Chapter 299: Stepping into the Time River, Becoming the Saint of Heaven's Mandate, Opening Eternal Peace for Myriad Ages

Time flies like a white colt passing through a gap.

Since the five clans were wiped out.

In the blink of an eye, three months have passed.

Since the Heavenly Dao revealed itself, these three months have been filled with panic; even if Gu Jin Nian steps forward, it's hard to suppress people's inner fear.

After all, for the myriad beings of the great world, they only have three years of life left; some want to go mad, while others completely give up everything and peacefully enjoy life.

Faced with this situation, the Da Xia Dynasty and the Zhongzhou Dynasty, together with the Da Xia Wen Palace, joined to calm people's hearts, formulate various plans, and with Gu Jin Nian personally stepping forward, they finally suppressed part of the panic.

And at this moment.

Da Xia Dynasty.

The capital, which hadn't seen snow for several years, suddenly received a heavy goose-feather snowfall.

White snow blanketed the entire capital, making heaven and earth a vast white expanse, with an indescribable beauty.

Inside the Duke's mansion.

Gu Jin Nian wore a thin white robe, standing quietly on the lake surface, gazing at the snow scenery.

Over these three months, aside from necessary appearances, he stayed at home, firstly to accompany his family, and secondly to truly relax for a while.

The entire Duke's mansion was lively as usual, with several uncles often seeking Gu Jin Nian for drinks and merriment.

And Gu Jin Nian was not pretentious; he often called friends, summoning his old companions from the Da Xia Academy, and they enjoyed themselves greatly.

But even so, everyone knows that Gu Jin Nian constantly faces immense inner pressure.

The fate of the entire world rests in his hands; if he fails, the myriad beings of the world will be buried with him—such pressure, who could remain calm?

"Ah."

He exhaled a mouthful of cold air; Gu Jin Nian retracted his cultivation, placing himself at the mortal stage, thus he could still feel the cold.

The heavy goose-feather snow fell on his body, gradually turning into meltwater, but quickly evaporated.

Beside, several braziers were burning, to provide Gu Jin Nian with warmth at any time.

"The white snow, disliking the lateness of spring, thus passes through the courtyard trees as flying blossoms."

He simply recited a poem, and Gu Jin Nian's gaze once again locked onto the center of the lake.

Just then, a figure slowly appeared beside him.

It was Grandfather Gu's figure.

"The last time we watched snow was still five years ago."

"Back then, in grandfather's eyes, you were still a child."

"I never expected that this time watching snow, you have become a pillar of heaven and earth, bearing the fate of the myriad beings."

"Jin Nian ah, grandfather sometimes feels it's like a dream—how did our Gu family produce such a heaven‑gifted talent like you?"

Grandfather Gu's voice sounded; he stood beside Gu Jin Nian, speaking some sighing words.

"It's still thanks to your uncle's good teaching."

Listening to grandfather's words, Gu Jin Nian couldn't help but smile slightly, expressing his own thoughts.

Upon hearing this, grandfather Gu was stunned, then couldn't help but burst into loud laughter, naturally understanding the meaning of Gu Jin Nian's words.

"If your uncle were here, he'd laugh at this remark for ten years."

"Jin Nian ah."

"There are too many beautiful sights in this world; you've stayed home long enough—if you want to go out, then go."

"Grandfather can't bear to part with you, nor can your parents, but the Gu family are reasonable; they know you're filial, but if you want to do something, go do it—what can you achieve by staying cooped up at home?"

Grandfather Gu spoke.

During this time, he has noticed that Gu Jin Nian occasionally comes to view the snow, and he also knows what Gu Jin Nian is agonizing over.

Gu Jin Nian also lacks confidence that he can save the myriad beings in three years, so he stays at home, wanting to provide companionship—this too counts as filial duty.

But what he knows even more is that Gu Jin Nian is unwilling to do that, nor does he want to; he still wants to go and make a final struggle for the myriad beings of the world.

Nevertheless, filial piety comes first; by now, if he still isn't accompanying his parents and family, it's somewhat hard to justify.

Moreover, the clansmen are also reluctant to see Gu Jin Nian leave, so at this point Grandfather Gu stepped forward, voluntarily letting Gu Jin Nian go to do what he wants.

