Chapter 291: The Long River of Time, Wen Palace's Enlightenment, Grand Assembly of Ten Thousand Tribes

The family banquet started off happily; Gu Jin Nian's sixth uncle kept telling amusing stories, and Uncle Yong Sheng kept arguing about various topics concerning how Gu Jin Nian was as a child, making the atmosphere especially harmonious.

But by the end, as the excitement faded, everyone's mood gradually grew somber.

After all, everyone knew that the Grand Assembly of Ten Thousand Tribes was next, a great battle was about to begin, and if luck was bad, serious trouble could arise.

Gu Jin Nian might even fall because of it.

Such worry and gloom caused the banquet to gradually quiet down.

Late night.

Most people had gone home; in the main hall only Gu Jin Nian, Emperor Yong Sheng, Grandfather Gu, and Gu Jin Nian's father Gu Qianzhou remained.

Now that no one else was present, sighs began to rise.

"Jin Nian."

"What do you plan to do next?"

Gu Qianzhou's voice sounded, showing concern.

"Return to father."

"Seclude oneself to comprehend the Dao."

"Prepare for the Grand Assembly of Ten Thousand Tribes."

Gu Jin Nian spoke calmly; this was his thought: he needed to comprehend the Dao, the various inheritances brought by the Divine King Seal had not yet been fully digested, and he needed to truly grasp them.

These one and a half months were extremely important to him.

It's not that he could decide anything, but rather a kind of advancement.

An advancement of the self.

Upon hearing Gu Jin Nian say he would seclude himself to comprehend the Dao and prepare for the Grand Assembly of Ten Thousand Tribes, Gu Qianzhou nodded, then asked the same question as Grandfather Gu.

He was still worried about Gu Jin Nian.

"Should the Grand Assembly of Ten Thousand Tribes be postponed a bit longer? If it starts now, it might not be a good thing."

Emperor Yong Sheng's voice sounded, and he also felt a bit urgent.

After all, time is still a bit short.

"No need to delay."

"Time itself is already insufficient; if we don't act now, it will be of no help."

Gu Jin Nian looked at his uncle; he was very serious.

Hearing this, Emperor Yong Sheng fell slightly silent; in truth he understood, but he just didn't want Gu Jin Nian to be too hasty.

"Since that's the case, Jin Nian, rest well at home today, and go comprehend the Dao tomorrow."

Grandfather Gu was sensible; he knew Gu Jin Nian had already made his choice, so he wouldn't urge him.

"Grandfather, the grandson may leave soon to look for the teacher."

Gu Jin Nian spoke; he didn't intend to stay overnight at home today.

Upon hearing this, the three fell silent, aware of the urgency, yet they hadn't expected it to be so pressing; truly not a single day could be wasted.

"Fine."

"As long as you decide, that's fine."

"Jin Nian, you have now become a saint, the hope of the great world; we cannot help you much, the only thing we can offer is our support."

"No matter what happens in the future, whether anyone uses us to threaten you, remember, follow your heart; you are the saint of the great world, the clan won't hold you back, the Gu Family has no weaklings, understand?"

Grandfather Gu spoke, bringing up this matter.

It was a hint.

The great changes ahead were unknown to anyone; Gu Jin Nian's biggest concern used to be the common folk of the great world, but now his greatest worry should be his clan, and Grandfather Gu knew that.

In this situation, Grandfather Gu's answer was a strong and powerful response.

He didn't know whether he would be taken as a hostage, but he was prepared for everything to be burned together.

At present, many people wanted to eliminate Gu Jin Nian; they would become his only weak point, so the Gu Family had indeed made all preparations.

"Grandfather, don't worry."

"I will go to Western Zhou Mountain again and ask the Lord of Western Zhou Mountain to protect you."

"I can still do that; I believe the Lord of Western Zhou Mountain will grant this favor."

"These matters, you need not worry much."

Gu Jin Nian spoke slowly; Grandfather Gu's support moved him deeply, yet he did not wish such things to happen nor wanted to see them occur.

"As long as you decide, that's fine."

Grandfather Gu nodded.

Grandfather Gu, having come down from the battlefield, was not indecisive; since Gu Jin Nian had decided, he would not say much more.

Thus, Gu Jin Nian stood up and walked toward the exit.

Before leaving, Gu Jin Nian bowed to Grandfather Gu and his father.

After Gu Jin Nian left.

The main hall became exceedingly quiet; after a brief moment, Emperor Yong Sheng's voice slowly rose.

