Chapter 289: The Mountain Lord strikes, slays the Fire God, in a breath, terror beyond compare

West Zhou Mountain.

Its origin is incredibly mysterious.

South of the West Sea, beside the Flowing Sand, after the Red Water, before the Black Water, there is a great mountain, named West Zhou Mountain.

There are many rumors and stories about West Zhou Mountain from ancient to modern times; the most classic rumor is that West Zhou Mountain is suspected to be the residence of the Queen Mother.

She governs all female immortals under heaven.

However, later generations have interpreted that in ancient times, there was a great power that exclusively took in female disciples; in that era it was brilliant and splendid, so many such mythological stories were passed down.

Now, Gu Jin Nian personally comes to West Zhou Mountain, wishing to meet its lord; how could this not cause an uproar in the world? However, since the Nine Heavens Tribulation appeared, people also know that the lord of West Zhou Mountain has a great background.

But Gu Jin Nian's solemn demeanor still leaves people unable to suppress their inner shock.

After all, Gu Jin Nian is a sage of the present age, and now even a powerhouse of the Nine Heavens; the likelihood of him someday wielding Heaven's Mandate is great, otherwise the Five Tribes would not have compromised.

Under these circumstances, Gu Jin Nian climbing the mountain to visit—how could it not shock the world? All eyes turn to West Zhou Mountain.

Especially the gaze of the Five Tribes; they know a bit more than the world about the rumors of West Zhou Mountain.

Although they do not know the full extent, they also know that the lord of West Zhou Mountain truly has the ability to sway the current world order.

They are somewhat worried: if the lord of West Zhou Mountain truly takes action to assist Gu Jin Nian, then in a few days' time the Myriad Tribes Assembly might run into trouble.

At present they have prepared for the Five Tribes to act together; if they truly bring in the lord of West Zhou Mountain, all their plans will come to nothing.

"If the lord of West Zhou Mountain chooses to help Gu Jin Nian, what should we do?"

At this moment, the Ancient King's voice sounded.

His will communicated with the Five Tribes' strongest, wishing to inquire about everyone's thoughts.

The Myriad Tribes Assembly will convene in less than three months; this assembly can decide many matters, and if the lord of West Zhou Mountain participates, things will indeed be different.

The Five Tribes' powerhouses were somewhat silent, after all this question really makes it hard for them to answer.

But eventually a will sounded.

"The lord of West Zhou Mountain's origin is too mysterious; it's indeed unwise to provoke her, but she may not necessarily choose to help Gu Jin Nian, after all the world declines and then flourishes; for the lord of West Zhou Mountain self-preservation is already the limit, participating would be meaningless."

"She has lived so long; she ought to know this principle, and I even suspect she has experienced such things before."

A will sounded, giving a reply, believing that the lord of West Zhou Mountain will not meddle in trivial matters.

But such speculation is not very meaningful.

"The Myriad Tribes Assembly is imminent; Gu Jin Nian's influence is too great—not strength, nor anything else, but a variable."

"Such a variable cannot be allowed; therefore, in this strike we must be absolutely sure, otherwise if he escapes, it will be even harder to kill him next time."

One king spoke, voicing his concern.

At Gu Jin Nian's level, his own strength is already strong; targeting him is basically difficult, and if the attempt fails, such a person's fortune will increase, making it even harder next time.

The Way of Heaven and Earth: if you cannot succeed with a single burst of effort, afterward it will be difficult.

Therefore he is deeply worried; if they cannot truly slay Gu Jin Nian, then this Myriad Tribes Assembly will likely be suppressed.

Of course one could also choose not to participate, but the human tribe has already agreed; if they do not show up, it would be a cowardly display, which is not good, weakening the great tribe's fortune.

"Not necessarily fearful."

"The lord of West Zhou Mountain simply will not help Gu Jin Nian; if she were willing, she would not need Gu Jin Nian to speak, since they have no kinship—why would she intervene to help him?"

"You all might be overthinking."

A will sounded, that of the Heaven‑Swallowing King; he does not believe the lord of West Zhou Mountain will help Gu Jin Nian, because he can find no reason to do so.

"This is indeed the truth; the lord of West Zhou Mountain's origin is too mysterious, she has seen too many things, perhaps even the ultimate flourishing she has not missed, such matters she has already grown indifferent to; helping Gu Jin Nian gives her no reason."