Hearing grandfather's words, Gu Jin Nian instantly understood his intentions.

He felt somewhat moved, but many words need not be spoken; they both understand each other.

"Grandfather."

"The grandson will not bring shame to the Gu family."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, and grandfather Gu's words let him put down the last shackle in his heart.

He wants to go out.

To go see the last beautiful sights, to meet the last people.

After doing all this, he will step into the Time River to make the final struggle.

"Good."

"Go on."

Grandfather Gu patted Gu Jin Nian's shoulder, then immediately continued speaking.

"I've already told your mother; you don't need to see her, lest she feel worse—just go directly."

"Go on."

"Grandfather has prepared a victory feast at home."

Grandfather Grinned, showing a carefree smile.

"Good."

Gu Jin Nian said no more, turned and left, without any hesitation or delay.

This is to firmly establish his own inner thoughts.

As Gu Jin Nian left, Grandfather Gu's eye sockets reddened and he muttered some words.

"This kid, he really doesn't look back."

"Not coming back is good."

"Don't endure too much hardship."

Grandfather Gu still felt heartache, and inside the household, a middle-aged woman quietly watched Gu Jin Nian leave.

This was Gu Jin Nian's mother; although Grandfather Gu had instructed her several times, she still couldn't help but come out to secretly look after Gu Jin Nian, but she refrained, knowing that doing so would only increase Gu Jin Nian's bonds, and it was not helping him.

Gu Jin Nian left.

But he didn't vanish in Da Xia Capital; instead he walked toward the northwestern streets.

About an hour.

Outside a study.

Gu Jin Nian's figure slowly appeared.

This is the Wenxin Study.

Last year, because Gu Jin Nian became a sage, the Wenxin Study's status was not inferior to the Da Xia Academy; after all, the Wenxin Study bore Gu Jin Nian's name, which was enough to draw countless scholars.

Who knows how many nobles and officials in the entire Da Xia Capital wanted their descendants to come to the Wenxin Study.

At the very least, one had to be a prince.

Otherwise, one truly had no right to enter.

However, due to the collapse of the great era, the Wenxin Study had also become desolate; after all, in three years the great era would perish—who would have the heart to study? Gu Jin Nian's arrival startled the guards at the Wenxin Study's gate; under his calm gaze, they dared not make a noise, but their eyes were filled with excitement.

This is quite normal, after all Gu Jin Nian is now the number one person under heaven, and in people's eyes he even surpasses the Heavenly Dao.

"I am merely revisiting old grounds; please do not disturb others."

Leaving those words, Gu Jin Nian entered the Wenxin Study alone; he came to the edge of the pond—perhaps everything began here.

By the pond of the Wenxin Study, heavy snow covered the ground and a thick layer of ice had already formed; standing there, Gu Jin Nian waited quietly for half an hour before finally leaving.

He indeed did not alarm anyone, but inside the study a tutor knew Gu Jin Nian had come and wanted to go see him; however, due to inner reverence and being stopped by others, nothing else happened.

After leaving the Wenxin Study, Gu Jin Nian went to Yang Kai's residence, where he once saw Yang Hanrou.

It had been several years since they last met; Yang Hanrou had matured greatly from the innocent girl she once was, and she was still unmarried—by rights, at her age she should have been married off.

When they met again, Yang Hanrou was somewhat flustered, as if she hadn't expected to see Gu Jin Nian.

She retreated into her boudoir, not daring to see anyone.

Seeing this, Gu Jin Nian couldn't help but smile; however, he didn't say anything to Yang Hanrou, instead exchanging a few words with Yang Kai.

He didn't delay long.

Gu Jin Nian was about to leave, but at the moment of parting he still came to the outside of Yang Hanrou's boudoir.

"Hanrou sister, brother I'm about to leave—really, won't you say goodbye?"

Gu Jin Nian's tone was light, even slightly teasing as he asked Yang Hanrou.

Upon hearing this, there was no movement from within the boudoir.

"He's gone."

Gu Jin Nian said nothing more, his expression calm as he turned and left.

But just as Gu Jin Nian turned, the sound of the door opening rang out, soon followed by Yang Hanrou's voice.