"Alas, Jin Nian really is like me; so young yet so responsible—truly worthy of being my nephew."

Emperor Yong Sheng spoke.

But Grandfather Gu and Gu Qianzhou clearly did not wish to engage with his remark.

In the past they might have forced themselves to flatter him with a couple of nauseating compliments, but now Gu Jin Nian's status is too high; one is his biological father, the other his grandfather, they respect the Da Xia emperor out of the principle of ruler‑subject relations. Otherwise, if they were to point at Emperor Yong Sheng and scold him, what could he do?

Could they possibly execute the entire clan? That's unrealistic.

The next moment.

Da Xia Academy.

Gazing-at-Stars Pavilion.

Su Wenjing's silhouette was like white snow; tea had been prepared in the pavilion, Su Huaiyu sat opposite, quietly sipping tea.

After a few sips.

Su Huaiyu's voice sounded involuntarily.

"Over these years, I've traveled south and north, experienced countless."

"But in the end, things that don't cost money are still the best to drink."

Su Huaiyu spoke up, unable to refrain, praising the tea's quality.

"God King, you jest; what significance do gold and silver hold for a God King?"

Su Wenjing laughed and spoke, regarding Su Huaiyu before him, Su Wenjing found it somewhat incomprehensible: the God King of the mighty God Clan, his status and position could be said to be unparalleled under heaven; even compared to Gu Jin Nian now, he might still fall short of Su Huaiyu.

For such an existence, he finds it hard to understand why it has become this way.

"Upon entering the world, one is stained by dust."

"Having entered the mundane world, I am actually just an ordinary person; instead, I like gold and silver. Over these years, after experiencing so much, I've found that enjoying the present is the true way; I also don't understand why the Crown Prince exerts himself so."

"Actually, letting go, letting heaven and earth run their own course, whether life or destruction, as long as I'm happy, that's enough; why must I insist on saving the mundane world?"

"In the end, it's likely to amount to nothing."

Su Huaiyu spoke up, his thoughts much simpler: why think so much? Isn't it fine to just be at ease and be oneself?

"If you want to eat, eat; if you want to drink, drink; there's no need for people to be so weary."

But just as Su Huaiyu finished speaking, Gu Jin Nian's voice rang out.

"Brother Su."

"That remark is mistaken."

It was Gu Jin Nian's voice; his figure appeared outside the Gazing-at-Stars Pavilion, also in white robes, refined and easygoing, walking toward the pavilion.

"I have seen the Crown Prince."

Su Huaiyu, as always, addressed Gu Jin Nian as the Crown Prince.

There was no sense of superiority from being a God King; instead, as usual, he truly achieved a feeling of returning to simplicity and authenticity.

"Brother Su, you're being polite."

"I have seen the teacher."

Gu Jin Nian entered the pavilion, bowed to Su Wenjing, then nodded toward Su Huaiyu.

Soon, Gu Jin Nian sat down.

Looking at Su Huaiyu, he said.

"Between heaven and earth, where there is yin there is yang; the vast mundane world will always have those who bear burdens forward, dispelling darkness for future generations."

"If we follow Brother Su's thinking, with everyone only for themselves, this mundane world would have long ceased to exist; Brother Su, do you still have time here to drink tea and watch the stars?"

Gu Jin Nian smiled and said.

"So, people differ; some have broad minds, others are destined to be mud."

"It makes sense that the Crown Prince was chosen by the God King's mark; unlike me, I just want to live each day well, eat my fill, drink my fill, go wherever I want; whether the mundane world perishes or not is irrelevant to me."

"As long as I feel happy, that's enough."

"However, I also admire the Crown Prince's actions; I fully support him. Crown Prince, you must not be influenced by someone like me. You're right: without those who bear burdens forward, there would be no fortunate people like me."

Su Huaiyu spoke up, voicing his own thoughts.

Everyone has their own life and thoughts; one cannot impose one's thoughts on others, nor should one belittle others' thoughts.

"I stand corrected."

Gu Jin Nian smiled slightly, then poured a cup of tea for his mentor Su Wenjing.

"Jin Nian, are you planning to comprehend the Dao next?"

Su Wenjing spoke, having roughly guessed what Gu Jin Nian would do next.

"Yes, I will devote myself to comprehending the Dao."

Gu Jin Nian nodded.

"The Myriad Clans Assembly—how confident are you?"

Su Wenjing continued to ask.

"About ninety-nine percent."

Gu Jin Nian fell silent for a moment, then gave this answer.

Upon hearing this answer, Su Huaiyu's expression changed immediately.

