the Myriad Races Assembly mainly for two things: first, to have the races sit down and negotiate properly; if they can reach an agreement, to strive for a period of peace.

Second is to settle accounts.

Indeed, Gu Jin Nian plans a great reckoning; he originally intended to settle accounts with the ancient kings, but he overlooked their contempt or arrogance.

Although the Nine Kings all made a move, they did not truly act.

As a result, he did not unleash his ultimate killing technique.

Gather the four Heaven's Mandate Saints.

Exterminate the Nine Kings.

Unfortunately, there was no opportunity.

And now the opportunity has arrived just in time.

Myriad Races Assembly, let's see if we can directly resolve this turmoil.

Although after this reckoning there will surely be unparalleled trouble, at least we can completely eradicate this batch of ancient malignant tumors.

At least, we can free up time and energy to deal with what comes next.

This is Gu Jin Nian's idea.

If we are to kill, we must kill absolutely.

Using words cannot solve any problem; only fists can solve everything.

Good.

The Upper Residence Saint had no doubt; he directly agreed.

This request is not excessive.

Moreover, he would not think that Gu Jin Nian has the ability to slaughter all the powerful ones of the myriad races.

That is impossible.

Good.

In three months, at the Qilin Pavilion, convene the Myriad Races Assembly.

During these three months, do not stir up any trouble.

Gu Jin Nian agreed.

Afterward, he vanished on the spot, withdrawing the Heavenly Tribulation.

This great calamity.

With the death of the Thunder King, it thus ended.

(End of Chapter)