In the East Sea, the East Sea Dragon King's voice also sounded.

This is his reply.

"Mm, the lord of West Zhou Mountain will indeed not help Gu Jin Nian; there is no reason, and she may not belong to this era's existence—in other words, the life and death of this era have nothing to do with her."

A voice also came from the Divine Clan, endorsing the East Sea Dragon King's words.

However, just then, a discordant voice slowly sounded.

"One does not necessarily have to fear the lord of West Zhou Mountain; if she truly existed in ancient times, by now her lifespan would be ending and she could not act, just as we of antiquity have been so tightly restricted by Heaven and Earth."

"If she truly provokes us to anger, the Five Tribes acting together might possibly slay her as well; as long as she dares to help Gu Jin Nian, we could kill her together—what would that amount to?"

This is the will of the Human Tribe Fire King; he has a fiery temper, and although he knows the lord of West Zhou Mountain is extraordinary, in his view no matter how extraordinary, she is ultimately suppressed by the world.

Otherwise, why would she not dare to show herself? Is it not just like them, trapped in the Divine Mountain?

If provoked, killing her together would merely be a somewhat greater cost of loss.

However, as soon as these words were spoken, inside the Human Tribe palace, Xuanyuan King's face suddenly changed, becoming somewhat unsightly.

"Do not speak recklessly."

He immediately spoke up to stop the Fire King's remarks, but it was already too late.

Boom—boom—boom.

A terrifying, unparalleled aura permeated the palace; this aura surpassed the Way of Heaven, was beyond any control, and directly locked onto the Fire King.

Bang! With no chance to react, the Fire King's flesh shattered on the spot; his blood was flame, igniting within the palace.

Only a remnant of his primordial spirit remained, still somewhat dazedly sitting upon the throne.

"Please forgive me, my lord."

"He did not mean it that way."

"It was not an offense."

Xuanyuan King's voice sounded; he immediately rose to his feet, gazed toward West Zhou Mountain, and at the same time gave a reply, hoping the other party would calm their anger.

Inside the palace, the kings were silent, yet within their hearts surged a feeling of upheaval.

This is indeed a Human Tribe sovereign.

A Human King.

Each one is a stunning presence in the great world, an outstanding among heaven and earth; regardless of origin or physique, etc., they are unparalleled beings.

Such beings were actually directly erased, as simple as killing a mosquito.

This is what shocked them.

Fortunately, the Fire King's primordial spirit remains; otherwise, they would truly have gone mad.

This is too strong, strong enough to make one's hair stand on end.

The palace interior was unusually quiet.

It seemed extremely eerie; everyone was silent, with a feeling of awaiting judgment.

But eventually, this terrifying aura gradually dissipated.

"Don't discuss the Lord of West Zhou Mountain."

"If she chooses to help Gu Jin Nian, we will discuss it later."

After the aura faded, Xuanyuan King spoke first, fearing that everyone would continue talking about the Lord of West Zhou Mountain.

If he said something wrong again, he really couldn't guarantee what would happen.

And at this moment.

West Zhou Mountain.

In the great world, no one knew what had happened in the human race's palace; all their gazes fell upon Gu Jin Nian.

Waiting for the Lord of West Zhou Mountain's answer.

West Zhou Mountain.

Magnificent beyond compare, white snow covered the summit, presenting a different beauty.

"Please go back."

"Under heaven, the great world has its fixed order; some matters, my master does not wish to interfere."

Above West Zhou Mountain, a lovely young woman appeared; the surrounding mist lightly dispersed, revealing her appearance and figure, astonishing the world.

Her bearing was too excellent, naturally gifted; placed outside, she would surely be an unparalleled existence, yet such a person is merely a maid of the Lord of West Zhou Mountain—truly curious as to what background the Lord of West Zhou Mountain has.

Naturally, the maid's reply also made the great world's common folk feel a sense of loss; having thought Gu Jin Nian noble as a sage, now having ascended to the Nine Heavens, the Lord of West Zhou Mountain should have shown some favor, but unexpectedly, the other party remained as before, directly refusing.

This loss is understandable, after all, previously the heavenly tribulation descended, and the Lord of West Zhou Mountain came forward to help Gu Jin Nian, creating an inexplicable fondness; now refusing, it naturally makes people feel lost.

Beneath the Divine Mountain.

