Chapter 84: Opening the Literary Office, Forging the War Chariot, Once More Achieving Eternity—Gu Jin Nian Becomes the Confucian‑Dao

Inside Wenxin Hall.

At this moment, every gaze fell entirely on Gu Jin Nian.

That single line was enough; it could be said to have startled everyone.

The crowd rose, and the scene became extremely lively.

Zhao Ru and Su Wenjing even sprang to their feet, came beside Gu Jin Nian, eager to see what poem he had produced.

Yet when Gu Jin Nian composed in one breath, without any hint of clumsiness,

the hall erupted in murmurs.

Regardless of the poem's content, the sheer momentum and confidence made people glance again involuntarily.

It was only when the poem appeared.

In an instant, the crowd's reactions began to shift gradually.

The first to change was Su Wenjing, followed by Zhao Ru.

"Spring river tides stretch to the sea level, the bright moon over the sea rises with the tide."

Zhao Ru slowly opened his mouth and read Gu Jin Nian's poem aloud.

"The waters ripple for countless miles with the waves, where on the spring river is the moon not bright?"

Su Wenjing could not help but recite a line.

Their gazes remained fixed on the rice paper, and the more they looked, the more emotion showed on their faces.

"Good, good—what person first saw the moon on the riverbank, in what year did the river moon first shine upon a person?"

"Truly excellent, truly excellent."

Zhao Ru's voice was the first to sound; when he reached the middle, he became involuntarily excited, his aged face flushing deeply.

He had read countless poems, yet upon seeing this one, he could not help but praise it sincerely.

"Life after life is endless, the river moon looks the same year after year."

"It is excellent, excellent, I, Su, feel ashamed of my inferiority."

Su Wenjing's voice also rose; although he is a Confucian Daoist Pre-Half-Saint, Gu Jin Nian's poem shook him profoundly.

Honestly, not even mentioning composing a poem in seven steps, even in seven hundred, seven thousand, or seventy thousand steps, he could not produce such verses.

The whole piece is splendid yet not hollow, possessing both artistic conception and beauty.

It requires careful savoring; the more one reads, the more brilliant and more shocking it becomes.

At this very moment.

Everyone in the main hall turned their gazes, each scrambling forward.

Kong Ping also rose to his feet.

His eyes burned like torches; after reading the poem, he was stunned as a wooden chicken, because he knew this poem deserved a timeless reputation.

Even if not timeless, it would certainly secure the nation.

His own nephew lost, and lost completely.

Compose a poem in seven steps.

The poem becomes timeless.

Today's Da Xia poetry gathering is splendid because of Gu Jin Nian, and the Da Xia Dynasty will be shaken because of Gu Jin Nian.

What on earth is this monster?

Why has the Da Xia literary circle produced such a monster? Above in the main hall, the Eternal Prosperous Emperor stared at the poem, unable to recover his composure for a long time.

River water, spring, bright moon, flowers, night scenery, wild geese, home—these are the eight‑character theme.

Using the Yangtze River as the theme, the poem contains the words "Yangtze River."

Using "riding the moon" as the theme, the poem also includes "riding the moon."

Moreover, the couplets are orderly, the rhyme perfect, both aesthetically poetic and fitting the scene and theme.

"I do not know for whom the river moon awaits, only see the Yangtze sending flowing water."

"I do not know how many return riding the moon, the setting moon sways emotions across the river trees."

"It fits the theme, it fits the theme."

"Everyone, this poem matches ten themes, not a single one is wrong."

Someone shouted in surprise, pointing at the poem, unable to contain their exclamation.

Gu Jin Nian composing a poem in seven steps—this is terrifying.

Terrifying is that ten people, ten themes, all fit perfectly.

Previously, Gu Jin Nian said one theme, one poem; honestly, that wasn't that hard, since separated it tests talent.

But now ten themes in one poem tests not only talent but chiefly an artistic conception.

Gu Jin Nian's verses are godlike, unbearably beautiful, breathtaking, both theme‑ and scene‑ fitting; with a seven‑step composition, even if not timeless, it is destined to be renowned worldwide.

Wang Fugui and Jiang Yezhou clenched their fists, feeling joy for Gu Jin Nian.

The other students also showed delight, feeling an indescribable exhilaration.

But at that moment.