"Ninety-nine percent?"

"Among the Five Clans, there are experts at the peak of the Nine Heavens; with the power of the mundane world, you'd only manage a draw against them—claiming ninety-nine percent is a bit exaggerated, isn't it?"

Su Huaiyu couldn't help but speak, thinking Gu Jin Nian was overly confident: "I have a way."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, sounding full of confidence.

As soon as those words were spoken, Su Huaiyu immediately realized something; he looked at Gu Jin Nian, his eyes full of surprise.

"You intend to draw on the power of the Four Sages?"

Who is Su Huaiyu? A reincarnated God King; how could he not guess what means Gu Jin Nian would use? To resolve the Five Clans, one must possess transcendent, supreme power, and only the Sages in heaven and earth possess such strength.

"Yes."

Since Su Huaiyu had guessed it, Gu Jin Nian saw no need to conceal anything further; he directly admitted that he intended to draw on the Sages' power.

Upon hearing this, Su Huaiyu fell somewhat silent.

He stood up, pondering some matters.

And Gu Jin Nian's voice also sounded slowly.

If we were to invite the sages to come, I fear the Five Races would all be destroyed, and the Divine Race is already in the midst of reckoning. Su brother, if you feel this is inappropriate, I can give you some face, but for the peace of all beings in the Great Age, I will still do some things.

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

Among the Five Races there is the Divine Race; Su Huaiyu is the Divine King of the Divine Race. To be honest, this face cannot be refused. This myriad races gathering is very likely to be a earth-shaking reckoning.

Once this great reckoning begins, both sides will fight to the death.

As for the Divine Race, Gu Jin Nian is indeed considering it. "It's fine."

Although I am a reincarnation of the Divine King, I have no feelings for them either, and the path they chose is their own; if you do not act, they will also act against you.

However, the only thing I worry about is two matters.

Su Huaiyu's eyes showed a hint of hesitation.

"What are those two matters?"

Gu Jin Nian asked curiously.

"First, if the Five Races are exterminated, heaven and earth will inevitably be affected, possibly bringing bad influences; but if you do not kill them, cutting the grass without removing the roots will leave endless future troubles."

"Second, if the aura of the Four Sages appears, it may also bring about some bad events; I am not sure what exactly, but it may not necessarily be entirely good."

Su Huaiyu voiced his concerns.

Upon hearing this, Gu Jin Nian became even more silent.

Su Huaiyu's first concern, he indeed somewhat understands in his heart; after all, this heaven and earth cannot continue slaughtering, and if he himself exterminates the Five Races, honestly, regardless of the purpose, how is it different from the myriad races' slaughter in ancient times?

Therefore this concern is valid.

As for the Four Sages appearing together, Gu Jin Nian finds this somewhat surprising, something he had not anticipated.

"If the Four Sages appear in the same era, will they still bring trouble?"

Gu Jin Nian was curious.

"The four sages, shaking ancient and modern, this great age probably cannot bear them; if they truly descend, they will bring trouble."

"Of course, this is merely my speculation; I do not know the specifics either."

Su Huaiyu spoke.

"Understood."

Gu Jin Nian did not say much, but Su Huaiyu's concerns are certainly not unfounded.

This matter, I truly need to think it over carefully.

"No need to overthink; sometimes when forced into a corner, one must act as needed. Now that Heaven's Mandate has manifested, the Five Races are all scheming their own destinies; at this point, we need not give them too many opportunities."

"Jin Nian, Master supports you."

Su Wenjing's voice sounded; he advocated attacking, not to remain passive any longer.

"Understood."

"The student has already made all preparations."

Gu Jin Nian gave a reply.

"Good."

"Then Master will not say more."

Su Wenjing understood that Gu Jin Nian would not do anything too rash.

"Thus."

The three continued drinking tea; that night they did not discuss much, merely briefly mentioning the situation of the Great Age.

They waited until dawn.

Gu Jin Nian rose to his feet, intending to go comprehend the Dao.

"The Time River is very important."

"After the myriad races gathering, one should step onto the Time River as soon as possible."

"This is a mark that can protect you from a single sinking in the Time River."

Su Huaiyu spoke, bestowing a mark upon Gu Jin Nian.

Upon hearing this, Gu Jin Nian felt a little curious; counting them, he already has five.

These can protect him from five sinkings.

This is a good thing, but it also makes Gu Jin Nian feel a pressure, an invisible pressure.

"Regardless, do what you want to do."

"Your Highness, Crown Prince, after the world is at peace, I still wish to drink with you."

