Chapter 297: One battle pacifies the myriad tribes

Da Xia Dynasty.

Inside the Eternal Night Palace.

The Five Tribes never imagined that Gu Jin Nian would use such a method to resist their attacks.

Summon all saints to descend into the world.

This is fundamentally impossible; at least within their understanding, it simply cannot be done.

After all, a single Heaven's Mandate Sage is already an unfathomable existence, representing the ultimate power of this world.

Now Gu Jin Nian has summoned four at once—who would believe it? Who could believe it?

Even the present heavenly way cannot achieve this.

So this is utterly beyond their consideration.

Boom boom boom boom.

Four holy silhouettes descended, circling the Eternal Night Palace; their forms shook ancient and modern times, with world-shaking scriptures twining around them. They needed no light—they themselves were the brightest radiance between heaven and earth.

The ancient chanting echoed, for their scriptures were recited by the world, an infinite might that suppressed everything.

Endless light shrouded the world; golden auspicious clouds filled the entire sky, amidst the mountains and rivers, rosy light burst forth, and golden lotuses bloomed, giving birth to all manner of divine beasts.

Four Qilin appeared, racing between mountains and rivers, stepping on auspicious clouds.

Golden Qilin, Jade Qilin, Fire Qilin, Water Qilin—these are the mounts of the Four Saints.

The Qilin, an ancient divine beast, is the exclusive mount of sages.

Now these four Qilin have transformed into colossal Dharma bodies, arriving beside the sages.

Not only that.

One after another, figures appeared—these were other sages from past and present. Gu Jin Nian did not merely summon the Four Saints; he projected all sages from throughout history into existence.

A marvelous sight appeared.

Auroras tore through the heavens, lights of every hue; the world seemed baptized, radiant to the extreme, filling hearts with peace.

The power of all saints penetrates everything across past and present.

In their view, the Five Tribes' methods appeared especially weak and petty.

The two are not even on the same scale.

The Four Saints have descended.

Enveloping this world, their towering forms grant people endless peace of mind and tranquility.

Countless people clenched their fists, feeling unprecedented excitement; they had thought they would surely lose in this melee, never expecting Gu Jin Nian to always create miracles at critical moments.

Within the Eternal Night Palace.

The Shangju Saint's face was grim beyond compare, his eyes even showing a hint of fear.

Not only him—all experts of the Five Tribes changed expression; the Four Sea Dragon King's face was especially grim, while the East Sea Dragon King barely retained some composure, yet even that was hard to keep.

Besides the Xuanyuan King, the other seven of the Eight Kings of the Human Race were stunned into silence.

This was something no one had anticipated.

"Run."

"This is not something we can stop."

The next moment, the Shangju Saint sent a divine-sense transmission, urging everyone to leave quickly.

Unfortunately, it was already too late.

"Space has been sealed; there's no escape."

The Xuanyuan King's voice rang out; he had long prepared to flee, so he knew the space was sealed.

"Summoning the true forms of the Four Saints is a heaven‑piercing, earth‑shaking method—it shouldn't, it absolutely shouldn't!"

"Some king spoke up, deeming this impossible."

"Why are you still here arguing about what should or shouldn't be?"

"The facts are laid bare—Gu Jin Nian dared to convene the Myriad Tribes Assembly, having made all preparations, summoning the Four Saints; this truly exceeds my imagination."

A powerhouse drew a deep breath, denying nothing—after all, the facts lay before them; what meaning does denial have? "What should we do next? Having summoned the Four Saints, is Gu Jin Nian intending to exterminate us all?"

A demon god fell into utter panic—all saints had manifested; what could they possibly oppose? "They surely cannot."

"Exterminating the Five Tribes would create such immense karma that this world could not bear it."

"He merely wants to use this opportunity to make us compromise."

A powerhouse voiced his view, instantly gaining the support and agreement of most present.

After all, the Five Tribes are deeply intertwined with the ancient heavenly way; slaying them would inevitably spawn enormous karmic retribution that would afflict this world, resulting in its collapse.

Unless Gu Jin Nian seeks mutual destruction, there's no point in overthinking it.

Still, it all comes down to what Gu Jin Nian decides to say.

Within the great hall.

As the all‑saints' silhouettes descended, Gu Jin Nian's nine‑layered divine pagoda atop his head gradually calmed; all pressure vanished, and the Five Tribes' combined means were easily erased by the power of the Four Saints.

With the pressure lifted, Gu Jin Nian turned his gaze toward the crowd in the great hall, his eyes utterly calm.

He spoke no word, yet exerted an immense oppressive presence.