"Come back safely."

Her face was slightly flushed, she sounded a bit hurried; although she had many things she wanted to say, in the end she could only utter this sentence.

"Good."

Gu Jin Nian smiled, did not look back, merely waved his hand.

Leaving the Yang residence.

Gu Jin Nian headed straight for the imperial palace.

In the Hall of Nurturing Hearts.

The Yongsheng Emperor was reviewing memorials when, at that moment, Gu Jin Nian's voice suddenly rang out, startling him.

"Uncle, why do you keep looking at memorials every day? Can't you give the youngsters a chance?"

"How many years has the crown prince been waiting for your position?"

"How can there be a crown prince for sixty years under heaven?"

As his words fell, the Yongsheng Emperor exhaled a breath.

"You scared me."

"I thought it was someone else, you brat, you didn't even tell me you were coming."

The Yongsheng Emperor was somewhat displeased.

"I'm leaving, uncle."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, his expression calm.

"Mm, good."

What is surprising is that the Yongsheng Emperor actually remained the calmest.

"Is that it?"

Gu Jin Nian was somewhat surprised.

"Otherwise? Do we still need to part in life and death?"

"Jinian, you're not a child anymore."

"Your uncle, looking back on his life, has experienced how many partings of life and death."

"Those who rebelled with me back then, whose life isn't a life? Those soldiers who died on the battlefield, whose life isn't a life?"

"I've always felt that the least valuable thing in this world is life; everyone's life is like that."

"It's merely a matter of status high or low, but in the face of life and death, everyone has someone they want to protect, and everyone has an obsession not to die."

"So, Jin Nian."

"Listen to your uncle's words."

"Don't overthink; put it positively, you're sentimental; put it negatively, you're just being a bit troublesome."

"Just like a woman."

Yongsheng Emperor spoke, his tone appearing very calm, he expounded a new principle for Gu Jin Nian to hear.

"Uncle, you really seem like an emperor now."

"I've been taught."

Gu Jin Nian restrained the smile on his face, he was very serious, accepting these words.

"What you mean, Uncle, you didn't used to seem like an emperor before?"

The Yongsheng Emperor replied somewhat unhappily.

"Seems so."

"Alright, Uncle, I'm leaving."

Gu Jin Nian rose to his feet, he was about to leave.

"Good."

"The abdication ceremony will be held next month, letting the crown prince ascend the throne."

The Yongsheng Emperor spoke, saying to Gu Jin Nian as he was about to leave, Da Xia is going to change emperors.

"Mm, depending on the situation I'll come back."

Gu Jin Nian nodded.

Having said that, he was about to leave.

"Just leave like that, without saying another word?"

At the critical moment, the Yongsheng Emperor still couldn't help but speak, after all he's his own nephew; how could there be no reason to feel pity? Although his earlier words were true, the Yongsheng Emperor also cared for this nephew of his.

"Then say one more sentence."

"Uncle, I wish you blessings as vast as the Eastern Sea."

Gu Jin Nian waved his hand, after saying that, he completely disappeared.

"Blessings as vast as the Eastern Sea?"

The Yongsheng Emperor was slightly taken aback, then couldn't help but laugh out loud.

"This kid."

"Still hasn't changed, huh."

Having said that, he didn't add more, just continued reviewing the memorials.

Thus.

That day, Gu Jin Nian invited all his close friends out; he held a banquet at the most famous restaurant in the capital, drinking and making merry with many friends.

Wang Fugui, Jiang Yezhou, and Gu Jin Nian also summoned the heir apparent together.

Friends from the academy came one after another; Gu Jin Nian drank heartily, and at the same time he didn't forget to instruct Li Ji, who would become the crown prince in the future, on how to govern the state, putting the people first, and so on.

Until the next morning, when the golden sun shone high, Gu Jin Nian came to Da Xia Academy and saw Su Wenjing.

Without saying much, Mr. Wenjing proposed a game of chess.

Gu Jin Nian agreed.

The result of the game was that Gu Jin Nian lost; Su Wenjing felt nothing wrong about that.

The game ended.

Gu Jin Nian also formally left Da Xia Capital.