Su Huaiyu smiled.

Then he left this place.

After Su Huaiyu left, Gu Jin Nian did not say much.

"The Time River—how many people throughout ancient and modern times can walk out of it?"

"Sages have three marks; currently Su Huaiyu has one, you yourself have one, making a total of five marks."

"However, Master has heard a rumor that to walk out of the Time River unscathed, one must have seven marks to pass safely."

"Corresponding to the seven human natures."

"Now we only have five; ultimately we are still lacking two, Master will help you find the sixth mark."

"But the seventh mark would be somewhat difficult."

The latter spoke.

"Seven marks?"

Gu Jin Nian thought for a moment, then looked toward Su Wenjing and said.

May I ask, sir, throughout ancient and modern times, has anyone ever exited the Time River without relying on an imprint?

Gu Jin Nian inquired.

I, as your teacher, am not sure, but I believe there must be.

Su Wenjing spoke; although he wasn't entirely clear, he vaguely felt that there must be.

Since someone can exit the Time River without needing even a single path,

If I, with five paths, still cannot exit the Time River,

What meaning does it have?

Then, what meaning does exiting that way have?

Gu Jin Nian spoke; on the contrary, he was quite confident: throughout ancient and modern times, someone can exit the Time River without needing even a single path, and I already have five paths, which is already quite good.

Moreover, if I need to rely on external objects to pass through the Time River, he considers it meaningless.

Not the same.

Those who can exit have gone through too much; your experience is still somewhat lacking.

Needing an imprint won't have too much impact.

Otherwise, with your current understanding and experience, you would easily encounter trouble.

Su Wenjing spoke.

Still, he was slightly worried.

Good.

The teacher has decided; the student goes to comprehend the Dao.

Gu Jin Nian understood Su Wenjing's worry, but he had his own ideas.

Yeah, go.

The Myriad Races Assembly; as your teacher, I will first support you.

Don't rush.

Su Wenjing nodded.

Thus, Gu Jin Nian left, arriving at the Da Xia Wen Palace, without extra words, directly beginning his Dao comprehension in seclusion.

All Dao comprehension is about enhancing understanding.

At his level, he no longer needs heavenly treasures or earthly riches to improve, nor does he need any scriptures; reliance is solely on understanding.

This is what Gu Jin Nian lacks the most.

Gu Jin Nian prepared three steps.

First, review past actions, reflect thoroughly, and clearly comprehend the suffering of the world.

Second, comprehend the memories of the God King, gaining different insights from them.

Third, verify the self, completing transformation.

These three things constitute the essence of this Dao comprehension.

Thus.

As Gu Jin Nian began his Dao comprehension, for a time the entire Da Xia Dynasty was filled with holy aura, the influence immense.

And at the same time.

Time also passed bit by bit.

In the blink of an eye.

Two months of time passed.

During these two months, the world was at peace, a rare era of tranquility, with nothing happening.

But everyone knows that the Myriad Races Assembly is about to begin; this assembly can decide many things.

Inside the Human Race Palace.

The strongest of the five races have indeed gathered here.

Their auras shake the starry sky; if they were to emerge, heaven and earth would tremble.

How do you all prepare?

The voice of the Heaven‑Swallowing King sounded, asking the crowd.

The great formation has already been activated, the holy artifacts have also revived; if needed, at the crucial moment we will act together, cooperating with the formation and the holy artifacts.

Unless Gu Jin Nian reaches the Eighth Realm, otherwise he has no chance of survival.

The North Sea Dragon King spoke, his tone resolute.

The five races' strongest formation combined with the five great holy artifacts, plus our joint action, indeed leaves no chance of survival.

This Myriad Races Assembly is Gu Jin Nian's death date.

Please trouble yourselves, don't miss it.

If we fail to kill Gu Jin Nian this time, afterward we can wait for him to become a Heaven's Mandate Saint.

If the five races' fate cannot kill Gu Jin Nian, then once we fail, he will inevitably seize our fate.

I hope you all have no other thoughts.

At this moment, the voice of the Xuanyuan King sounded.

He was very serious.

He informed everyone.

Good.

The strong ones of the four races spoke up one after another, giving their responses.

This time is not merely an assassination of Gu Jin Nian.

More importantly, it's still a contest of fortune.

The five tribes join forces; they cannot kill Gu Jin Nian, so his fortune will inevitably be greatly affected.

It can be said that this time is a contest of fortune.

Thus.

In the blink of an eye.

The third month arrives.

The Ten Thousand Tribes Assembly also commences.

(End of chapter)