The Five Tribes' experts all knew: the advantage now lay with Gu Jin Nian, and they had lost the initiative.

Thus they dared not speak further.

Scanning the crowd and seeing everyone silent, Gu Jin Nian's voice gradually rose.

"You are truly formidable—going so far as to sacrifice the holy implements of all tribes and launch a joint assault just to target me; I am truly honored to be singled out by you all."

"Throughout past and present, I doubt anyone could receive such treatment."

Gu Jin Nian's voice rang out, devoid of mockery, instead carrying a sense of reflection.

I knew the Five Tribes would unite against me, but I truly didn't expect them to be so decisive when they got ruthless.

The ancient Eight Kings, the Ten Great Demon Gods, the Supreme of the Demon Clan, the Two Elders of the Divine Clan, plus the Four Sea Dragon Kings—any one of them alone could shake the world.

Twenty‑five supreme beings, acting together and coordinating with each tribe's holy artifacts, would even shatter the Heavenly Dao.

As Gu Jin Nian's voice fell, everyone fell silent, not knowing what to say.

Seeing the crowd remain mute, Gu Jin Nian took a deep breath, then fixed a cold stare on them.

"Since you all cannot settle Gu, then now it's Gu's turn to settle you."

Gu Jin Nian's voice fell.

In an instant, the Upper Resident Saint spoke.

"Gu Saint."

"The Five Tribes are willing to accept the previous terms."

"The lands of the Extreme North and the Western Desert shall belong to the Five Tribes; Central Continent, Eastern Wilderness, and Southern Barbarians shall be under the control of the present Human race; thereafter all ten thousand tribes shall not infringe upon each other, and eternal peace shall prevail."

"How about it?"

The Upper Resident Saint opened his mouth; at this moment he was fully aware that compromise was the best choice, and if they truly forced Gu Jin Nian, no one would have a good outcome.

Only some still resented this compromise, but faced with the arrival of the Four Saints, they ultimately said nothing.

Hearing these words.

Most people breathed a sigh of relief; the Five Tribes' compromise was the outcome they most wanted—once there is compromise, everything becomes easy.

After all, no one wishes for this to continue.

But unexpectedly,

In the great hall, Gu Jin Nian let out a long sigh; his gaze grew calm as he looked at everyone and slowly spoke.

"During this period, Gu have been contemplating the Dao, yet the true path of a saint remains beyond Gu's comprehension."

"Thus, I have spent more time reflecting on the experiences of these past few years."

"It sounds both laughable and astonishing; in just three or four years, Gu has achieved such results."

"Today's achievements would not be possible without the enemies encountered along the way; Gu holds no hatred toward them, only a measure of gratitude."

"Only upon careful reflection does Gu realize that the greatest flaw in his life is always scheming first, considering everything thoroughly before taking action."

"In a stable world this poses no issue, but in a chaotic era this becomes the problem."

Gu Jin Nian opened his mouth and shared his Dao insights from this period.

Everyone listened attentively, but as they listened they furrowed their brows, truly not understanding what Gu Jin Nian intended to convey.

"Therefore."

While the crowd was still guessing what Gu Jin Nian meant, Gu Jin Nian's voice suddenly rang out, becoming exceedingly cold.

"By applying impermanence to the permanent, and chaos to a flourishing age, today Gu will borrow something from you all to gamble on the fortunes of this chaotic era."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, voicing his thought.

He intends to gamble.

A thorough, all‑out gamble.

These Five Tribes are a scourge; exterminating them would surely receive the support of Heaven and Earth's karmic law, imposing massive pressure on the present world—Gu knows this, but he also knows that not killing them would be even more troublesome.

They plot with a single purpose: to destroy this world and reap their own destiny from it.

Since that is the case, why not simply exterminate them? Either way the result is another struggle; it's merely a bit more troublesome.

Gu Jin Nian would rather play a game with the Heavenly Dao than continue to be entangled with them here.

"Borrow something?"

"May I ask, Saint Gu, what you need to borrow?"

The Upper Resident Saint frowned and asked.

"The heads hanging on your necks."

Gu Jin Nian's tone was calm; as he spoke, a Saint's seal condensed at the center of his forehead.

In an instant, outside Eternal Night Palace, the auras of four Saints surged forth, instantly suppressing the world.

"Saint Gu, what do you mean?"

"Do you intend to exterminate my Five Tribes?"

The Upper Resident Saint could not help but speak, questioning Gu Jin Nian.

"No."

"Not only the Five Tribes, but also clearing most of the myriad tribes that are connected to you, all shall be exterminated."

Gu Jin Nian gave his answer; it was cold and ruthless.