Leaving Da Xia Capital.

Gu Jin Nian embarked on a solitary journey.

He was somewhat aimless, without a definite place he had to go, nor did he say there was a place he definitely wouldn't go.

Wherever he walked, he would rest there.

When tired, he rested; when thirsty, he drank mountain spring water; when sleepy, he slept; when hungry, he ate; he had no great obsessions.

Thus.

Time flew by; a year passed in the blink of an eye.

During that year, Gu Jin Nian went to many places in the Da Xia Dynasty.

Gu Jin Nian had been to Jiangning Prefecture, recalling that flood; even to this day, some commoners still harbor fear.

He also went to Bailu Prefecture, offering a stick of incense for the deceased children.

He had been to many places, traversing mountains and rivers.

He had seen the early dawn, gentle and wonderful.

He had seen the midday sun, fierce and brilliant.

He had gazed at dusk, the sunset sinking westward, the horizon like fire.

He also quietly enjoyed the deep night, the sky full of stars, a beauty beyond words.

Over this year, Gu Jin Nian thoroughly returned to mundanity; he did not reveal his identity, facing everything with a truly ordinary mind.

What he had seen and experienced over these years, Gu Jin Nian went through again.

Going through it again, he also gained different insights.

He engaged in much reflection, thoroughly reviewing all past mistakes.

That year ended.

Gu Jin Nian left the Da Xia Dynasty and began to tour the various states.

However, Gu Jin Nian first went to the Exquisite Immortal Palace and met the Jade Pool Fairy.

Upon meeting again, the Jade Pool Fairy also felt indescribable emotions.

She likes Gu Jin Nian, which is beyond doubt; after all, the Jade Pool Fairy has no reason not to like Gu Jin Nian—whether in appearance, character, or conduct, he has almost reached the degree that all women like.

This time, Gu Jin Nian came discreetly; the Jade Pool Fairy did not expect him to come see her.

The two met, and in the palace they talked for a long time.

After three full days, Gu Jin Nian left the palace; his farewell with the Jade Pool Fairy was even more profound—Gu Jin Nian departed silently, while the Jade Pool Fairy could not help but speak.

"Wait for you to come back, I'll go find you, okay?"

This is the Jade Pool Fairy's voice.

Perhaps there are other meanings, but Gu Jin Nian still did not turn back, merely waving his hand.

"Good."

He gave the reply, then continued on his journey alone.

After parting with the Jade Pool Fairy, Gu Jin Nian went straight to Green Hill to meet the Clear Shallow Fairy.

Arrived at Green Hill Mountain.

Gu Jin Nian hadn't even had a chance to speak with Clear Shallow when she immediately embraced him.

No words were spoken.

Upon seeing Gu Jin Nian, the Clear Shallow Fairy made no extra movements, which left Gu Jin Nian somewhat silent.

Thereafter, she tightly embraced Gu Jin Nian, her beautiful eyes glistening with tears.

She had previously been imprisoned in Green Hill Mountain; a divine son of the god clan came seeking a marriage alliance, and if not for Gu Jin Nian's extermination of the myriad races, she would likely still be confined.

After being freed, she immediately wanted to seek Gu Jin Nian, but upon learning of his mission, she did not dare to disturb him.

She merely prayed for Gu Jin Nian's blessings within Green Hill Mountain.

Until now, at the moment Gu Jin Nian appeared, she could not restrain her emotions, rushing to embrace him, for no words could express her feelings and love.

"Clear Shallow Fairy."

Gu Jin Nian was somewhat stiff; he forced a smile, wanting to say something, but Clear Shallow Fairy said nothing, merely burying her head in his embrace, her body trembling slightly as she suppressed her emotions, tears inevitably falling.

He felt her different emotions.

Gu Jin Nian said nothing more; instead, he felt greatly relieved and held Clear Shallow Fairy in his arms.

In contrast to the Jade Pool Fairy's demeanor.

Clear Shallow Fairy was very direct, also expressing all her feelings; Gu Jin Nian indeed is not fond of women, but he too needs affection.

When this feeling arose, everything seemed to fall into place naturally.

The two said nothing more.

They simply held each other.

After a long, long time.

