Chapter 290: Return Home, Meet the Clan, Calm the Heart, Prepare for Enlightenment

This is astonishing.

In the end, the Lord of the Western Zhou Mountain still granted a recovery.

She did not appear, but had a maid convey her will.

When Gu Jin Nian attains sainthood, he can meet the Lord of the Western Zhou Mountain.

Having received this answer, outside the Divine Mountain, Gu Jin Nian turned his gaze back and bowed once to the Lord of the Western Zhou Mountain.

Originally he had little emotion inside; whether the Lord of the Western Zhou Mountain helps or not is her choice.

Now that this opportunity is given to him, he is very grateful.

For the world's common folk, this answer is somewhat surprising; after all, to put it bluntly, Gu Jin Nian has already become the Heaven's Mandate Saint, so why would he need to seek her aid again?

Some speculate that the great upheaval ahead cannot even be restrained by the Heaven's Mandate Saint.

Others guess this is merely a polite refusal, and worry that Gu Jin Nian, truly becoming the Heaven's Mandate Saint, might come to settle scores with her.

Nevertheless, at least the Lord of the Western Zhou Mountain saved Gu Jin Nian some face.

It didn't become too contentious.

Inside the human race's palace.

The various kings were silent, the Fire God's physical body gradually recovered, but he dared not show any arrogance or indifference, not even speaking, lest he provoke the Lord of the Western Zhou Mountain.

The others were also very tactful, not bringing up the matter; regarding the Lord of the Western Zhou Mountain, they truly dared not continue mentioning it.

"Everyone, shall the Grand Assembly of the Ten Thousand Races continue?"

A voice of a supreme being sounded, hesitating, for after the Lord of the Western Zhou Mountain intervened, they were dazzled, feeling both awe and unease.

Thus they were contemplating whether to act further.

"The Lord of the Western Zhou Mountain has made her stance clear; she will not meddle in this matter. If she were to meddle, she could certainly cause us trouble, which would be more convenient for her."

"No need to worry about it."

The East Sea Dragon King spoke, expressing his view, and after saying that, added another sentence.

"The Lord of the Western Zhou Mountain has a mysterious origin; she comprehends the Dao of Heaven and Earth and knows the numbers of Heaven's Mandate."

The East Sea Dragon King was also somewhat apprehensive, fearing he might say something wrong and anger this being who should not be provoked.

"Indeed, the Lord of the Western Zhou Mountain has lived a long time; she understands that the succession of all things is a norm, just as a true dragon does not concern itself with ants. Knowing the destiny, she respects the natural Dao of Heaven and Earth."

Some voices sounded; they were not flattery but a means to bolster confidence.

After all, the Lord of the Western Zhou Mountain just acted, directly annihilating the Fire King's physical body, nearly crushing his nascent soul; such a method inevitably shocks the heart.

Naturally, they needed to strengthen their own confidence.

"If so, then let us proceed according to the plan."

"In three months, many mythic ruins will emerge just in time."

"Our five races shall assist each other and not infringe upon one another; how does that sound?"

The Swallow Heaven King's voice rang out; he mentioned another matter: over the coming period, various mythic relics will appear, which is beneficial for them, and they can use Gu Jin Nian as a shield, establishing him as a common enemy. Their mutual assistance is not the concern; what matters is non‑infringement.

Each of the five races has its own ideas; if there is no benefit, no one will act.

Upon the Swallow Heaven King's statement, the Sea Race and the Demon Race immediately agreed, and the Divine Race did not hesitate either, giving their assent at once.

Thus, after confirming future plans and ideas, the supreme being's voice finally calmed.

Soon.

After Gu Jin Nian left the Divine Mountain.

The world also gradually quieted, everyone awaiting the Grand Assembly of the Ten Thousand Races three months later.

The next day.

Da Xia Dynasty.

Zhen Guo Gong Residence.

A familiar figure appeared inside the Zhen Guo Gong Residence.

It was Gu Jin Nian's figure.

On this return, Gu Jin Nian informed no one and came back very quietly.

The Marquis's residence, as usual, was tended by over four hundred staff; however, whereas before it was grand, now the residence appears much more restrained.

In the old master's words, now that Gu Jin Nian has become a saint, the entire residence cannot be as flamboyantly illustrious as before; it needs to be more modest.

Previously the display of splendor and nobility was entirely a performance for the Da Xia Emperor; after all, a distinguished Marquis with such vast power, if modest and low‑key, would be viewed unfavorably by those in power.

Now that Gu Jin Nian is a saint, there are fewer reservations; he can do as he wishes.

In the study.