On the rice paper.

Strands of golden light suddenly spread.

"Look."

"Another omen."

Someone shouted, pointing at the rice paper.

Yet in fact everyone had already been watching the poem all along.

After the phenomenon appeared, everyone couldn't help but look over.

Soon, brilliant golden light burst forth directly.

One scene after another appeared.

The river and bright moon, spring water and falling flowers, appeared before everyone's eyes.

This brilliant light once again illuminated the skies over the Da Xia Capital.

It startled the common folk.

Only then, above the firmament, a mighty river surge appeared, joining the ocean, a full moon slowly rose from the sea, creating the illusion of rising with the tide.

Moonlight bathed the spring river, waves sparkling for tens of thousands of li; everywhere the spring river gleamed with bright moonlight, winding through flower‑and‑grass‑filled plains, and under the moonlight the blossoms and trees seemed like fine snow beads glittering.

The moonlight was like frost, so the flying frost could not be detected; the white sand on the land blended with the moonlight, indistinguishable.

The river water and the sky were of one hue, with not a speck of dust, the lone moon hung suspended in the void.

Beautiful.

Too beautiful.

Such scenery, paired with such a prosperous age, makes people deeply intoxicated.

More importantly, on the riverbank appeared a young scholar gazing at the bright moon; in the blink of an eye, thousands of years passed, a new generation arose, again gazing to guard the bright moon.

Who first saw the moon by the riverbank? When did the river's moon first shine upon people?

Forever someone gazes at the moon, but under its light who is the first to be illuminated?

This line elevates the entire poem to an extraordinary degree.

Inside the capital.

Countless talented scholars and beauties gazed at the bright moon, and inexplicably, an indescribable emotion arose in their hearts.

Such a phenomenon should have been shocking, yet for some reason the capital's folk fell silent, quietly watching this peerless beauty.

Inside the hall.

Everyone also became intoxicated by this beautiful scenery.

Gu Jin Nian did not speak to disturb.

He also quietly appreciated it.

This is Spring River Flower Moon Night.

The foremost solitary piece of all ages.

It is the work of Zhang Ruoxu, praised by later generations as a solitary piece that overwhelms the High Tang.

Someone once gave it the highest praise, this poem overwhelms all High Tang poetry, not merely because it is good, but because it ended an era.

Gu Jin Nian was also surprised; these people really hit the mark with their question.

Ten topics, one poem.

This difficulty is no less than climbing to heaven.

Even if a few were scrambled, Gu Jin Nian could not produce such a work; even if Li Bai were to estimate, it would be impossible to write a timeless poem within an hour.

Yet, luck just happened to be this good.

However, Kong Yu is also a fortunate misfortune; unfortunately he invited trouble and will soon suffer misfortune, but fortunately today's events will surely be celebrated for ages, and this poem will endure forever.

As for this Kong Yu, he will become a background figure talked about by all under heaven, although his reputation may not be pleasant.

But speaking frankly, even a bad name spread for a thousand years is, in a way, a transmission of fame for a thousand ages, right?

It's just unknown whether Kong Yu can accept it.

Just then.

Suddenly, countless talents surged into Gu Jin Nian's body, these talents being devoured by the ancient tree.

Normally, these talents would turn into talent fruits, but unexpectedly this time no talent fruit was formed; instead they transformed into a mysterious force circulating within his body.

No.

Upon careful reflection, more precisely, it is an opening up.

Yes, it is an opening up.

Gu Jin Nian does not know what is being opened up.

When he wanted to speak, he only heard a 'dong' sound.

Coming from within his own body.

Similar to a drumbeat.

Everyone in the hall was instantly startled awake.

Looking over, they saw a continuous flow of talent pouring into Gu Jin Nian's body.

Dong.

Another deep, muffled drum sounded.

Gu Jin Nian's body trembled slightly, not knowing what had happened.

Dong.

With the third deep sound ringing out.

Only then did the people in the hall react.

"Jin Nian."

"Quickly stabilize your fleshly body; you are about to open up the Wen Mansion."

Su Wenjing spoke first, coming behind Gu Jin Nian, the righteous aura directly encircling him to help him guard the Way.

"Open up the Wen Mansion?"

"Is Gu Jin Nian going to open up the Wen Mansion?"