Only then did they slowly part.

This time, it was a full seven days; Gu Jin Nian and the Clear Shallow Fairy talked for seven days, during most of which Gu Jin Nian was the listener.

Listening to the Clear Shallow Fairy recount her past.

Also listening to the Clear Shallow Fairy express her love for him.

"Are you willing to take me with you?"

"I won't disturb you."

"I will quietly follow behind you; I don't want to be separated from you."

"I like you; I don't want to leave you for even a moment."

This is what the Clear Shallow Fairy meant; she wants to follow Gu Jin Nian, and her love for him surpasses all else.

Regarding this.

Gu Jin Nian smiled faintly, rubbed her head, and then the Clear Shallow Fairy fell into a deep sleep.

It is not that he is unwilling.

Rather, he cannot bring the Clear Shallow Fairy with him.

"Wait for me to return from the Time River."

"I will bring you with me."

Gu Jin Nian whispered these words in the Clear Shallow Fairy's ear; after saying them, he left.

In the end, Gu Jin Nian continued on his solitary journey.

Thus, another year passed.

With three years elapsed, only the final year remains.

The third year.

Gu Jin Nian found a quiet place, neither continuing his journey nor wishing to.

He had seen too much.

He had also heard too many stories.

The road he needed to walk has been completed.

The beautiful sights he needed to see have also been seen.

With the remaining year, Gu Jin Nian stayed in a mountain cave, each day merely watching the sunrise and sunset, with nothing else out of the ordinary.

Like withered wood.

Also like an ancient stone, unmoving.

After a full ten months.

When the deadline had only two months left, Gu Jin Nian moved.

He stood up.

He walked toward West Zhou Mountain.

But this time, the lord of West Zhou Mountain still did not appear, and Gu Jin Nian did not insist.

But he left a letter.

After a moment, upon receiving a reply, Gu Jin Nian showed a smile.

Finally left West Zhou Mountain.

All matters were resolved.

At the summit of a great mountain. Gu Jin Nian's expression was calm, but soon strands of golden light drifted over.

Time River appeared before Gu Jin Nian.

Boom—boom—boom.

In an instant.

The great world trembled.

The Time River revealed itself.

Strands of golden light appeared, converging into a river.

The appearance of the Time River instantly drew the world's attention.

Above the firmament, the exalted saints, Xuanyuan King and others also paid constant attention; they had their hands and feet bound, were sealed, and were waiting for Gu Jin Nian to fail three years later.

Yet no one expected that Gu Jin Nian would actually condense the Time River ahead of time.

This is truly unexpected.

When the Time River appeared, people's feelings grew heavy; life and death might hinge on this occasion.

Facing the Time River.

Gu Jin Nian appeared very calm, he had no hesitation, and directly stepped into the river.

The golden river spans heaven and earth, appearing supremely sacred in the eyes of the world.

Meanwhile.

Above the Nine Heavens.

Fifty silhouettes appeared, they are the fifty Heavenly Dao Lords.

They observed all of this.

They conducted a will-communication.

"Can he succeed?"

A will of a Heavenly Dao Lord sounded.

"Whether he can succeed."

"We'll know in the next moment."

A will responded.

In others' eyes, Gu Jin Nian entering the Time River would only take an instant to emerge.

But for Gu Jin Nian, stepping into it might entail experiencing countless ages.

Indeed.

As the will fell.

Gu Jin Nian's figure walked out from the Time River.

The world was astonished, not expecting the result so soon?

On the mountain peak.

Gu Jin Nian who walked out of the Time River, his eyes were dim and defeated.

He had just stepped into the Time River, experienced nine lives, and ultimately failed in the ninth life.

He underwent nine cycles of reincarnation, his gaze filled with the vicissitudes of time.

But he ultimately lost.

Having not comprehended the true Holy Dao, if not for the imprint protecting him inside, he would likely have sunk into the Time River.

"He has failed."

A terrifying will resounded, announcing to the world, Gu Jin Nian has been defeated.

In an instant, the hearts of the myriad beings of the great world sank, not knowing what to say.

And Gu Jin Nian said nothing more, he sat cross-legged, carefully contemplating the nine cycles of reincarnation.