Gu Jin Nian seemed to have anticipated this, but this time he did not choose to give up; instead, he directly climbed the mountain.

"Junior Gu Jin Nian, I wish to see the Mountain Master."

He spoke up, wanting to meet the Lord of West Zhou Mountain in person and discuss matters thoroughly.

For the changes of the future great world, Gu Jin Nian does not wish for any mistake; even the current heavenly Dao lets him seek the Lord of West Zhou Mountain, how could Gu Jin Nian give up this opportunity? But once Gu Jin Nian stepped into West Zhou Mountain, the whole heaven and earth instantly grew dim and gloomy, heavenly tribulation permeated, and he must always be ready.

"Impudent."

"This is West Zhou Mountain; although you are noble as a sage, before my master, a sage amounts to nothing; trespassing is a capital crime."

The maid's voice sounded, but it was not fierce; rather, it was a coldness, a lofty coldness. Though she is a maid, those who follow her are vastly different, naturally giving her arrogance.

"Please understand, sir."

"If the world cannot be saved, whether I live or die means the same; I beg the Mountain Master to act and save the common folk of the world."

Gu Jin Nian spoke again; as he talked, he continued walking into the interior of the Divine Mountain, feeling as if he would not rest until he obtained an answer.

"Somewhat ridiculous."

The maid's voice sounded, not carrying mockery, yet it was a genuine feeling of amusement from the heart.

"May I ask, sir, what is amusing?"

Gu Jin Nian spoke; he was not angry, but inquired of the other party.

Although this person is a maid, it is clear that her relationship with the Lord of West Zhou Mountain is certainly not merely that of master and servant; if she could be persuaded, perhaps the Lord of West Zhou Mountain could also be persuaded.

Moreover, given my current remarks, the Lord of West Zhou Mountain is surely observing in secret; conversing with her is actually stating my will and informing the Lord of West Zhou Mountain.

"Everything is ridiculous."

"My master does not belong to this era."

"What does the decline of the great world have to do with my master?"

"Furthermore, you personally climbed the mountain and immediately asked for my master's help; I am curious, what gives you the right?"

"Heaven and earth, all things have their fixed numbers; the decline of the great world is also a new beginning; you struggle desperately, fighting for a sliver of life for the world's common folk; to outsiders, this may seem a good deed, but to the great world's common folk, you are a savior."

"But as for my master, what does it have to do with her? Not interfering or hindering you is already quite good; yet you keep thinking of having my master act."

"Not to mention whether my master is willing; if my master cannot act, or if acting would incur heavenly influence and bear enormous karma, how would that be?"

"You are a sage, yet so selfish, not considering others' feelings—isn't that ridiculous?"

The lovely young woman's reply was exceptionally sharp; the most frightening part is that what she said is not wrong.

This matter has little to do with the Lord of West Zhou Mountain; moreover, ultimately splendor descends, and the Lord of West Zhou Mountain indeed has the ability to protect itself; in this situation, assisting Gu Jin Nian would indeed entail enormous karma.

Not filling the gaps is already good; demanding the other's help is also untenable.

Facing those words, Gu Jin Nian was somewhat silent, but after a moment, his response sounded.

"Since we are in the same era, there is no such thing as being completely unrelated."

"However, if the Mountain Master acts, it will bring trouble; Gu Mou will not insist, but if there is little impact, Gu Mou still hopes the Mountain Master can agree."

"As fellow common folk of the great world, no matter which era, even the primordial chaos when heaven and earth first opened, ultimately we are the beings of this realm; unless absolutely necessary, I suppose the Mountain Master also does not wish to see the great world's decline and everything end."

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

The Lord of West Zhou Mountain's maid was correct; I indeed did not consider her feelings, nor was I clear whether she would be affected or implicated.

Although it is unlikely she would be greatly involved, after all, I simply failed to put myself in her shoes, merely insisting on her help.

This indeed violates the way of the gentleman and also the way of the sage.

But Gu Jin Nian's insistence is still largely for the sake of all beings under heaven, in exchange for peace in the Great World and a brand‑new world.

There's no question of willingness; my master simply doesn't care about these things.

I know why you've come; it's nothing more than the fact that you recently faced a heavenly tribulation, and my master spoke up for you, resolving that great trouble.

But don't overthink it; this isn't my master wanting to help the Great World, it's merely repaying karma, as you said—having come to this era and incurred some karma, choosing to help you is also repaying that karma.