This is impossible—opening the Wen Mansion requires Establishing Speech first, yet Gu Jin Nian has never achieved Establishing Speech.

Gu Jin Nian's Confucian Dao cultivation ought to be that of a nurturing‑qi scholar; he hasn't yet reached the Establishing Speech graduate level.

At this moment, many people spoke up, their eyes filled with curiosity.

Wen Mansion.

It is the hallmark division of Confucian Dao.

The first realm is Condensing Qi.

The second realm is Nurturing Qi.

The third realm is Establishing Speech.

Only after Establishing Speech does one qualify to open the Wen Mansion; once opened, talent can be stored in great measure, writing flows like divine inspiration, and poetry can subdue demons.

Thus, the first and second realms of Confucian Dao are essentially no different in nature.

Others cannot tell the difference either.

It can ward off some evil qi, but trying to target demons with it is still unrealistic.

After opening the Wen Mansion, one gains the ability to suppress demons.

Especially when condensing a Confucian Dao war chariot, it becomes even more capable of suppressing demons.

Yet Gu Jin Nian opened the Wen Mansion without ever achieving Establishing Speech—this is truly inconceivable.

"Three timeless poems, one nation‑protecting poem, plus a timeless essay—he has earned heaven and earth's acknowledgment, allowing him to transcend realms and open the Wen Mansion."

At this moment, Zhao Ru's voice sounded.

He informed everyone of Gu Jin Nian's situation.

Upon hearing this, the crowd gradually came to understand.

But in that instant, Kong Yu's voice involuntarily rang out.

"Confucian Dao differs from other cultivation paths; how could one possibly open the Wen Mansion ahead of time? This is impossible—Confucian Dao requires steady steps, with no notion of leaping ahead."

At this very moment, Kong Yu couldn't help but speak out; he simply couldn't restrain himself.

Gu Jin Nian once again composed a timeless poem, which he can recognize.

But opening the Wen Mansion ahead of schedule, he refuses to acknowledge.

For even he cannot achieve such a premature opening; not to mention him, even the Confucian Sage never managed it.

"Throughout history, there have always been monsters who break the established rules."

"Opening the Wen Mansion ahead of time is shocking to hear, but it does not mean it cannot be done."

Zhou Mao followed up with his voice, gazing at Gu Jin Nian with eyes full of shock and anticipation.

"Ladies and gentlemen."

"Today I am fortunate to witness the birth of such a timeless genius—it is our honor."

Another Great Scholar spoke up, knowing what the Wen Mansion was, and each became excited beyond measure.

The students of the Da Xia Academy each clenched their fists, their eyes brimming with anticipation and excitement.

The Fuyu talents, meanwhile, all wore grim faces, feeling a hundred times worse than failing to open the Wen Mansion.

As for talents from other countries, some also felt uneasy, their hearts not at ease, yet they fared far better than the Fuyu Dynasty's talents.

Thud.

The fourth sound rang out.

Thud.

The fifth sound rang out.

The sound emanating from Gu Jin Nian's body grew louder and louder, becoming increasingly deafening.

In the end, it sounded a full nine times.

Finally, strands of purple qi burst forth from Gu Jin Nian's body; his inner talent transformed into a divine hammer, as if shattering a gate.

In an instant, a manor appeared behind Gu Jin Nian, filled entirely with righteous qi.

This is the Wen Mansion.

The righteous qi illuminated the entire hall, casting Gu Jin Nian in the likeness of a deity.

And Gu Jin Nian also sensed an unprecedented change within himself.

He knew the Wen Mansion, but it is something that can only be opened after reaching the third realm; normally, upon attaining the third realm of Confucian Dao one comes into contact with the Wen Mansion, yet actually opening it remains difficult.

Thus, the third realm of Confucian Dao—the sage of Establishing Speech—is further divided into several smaller stages.

Opening the manor, the Wen Mansion, condensing objects, and perfection.

Opening the Wen Mansion, the Wen Mansion condenses, talent condenses into objects; "learning as rich as five carts" repeated signifies the third realm's perfection, granting Confucian Dao divine abilities—when facing evil spirits, one can go on the offensive.

Bolstered by righteous qi, it is like divine weapons, vastly surpassing immortal‑dao martial artists—an innate superiority.