Thus.

In the blink of an eye, half a month passed.

The Time River did not dissipate.

Gu Jin Nian stepped into the river again.

This is the second challenge.

People were worried for him.

They also appeared anxious.

But the result of the second attempt was even more cruel.

Gu Jin Nian this time died in the first life, almost completely fell into ruin.

It was fortunate that he possessed the Saint's Mark; otherwise Gu Jin Nian would already have died a second time.

After this failure, Gu Jin Nian entered seclusion again for half a month.

The third time.

There is only one month left before the three‑year pact.

The third time, the effect was good; Gu Jin Nian went through twelve lives, yet still failed.

This time, Gu Jin Nian did not opt for sudden enlightenment; he was straightforward and chose a fourth challenge.

The fourth time, he endured twenty‑four lives.

Until the fifth time, Gu Jin Nian went through thirty‑six lives.

But the final result was always failure.

In five consecutive attempts, Gu Jin Nian used up five chances; if he falls into ruin next time, it will be death.

"Jin Nian."

"Take a rest for a while."

"Don't push yourself too hard."

At that moment, Su Wenjing's voice rang out; he could see that Gu Jin Nian was getting anxious.

All five chances have now been exhausted.

If Gu Jin Nian continues like this, he will easily truly fall into ruin, and then even the arrival of a deity would be useless.

Hearing Su Wenjing's voice, Gu Jin Nian couldn't help but take a deep breath.

He also realized he was anxious.

But indeed time was insufficient.

Atop the mountain peak, Gu Jin Nian remained silent.

He gazed at the Time River, his heart wavering.

He wanted to press on in one go.

But Su Wenjing was right.

He hesitated three times.

Gu Jin Nian finally let out a sigh.

"I ask the mountain master to intervene."

His voice sounded oddly inexplicable.

People were curious, but recalling that Gu Jin Nian had previously gone to Western Zhou Mountain for unknown reasons, they now understood and guessed he had reached some agreement.

"Alright."

A voice came from Western Zhou Mountain.

In the next instant, faint violet pollen drifted through the world.

Soon, countless people felt drowsy; their consciousness sank, and they fell into a deep sleep.

The pollen was terrifying; even a saint could not endure it, and Su Wenjing and the others grew drowsy.

"Jin Nian, what is this?"

Su Wenjing was surprised and couldn't help asking Gu Jin Nian.

"I cannot change the great world's outcome, but I can prevent its people from suffering too much."

"Master, if we truly fail, don't blame me."

Gu Jin Nian spoke; this was the pact he made with the master of Western Zhou Mountain—he would let the great world's people fall asleep, finding new hope within the dream.

Upon hearing this reply,

Su Wenjing fell silent.

But he could not resist the drowsiness and eventually drifted to sleep.

Thus.

The great world fell silent.

Gu Jin Nian began to comprehend everything occurring within the Time River.

Within the Time River, he had been an emperor, a Confucian master, a warrior, and a cultivator.

Gu Jin Nian had experienced all those roles.

Yet grasping the ultimate Saint's Path was too difficult.

He delayed sudden enlightenment.

He hadn't even understood.

"Without breaking, there is no establishment."

"Only after breaking can one establish."

Murmuring to himself, at this moment Gu Jin Nian stepped into the final attempt.

If this time he fails,

it will be total defeat.

At this very moment.

Even the fifty Lords of the Heavenly Dao fell silent, watching Gu Jin Nian.

But this time,

Gu Jin Nian did not appear immediately.

He seemed somewhat odd.

But thinking that this was Gu Jin Nian going all out, it was normal to feel somewhat strange.

Splash—

Splash—

About half a quarter-hour later.

The Time River suddenly surged.

All fifty Lords of Heavenly Dao turned their gaze that way.

"Has it succeeded?"

A will resounded.

But soon, disappointment appeared in their eyes.

Just before they could give any conclusion.

The Time River suddenly contracted, bit by bit dissipating.

"It failed."

A will resounded.

Gu Jin Nian completely sank into the Time River.

Indeed.

The great age was dim.

The Time River also gradually dissipated.

It failed.

In the end, no miracle appeared.

Indeed.

In the Time River.