The old master was practicing calligraphy; since Gu Jin Nian became a saint, the Gu Family's atmosphere has changed. The usually warlike old master no longer swears much, instead reads and writes; outsiders see this as better, for a family that has produced a saint, lacking some refinement would indeed be shameful.

In reality, however, the old master is simply bored; wars can no longer be fought, the Da Xia Dynasty has completed unification, the nation thrives, and state affairs are now properly arranged.

Whether natural disasters or human calamities, they have essentially vanished, all thanks to Gu Jin Nian.

Previously, many heavenly blessings were secured for the Da Xia Dynasty, turning deserts into oases, along with Da Xia dragon rice and various salt‑making methods; now the Da Xia Dynasty worries not about food or drink.

The Great Jin Dynasty, the Fuyu Dynasty, and the Xiongnu Nation, after the Sea Race's purge, all submitted to Da Xia, establishing separate agencies to govern them, annexing the lands but not merging them immediately.

Mergers, after all, require some ceremony; according to the wishes of the Great Emperor Yongsheng, they hope to wait until Gu Jin Nian completely resolves all troubles before holding a grand unification sacrificial ceremony.

Thus, on the surface the nations remain separate, but in reality they have been fully subjugated.

No wars remain, internal affairs no longer need him; naturally, the old master, with nothing to do, can only cultivate Confucianism and Daoism.

Reading books and writing characters is fine; when idle, he can visit other marquises, and they need not immediately drink and reminisce over past events.

However, just as Gu Jin Nian appeared outside the study, the brush in the old master's hand slowly halted.

He sensed someone outside.

With just a lift of his head, he realized it was Gu Jin Nian.

Jin Nian.

Realizing that Gu Jin Nian had returned, Grandfather Gu immediately set down the brush in his hand, feeling excited and unusually agitated, and pushed the door open.

Jin Nian, why have you come home?

After pushing the door open, Grandfather Gu was somewhat surprised; he hadn't expected Gu Jin Nian to truly return home.

After all, in these turbulent times, his grandson, bearing the fate of the world, finding it truly difficult to make a homecoming.

It's been a long time since I've been home.

I wanted to come back and see.

Gu Jin Nian gave a faint smile. Having been away for a long while—by careful count, perhaps a little over a year—he had indeed experienced many events in that time. Now back home, he truly felt an unprecedented calm that soothed the heart.

Alright, alright, just being back is enough; Grandfather will have people prepare a family feast right away.

Grandfather Gu was extremely delighted; after all, this was his own grandson, and also the greatest pride of his life, without equal.

No need to be too elaborate.

Just keep it simple.

Gu Jin Nian smiled; back home, he mostly wanted to spend some time with his family.

"Fine, we'll do as you say," Grandfather Gu said, a bit agitated, momentarily at a loss for words.

He could only pull Gu Jin Nian into the study.

Jin Nian, these years have been hard on you.

Before it was for our Gu Family, later it was for the Da Xia Dynasty, and now it is for the people of the world.

Look at you—your face used to be fair and chubby, now you've become quite thin.

Grandfather really regrets sending you to Da Xia Academy; had you not gone, perhaps there wouldn't have been so many incidents.

Your mother once said that when the sky falls, a tall man's head will be the apex; why must it be you?

At first Grandfather thought women's words, but now, thinking back, he agrees with your mother—these years have truly been hard on you.

Seeing his grandson return, Grandfather Gu originally wanted to say something else, but upon seeing Gu Jin Nian's gaunt face, he couldn't help feeling distressed.

Who wants their grandson fighting to death out there? Though it's for a great cause, people have selfish sides, especially someone like Grandfather Gu.

Having risen from the bottom through relentless struggle, all his efforts aim for future generations to enjoy prosperity. So seeing Gu Jin Nian still fighting for the Great World, his heart naturally stirred.

Grandfather.

This path was chosen by his grandson himself; it may not be destiny, but up to now he has not felt any regret.

Gu Jin Nian spoke, voicing his thoughts.

He knew his family worried, but he also knew that he himself had no regrets about this path.

Alright.

If you think that way, Grandfather won't say more; you're a fine son of the Gu Family.

After all, Grandfather Gu was a man who came down from the battlefield and wasn't overly pretentious; he patted Gu Jin Nian's shoulder and then asked about future matters.

Although his current strength, realm, and status make him unsuitable for the Great World's contest, his many years of experience have taught him some truths.

Jin Nian, you must be careful at this Grand Assembly of Ten Thousand Tribes.

Grandfather Gu spoke, urging Gu Jin Nian to stay vigilant about the assembly.