"Do you not value your life?"

"We, the Five Tribes, are an ancient lineage bearing ancient qi; if we are exterminated, it will inevitably provoke Heaven and Earth's karmic retribution, and this realm will suffer a terrifying backlash. At that moment, can you endure such a backlash?"

The voice of the Supreme of the Demon Clan rang out; though he scolded, his inner fear could not be hidden.

Clang—clang—clang.

Nevertheless, regardless of his words, between Heaven and Earth a number of terrifying heavenly swords materialized, pure white, imbued with the power of Heaven's Mandate and the Saints.

Puff—puff—puff—puff.

Without hesitation, the heavenly swords fell, sweeping the world; heads fell to the ground one by one, and the myriad‑tribe elites alive in the present were instantly eradicated—except that Gu Jin Nian's Saint seal protected any elite linked to the Five Tribes from being cleared.

If there is no connection, they will not be cleared.

Clang! A heavenly sword plunged straight into Eternal Night Palace, the heads of all princes of the Four Sea Dragon Palace were severed one by one, their primordial spirits devoured, leaving no chance of survival. "Gu Jin Nian!"

"Are you mad?"

The roar of the North Sea Dragon King rang out; his own offspring died before him, how could he not go berserk? Yet the true cause of his fury was fear.

Gu Jin Nian truly intends to use the power of the Four Saints to exterminate them all; that is the truly terrifying part.

Facing the roar of the North Sea Dragon King, Gu Jin Nian gave no reply; the Saintly Heavenly Blade gave the most direct answer.

Puff puff puff puff.

Scalding heads fell to the ground one by one; apart from this group of the Five Tribes' strongest, there was hardly any encounter, and everyone else died here, their primordial souls shattered.

"Form the array."

The Xuanyuan King let out a roar, a terrifying aura spreading around him, and he drew an ancient jade, intending to block this dreadful killing intent.

In an instant, everyone struck together, forming a massive array to try to block the Saintly Heavenly Blade.

"Gu Jin Nian, killing us is meaningless; your actions will only invite greater trouble. When the Heavenly Dao descends to settle accounts with you, this world will inevitably be destroyed."

"Then, we will concede one more step: the far‑north lands to the Five Tribes, and all other territories fully under the control of the present human race."

"How about it?"

The Xuanyuan King's voice rang out; this time he spoke proactively, no longer remaining aloof.

At this point, there is no need for a clash of pride; he wants to live, at the very least not die here.

"Since the decision has been made, Gu never regrets it."

Gu Jin Nian's will is firm; today he is resolute to exterminate the myriad tribes.

No one coming can help.

Hearing this, the strongest of the Five Tribes' faces turned extremely grim; this time they were truly in big trouble, having not expected Gu Jin Nian to use this tactic, leveraging the power of the Four Great Saints.

It must be said that the power of the Four Great Saints can indeed exterminate them all.

But the consequences of exterminating them are indeed severe and terrifying.

This means a direct showdown with the Heavenly Dao.

"Gu Jin Nian, all past grievances are merely minor issues; if you seek eternal peace, we can grant you peace."

"If you kill us, the countless karmic reckonings will bring the will of the Heavenly Dao, leaving you no chance to save the world."

"We can cooperate."

"Stop. Whatever you say is what it will be; any oath you swear is acceptable."

The East Sea Dragon King also spoke; at this point, he could not remain indifferent.

"Gu Jin Nian, you bear the Divine King Seal within you; fundamentally, the Divine Clan owes you a favor. If the Divine Clan chooses to withdraw, you settle your score, and the Divine Clan will seal itself for a million years—how does that sound?"

"After a million years, could we still have the power to overturn the world?"

"Leaving a certain spark may not provoke the Heavenly Dao's wrath; there remains a sliver of hope. Your complete extermination will inevitably cause huge problems. This is not intimidation; it is a fact."

The Divine Clan's Grand Elder also panicked, but he was even more resolute, seeking to extricate himself regardless of the fate of the other four tribes.

"Divine King Seal, what relation does it have to you?"

"Stop the idle chatter here."

"When the Five Tribes united to bring me to death, did you ever imagine this scene?"

"Did you ever consider giving me a way out?"

"The path was your own choice; stop clinging to hope. I said it—today, I will exterminate the myriad tribes."

Gu Jin Nian said coldly.

His voice fell.

The Heavenly Blade shattered the array outright, decapitating the North Sea Dragon King on the spot.

Boom.

A mighty being of the Ninefold Heavens fell, shaking heaven and earth, yet under the suppression of the Four Saints' great power, there was no change at all. This is the power of the Four Saints, the power of Heaven's Mandate—an invincible, inconceivable, immeasurable existence.