Gu Jin Nian's consciousness was indeed sinking.

The sixth time stepping into the Time River.

This time, Gu Jin Nian experienced the original host's lifetime.

After drowning, he was looked down upon by everyone, thus he played with objects and lost his ambition, becoming a disgrace to the Duke's Manor and also a laughingstock of the Da Xia Dynasty.

Eventually, with the passing of the Duke Elder, the Duke's Manor collapsed instantly, and the original host's life grew even darker.

He married, had children, indulged in pleasure, and died before sixty.

This was the life Gu Jin Nian should have had, but because of his arrival, it changed.

And during this life, Gu Jin Nian encountered a great calamity.

He sank, unable to distinguish reality from truth.

His will was sinking.

Bit by bit, it was eroded.

As his consciousness was eroded, heaven and earth underwent tremendous change.

Crack—crack—crack—crack—crack.

Heaven and earth twisted, sun and moon lost light, Eternal Night descended, covering the sky and earth, the great destruction began.

The world withered.

But just as Gu Jin Nian's consciousness completely sank,

A terrifying beam of light burst forth from the mountaintop.

Splash—

Splash—

The golden Time River appeared again.

The fifty Lords of Heavenly Dao instantly changed expression.

"What's going on?"

"Why are there still omens?"

"Is there a variable?"

A startling voice sounded; they never expected there to be a variable at this moment.

"To set the heart for heaven and earth."

"To set the destiny for the people."

"To continue the lost learning of the sages."

"To usher in peace for myriad generations."

The sound of heaven and earth rang out; it was Gu Jin Nian's voice, and the Time River reappeared.

A figure walked out from the river.

It was Gu Jin Nian's figure.

At the moment when his consciousness was most sunk,

This voice surfaced in his mind.

It pulled him out of endless sinking.

Holy Dao Method.

Gu Jin Nian had long known this, but he had always overlooked it.

Suppressed by time.

Oppressed by the great trend.

Now, he finally understood the true way of the Heaven's Mandate Sage.

The twisted world burst forth with endless radiance at this moment; within the Time River, figures appeared one after another.

These figures were scholars from ancient to modern times, likewise heroes from ancient to modern times; they stood in the Time River, carrying endless rosy light.

Leading them was Confucius, who fulfilled the promise he had made years ago, waiting for Gu Jin Nian to become a Heaven's Mandate Sage.

He would bring the myriad sages and worthies to congratulate Gu Jin Nian.

Figures of the myriad myriad Dao appeared; they had all appeared in the long river of history, and in some period of history they also possessed brilliant splendor.

Now, they would transform their fleeting brilliance into a single beam of light, illuminating the entire world.

Gu Jin Nian's figure appeared.

An unparalleled mark appeared above his head.

This was the Heaven's Mandate Sacred Seal.

The Upper Dwelling Sage, Xuanyuan Wang, and the Four Sea Dragon King—these mighty beings, upon seeing this scene, each showed an expression of disbelief.

"Did he really succeed?"

"How hateful."

They roared, unwilling, truly unwilling; at the crucial moment, Gu Jin Nian actually succeeded once again.

Myriad myriad rays of rosy light spread outward from within Gu Jin Nian's body.

The ancient chanting voice transmitted through the vast universe.

Endless phenomena arose; auspicious signs were boundless.

Heavenly flowers fell in profusion, awakening the slumbering masses.

The stars of the entire universe trembled, bursting forth with light.

Above the Nine Heavens, the present heavenly way showed a smile; he extended his hand, and the once‑decayed Great Dao Green Lotus, at this moment, seemed to receive a mysterious cleansing power.

All darkness was purged; Supreme Clarity Qi permeated, and turbid qi was completely washed away.

"Between heaven and earth there is righteous qi; it assumes myriad forms. Below it becomes rivers and mountains; above it becomes sun and stars. In people it is called the grand and righteous qi, overflowing to fill the vast darkness."

An ancient voice sounded.

Gu Jin Nian recited the Song of Righteous Qi.

He needed no scriptures, for at this moment he fully understood the meaning of the Song of Righteous Qi.

Between heaven and earth, righteous qi is needed.