Why?

Gu Jin Nian looked at Grandfather Gu, curious.

You killed the human tribe's Thunder King; although you suppressed the humans with a Heavenly Tribulation and it seems the ancient human tribe fears you, in Grandfather's eyes the ancient humans may not actually be afraid of you.

Rather, they wish to avoid a costly battle with you; their willingness to join the Grand Assembly of Ten Thousand Tribes may be to covertly unite against you. Grandfather and your uncle have discussed this, and the Central Continent Emperor shares the same intention.

For this Grand Assembly, you must prepare for the Five Tribes joining forces against you; never entertain any hope of luck, or the price will be tragic.

Grandfather Gu spoke, hoping Gu Jin Nian would become alert.

Understood.

Gu Jin Nian nodded; in fact, he had already thought about this, and his view matched Grandfather's.

The Five Tribes will inevitably unite against him, and it won't be an ordinary alliance; they might draw upon all their foundations.

After all, he now poses a huge threat to them—both due to his realm and his repeated creation of legends; the Netherworld, Tongtian Sword Mountain—anyone who steps there could die.

Yet he remains unharmed and even gains great benefits; to them, he is indeed a formidable threat.

Nevertheless, it doesn't matter; Gu Jin Nian's hosting of this Grand Assembly also gives him a trump.

Summon the four Heaven's Mandate Saints to wipe out the Ten Thousand Tribes.

Either seal them all.

Or execute them all.

When the Great World quiets down, he can peacefully handle many matters.

Therefore, regarding the Five Tribes' moves against him, Gu Jin Nian remains indifferent; bluntly speaking, it's not even clear who is the mantis and who is the sparrow.

Alright.

If you have confidence, that's enough; Grandfather won't say more.

Seeing Gu Jin Nian's calm demeanor, Grandfather Gu nodded; he did not inquire further about Gu Jin Nian's affairs.

Afterward, the grandfather and grandson continued a casual chat about various matters; after Gu Jin Nian clarified the current state of the Da Xia Dynasty, he offered some proposals that could more effectively help the dynasty flourish.

Soon.

After two more hours.

Family members returned one by one; upon learning Gu Jin Nian had come home, the Gu Family instantly became lively.

Everyone came to see Gu Jin Nian.

In the end, they still set up a banquet.

However, when the banquet was set, Gu Jin Nian went to see his mother.

Li Shi, upon seeing Gu Jin Nian, did not cry and wail as usual; instead, she said little and simply stared quietly at Gu Jin Nian.

In the past, Li Shi thought that the Da Xia Dynasty did not lack a single Gu Jin Nian, and many matters did not need to be sent to Gu Jin Nian beforehand.

But now it is different; Gu Jin Nian bears the fate of the world's masses. Though she feels sorry for Gu Jin Nian, she understands the situation better—are princesses from the royal family truly such unreasonable people? Facing his mother's gaze, to be honest, even the already saintly Gu Jin Nian felt a ripple in his heart.

He truly has not repaid much for his parents' kindness.

In the end, Gu Jin Nian kowtowed three times toward his mother; there were no words, yet everything was conveyed without speech.

"Nian'er."

"No matter what, just do your best. Mother will be at home waiting for you, waiting for your return, and will find a few wives for you. Mother wants to see you settle down, establish a career, and be peaceful and stable."

After suppressing it for a long time, Li Shi finally could not hold back her feelings; she could not bear for her son to suffer hardship, nor could she bear for her son to encounter danger.

However, many matters cannot be resolved merely by her unwillingness.

"Mother, don't worry. Once these matters are resolved, I will hold a few grandchildren for you."

Gu Jin Nian grinned, and in front of his mother, he did not want to appear overly calm.

"Alright, then Mother will wait for you."

Li Shi smiled faintly, then led Gu Jin Nian to attend the Gu Family banquet.

The banquet was very lively; several uncles arrived, and even Great Emperor Yongsheng, upon hearing that Gu Jin Nian had returned home, came at once.

Fearing to miss out.

Elder Uncle came over, still boisterously loud, showing no trace of any imperial bearing.

After the feast began, Elder Uncle drank a lot and started debating with Grandfather Gu about Gu Jin Nian's childhood.

The gist was nothing more than that those things were taught by him.

It was harmonious and reassuring.

Gu Jin Nian smiled throughout, his heart calm and joyful, thoroughly enjoying this sense of tranquility.

However, Gu Jin Nian knew that after this calm, the next step would be to begin enlightenment.

The Grand Assembly of Ten Thousand Tribes decided far too many matters.

He must be prepared.

(End of Chapter)