"Fourth Brother!"

The three great Dragon Kings' eyes widened to the point of tearing in an instant; the four brothers have fought together all this time, enduring countless hardships, their bond extremely deep. Seeing the North Sea Dragon King die before them, they felt their hearts shatter.

"No more wailing; now it's your turn."

Gu Jin Nian stepped forward; with a flick of his finger, nine Saintly Heavenly Blades materialized, slashing toward the twenty‑four people.

Puff puff puff puff.

Heads fell to the ground one by one.

Great Emperor Yongsheng, Great Emperor of the Central Continent, Su Wenjing, Grandfather Gu, and everyone else in the hall besides the Five Tribes were utterly stunned.

The haughty strongest of the Five Tribes never expected to die today at Gu Jin Nian's hands.

And it seemed so casual.

But upon closer thought, it was not casual at all.

With the Four Saints' power bestowed, if these people were not killed, that would be a miracle.

"Gu Jin Nian."

"Killing us serves no purpose."

"The Heavenly Dao's reckoning is tens, even hundreds of times scarier than us. You fighting us is already indirect; if you fight the Heavenly Dao, you have no chance of winning at all."

Shangju Saint's throat was about to burst from shouting; his eyes were blood‑shot in haste. To him, Gu Jin Nian's actions were merely reckless bravado.

Thus he still hoped Gu Jin Nian could calm down.

Unfortunately,

The only response was a single Heavenly Blade.

Puff.

A blood‑red scene unfolded; Shangju Saint never expected to die here, in the place he thought Gu Jin Nian would fall.

"Heavenly Dao."

"You are scheming against us."

Just then, Xuanyuan King's roar rang out; he suddenly realized something, without speaking to Gu Jin Nian, he turned and looked at the firmament outside the hall, letting out an ultimate roar.

The remaining surviving supreme powerhouses also realized something, each gritting their teeth.

"Are we being sacrificed so that you may descend?"

East Sea Dragon King roared; he also sensed something, perceiving everything.

"Gu Jin Nian."

"You don't really think those Four Saints you summoned are real, do you? This is all a scheme of the Heavenly Dao—you've fallen for it."

"You possess the fortune of this great age, and indeed you can control heaven and earth of this era, but the Four Saints do not belong to this era—by what right can you make them manifest?"

"It is other Heavenly Dao meddling; they wish to use your hand to slaughter us, trigger a karmic flood, and thereby descend to destroy this great age."

"You've been tricked."

"Stop now, it's not too late; everything you said before still counts."

God Clan Grand Elder shouted loudly, informing Gu Jin Nian of this, hoping he would stop.

He did not want to die here.

This is too stifling.

"My mind is made up."

Hearing several people speak, Gu Jin Nian had no hesitation; it wasn't that he had no doubts at all, but he was certain about this.

First, exterminate the myriad clans.

The rest can be discussed later.

Pfft pfft pfft pfft.

Heavenly Blades are merciless; under Gu Jin Nian's steadfast will, one powerhouse after another is obliterated.

East Sea Dragon King.

God Clan Grand Elder.

Demon Clan Supreme.

Demon God.

In the end, the Heaven‑Swallowing King and the God‑Slaying King were both beheaded.

The most stubborn was Xuanyuan King; no matter how stubborn he was, the four Heavenly Blades united, and the terrifying Holy Dao power, directly slew him.

Inside the hall, blood dyed everything red.

Originally high and mighty.

Originally the five clans, high and mighty.

At this moment.

They became history completely.

People stared dumbfounded.

Dazed and bewildered.

They could not believe what was happening before their eyes.

But.

Just then.

Boom—

A bolt of lightning billions of zhang tall tore through the firmament.

The heavens and earth rumbled, shaking people's hearts.

But the next moment, an unimaginable scene occurred.

The firmament actually twisted.

Accompanied by a torrential downpour.

It was blood‑red rain.

Washing over the mortal realm.

Inside the Eternal Night Palace, Gu Jin Nian wanted to stay calm, but his heart still could not settle.

Because he knew.

The myriad clans were annihilated.

The true enemy is coming.

An unprecedented oppression has also appeared. —I don't want to drag the pacing.

It should be finished in these few days.

Having looked back carefully, there aren't many major foreshadowing elements; the plot continues smoothly.

After two million four hundred thousand characters, the plot involving the myriad clans hasn't been expanded much either; although some secret realms weren't written, writing them or not makes little difference.

There are only a few days left; I estimate it will take about three to five days.

(End of chapter)