It's not that I favor you especially, nor do I harbor any other thoughts about you.

This ends here.

You may go back.

If you truly wish to save all beings under heaven, you'd be better off returning to cultivate the Dao in earnest, attaining Heaven's Mandate soon—then many problems would be easily solved; why need others' help?

Furthermore, helping once leads to a second, a third, endlessly—this is the flaw in human nature; even sages are still human.

The latter's words were somewhat sharp and harsh; in the end, they still refused Gu Jin Nian's request.

They simply didn't want to help.

Such an outcome was rather harsh; Gu Jin Nian hadn't even expected it, thinking the other party would at least meet him once, depending on the circumstances.

But they didn't expect the other party to be so direct, having a maidservant refuse them.

Somewhat helpless, but Gu Jin Nian felt no annoyance or displeasure; this was the other party's choice, and he had no authority or right to make them choose.

Putting it bluntly, getting a response was already quite good.

Senior, could you help the Great World's beings? I, Gu, will bear all karma; the various fortunes, I am willing to yield to you.

Even at this point, Gu Jin Nian hasn't chosen to give up; he's still trying, believing that karma will support him, he's willing to bear these karmic burdens, and any benefits he gains he can also give entirely to the Lord of Western Zhou Mountain.

Just as these words were spoken,

The voice of the Lord of Western Zhou Mountain's maidservant rang out again.

No need.

My master hasn't shown up yet; you should already know the answer.

There's no need to keep struggling, nor to strive for anything.

For some things, it's better if you handle them yourself.

Rather than seek help from others, it's better to rely on oneself.

She spoke, still aloof, utterly devoid of pity, like a mere observer.

Gu wishes to hear the mountain lord's stance in person.

Within the Divine Mountain,

Gu Jin Nian bowed toward Western Zhou Mountain, his attitude sincere; he felt no ill will toward this maidservant, and more importantly, he wanted to hear the Lord of Western Zhou Mountain speak those words.

Otherwise, he would feel unwilling.

As time went on, Gu Jin Nian increasingly felt that the Lord of Western Zhou Mountain's methods were heavenly, that the present world's Dao even urged him to come seek her, believing she had a way.

One could say this is among the few sources of hope.

Otherwise, my only last resort would be to grasp Heaven's Mandate and become the fifth Heaven's Mandate Saint.

But that possibility is nearly nonexistent; I would have to become a Heaven's Mandate Saint within half a year, and with time so pressing, who can guarantee it?

Gu Jin Nian himself lacks much confidence.

Even if he ventured into the Time River, Gu Jin Nian feels he lacks sufficient timing.

He may not be able to grasp Heaven's Mandate.

So, he placed many hopes on the Lord of Western Zhou Mountain.

Unfortunately, the other party has no intention at all.

The scene was very quiet.

A quarter hour.

Two quarter hours.

Three quarter hours.

Half an hour.

Within the Divine Mountain there was still no response; the answer was obvious—no help, no help.

In the Great World, many sighed, many felt helpless.

As for the Five Clans, they also let out a long breath; they were indeed tense, especially among the Ancient Human Race, where they had not forgotten the scene of the Fire King being slain just moments ago.

If the Lord of Western Zhou Mountain truly agreed to help Gu Jin Nian, they would not dare to act; they would need another method.

Now, how can the Lord of Western Zhou Mountain's choice not let them breathe a sigh of relief?

"Sorry for the disturbance today, senior; please forgive me."

"If the Great World is at peace, I will certainly climb the mountain to pay a visit."

Since the other party gave this answer, Gu Jin Nian also chose not to linger; for an expert of this level, relying on persistence in persuasion is meaningless.

If willing to help, they would naturally speak up; if unwilling, then unwilling.

Soon, Gu Jin Nian retreated back, no longer choosing to ascend the mountain.

But just then, a seal flew out from within Western Zhou Mountain and entered Gu Jin Nian's body.

Soon, the maidservant's voice sounded.

"Gu Jin Nian."

"My master says this is your fortune; wait until you become a Heaven's Mandate Saint, then come again to Western Zhou Mountain."

"To meet in person."

"But if you cannot grasp Heaven's Mandate, then there's nothing more to say."

The voice fell, causing considerable shock.

Especially the five clans.

(End of chapter)