Everyone's heart holds their own righteous qi; as long as the good thoughts within are preserved, no action or words are required—everyone possesses the grand and righteous qi.

He recited the Song of Righteous Qi, with the will of a sage, transmitting it to every person in the vast world.

Strands of Supreme Clarity Qi arose, washing away the turbid qi.

Between heaven and earth.

In an instant, it became perfectly clear.

Those unknown, dark, and corrupt things were utterly obliterated.

Thud.

The next moment, Gu Jin Nian slowly raised his hand, wiping away the traces of the Ancient Five Tribes.

Green lotuses fell one by one from the heavenly dome.

He became a Heaven's Mandate Sage, possessing inconceivable power; in his eyes, the five tribes were not worth mentioning.

And as the great world was cleansed,

the Lords of Myriad Heavenly Dao also appeared one after another, standing before Gu Jin Nian and bowing deeply to him.

No words were needed; having reached their level, they cared only about the outcome.

They did not care how the process unfolded.

Nor did they need to know why Gu Jin Nian could become a sage; to them, Gu Jin Nian had won, and they were glad to see it.

Gu Jin Nian returned the courtesy.

Afterward, gazing upon the vast world, he spoke calmly.

"I am Gu Jin Nian."

"Today, I open an era of eternal peace."

The sound fell.

In an instant, endless divine light fell into the mountains and rivers, sinking into the bodies of all beings.

No more famine, no more illness. —End of volume. —Somewhat a headache.

I won't write a separate afterword.

I'll just say it right here.

First, the story of the Da Xia Literary Sage has ended; it was inevitable that it wasn't written well, but the overall story is just like this—because of the previous book's reasons, it won't end tragically; then, regarding the conclusion, either one invents a great enemy, or writes a setting where the protagonist slays the great enemy, or resolves this trouble.

Basically, these are the two ways to conclude.

The pacing has sped up a lot; in fact, nobody wants to be dragged along like this, especially the currently subscribed readers—most just want to see an ending and then leave.

Sigh, some things are hard to put into words.

The biggest problem with Confucian-Daoist literature is the 【theme】, which is: cultivate oneself, regulate the family, govern the state, and bring peace to the world.

Gu Jin Nian becoming a sage—actually, it should have ended there; the previous book was like that, and this book is like that too.

But because of my obsession with writing a long epic, I instead messed up secondarily—I brought in the setting of traditional xianxia; the Da Xia Literary Sage should have been a 【dynastic Confucian-Daoist work】, but I insisted on making it a mismatched 【dynastic cultivation contention work】; the error lies precisely here.

Because I wanted to write three million, four million words—logically, if I wrote around the 'dynasty' internally, three million words would be more than enough, and four million words could actually be achieved by slowing the pace in the earlier story.

But because of the xianxia element, I kept wanting to use the 'Heaven's Mandate' point to do plots that shouldn't be done.

And then the more I wrote, the worse it became; the more I wrote, the poorer it got.

By the later stage, it's just slacking off even more.

But the reasons for slacking off in the later stage are mainly two: first, I really can't continue writing; writing makes me feel awful all over, because it's fundamentally not good.

There's none of the previous smooth, flowing ease; what I write is incoherent, pure garbage.

It's torture for me, and torture for everyone else.

However, having written two Confucian-Daoist works, I've learned quite a lot, especially about Da Xia.

If I were to write another of the same type, I could probably surpass Da Xia, but there's a ninety-five percent chance I won't write another of that type for the next book.

I'm confident I can surpass Da Xia's achievements, but not by much, so it wouldn't mean much.

For me, the meaning of writing should be to continually surpass myself.

Even if it flops, I'll accept it.

As for what the next book will be about, I'm not sure.

Barring any surprises, I'll start a new book in February, after resting properly for a month.

Thank you to all readers for your unwavering support.

I also really feel sorry to every one of my patrons.

This situation has happened again.

My fault.

I feel ashamed before everyone.

I truly feel guilty.

Then, the Da Xia Wen Sheng should still have side stories.

Tentatively titled 【Time River】, depending on the situation I'll write it, striving to put out the Daiwei side story.

It's been delayed for quite a while.

I'm really sorry.

(End of chapter)