But Gu Jin Nian never expected that, without even stepping into the third realm, he had already opened the Wen Mansion—something that has never occurred in all of history.

The Wen Mansion condensed.

Yet outside the hall, talent surged like a rushing river, continually flowing into his body, where ancient trees transformed it into the purest righteous qi, which then entered the Wen Mansion.

At this very moment, the Wen Mansion gleamed with lustre, gradually solidifying; behind Gu Jin Nian, his Wen Mansion radiated tenfold brilliance.

Rather than calling it a Wen Mansion, it is more like a Wen Palace—magnificent beyond compare, with carved dragons and painted phoenixes, resplendent in gold and azure.

The Wen Mansion, lifelike, condensed directly, skipping the second stage.

"The Wen Mansion has solidified—this is the second stage."

"Opening the Wen Mansion by transcending realms is bad enough, but to skip the second stage outright is terrifying."

"This child is truly formidable."

Inside the hall, many Great Scholar talents exclaimed that Gu Jin Nian's transcendent opening of the Wen Mansion was already extraordinarily extravagant.

I didn't expect that it would directly condense the Wen Mansion out now; this is the second stage.

What's more frightening is that the talent qi keeps pouring in, flowing into the Wen Mansion; looking at this momentum, it seems it won't stop, ah.

"Compare Gu Jin Nian's Wen Mansion, then compare mine; it feels like a dog's den."

Someone felt awful, looking at Gu Jin Nian's Wen Mansion, then comparing it to their own, they couldn't help but say that.

I also don't know who said it.

In a moment, many people's faces looked somewhat unpleasant.

Even some Great Scholars felt ashamed; of course, their Wen Mansions weren't as bad as a dog's den, but compared to Gu Jin Nian's splendid and magnificent Wen Mansion, theirs appeared shabby.

"The Wen Mansion is the foundation of a Confucian scholar; the more solid the foundation, the more splendid the Wen Mansion. With three timeless poems, one national‑stabilizing poem, plus a timeless essay, a solidified Wen Mansion makes sense—it's just too splendid."

"From now on, seeing Gu Jin Nian, I really wouldn't dare to show my Wen Mansion; otherwise I'd lose before even competing."

Voices rang out one after another; some Great Scholars couldn't help speaking, their eyes full of envy.

"As for the Wen Mansion, they never even compared it; some people's Wen Mansions are not bad, shining like light, but compared to Gu Jin Nian's, they're really just average."

These Great Scholars never imagined that one day they would lose because of the Wen Mansion.

But as the Wen Mansion became more real, the talent qi continued to surge into it.

Finally.

A war chariot appeared inside the Wen Mansion.

"Condensing objects?"

"Hiss, it's not the second stage; it jumped straight to the third stage?"

"The Wen Mansion condensing objects—could it be that Gu Jin Nian intends to directly reach the Establishing Speech Great Perfection, condensing five talent‑qi war chariots?"

"The first stage of Establishing Speech is opening the Wen Mansion; the second, the Wen Mansion manifests; the third, condensing objects; the fourth, learning as rich as five carriages, with talent qi transforming into Confucian‑Dao war chariots, granting the power to resist demons."

"Only those who have achieved the Establishing Speech Great Perfection can do that, ah."

"Gu Jin Nian is currently only in the Qi Nurturing Realm, yet he has already completed the affairs of the Establishing Speech Realm; if he advances to the third realm, wouldn't he then master the Great Scholar's divine abilities?"

"What a fellow—what is called 'great talent of Confucian Dao'? This truly is it. After a true comparison, the Kong family's holy descendant is not even one‑tenth as good."

Everyone marveled, but no one knew who spoke up, dragging the Kong family's holy descendant out to whip the corpse.

After hearing this, Kong Yu's face fell; the most infuriating part was that he couldn't refute it.

Boom—

Boom—

Like the sound of thunder, within Gu Jin Nian's Wen Mansion, talent qi transformed into heavenly thunder, lightning intertwining, evolving into an ancient war chariot.

The war chariot is tens of zhang long, made of bronze, appearing mottled, giving a sense of having been baptized by the ages.

As if endless talent qi poured into it, making this Confucian‑Dao war chariot ever more real and terrifying.

In the end.

The war chariot fully materialized as a bronze war chariot, carved with various divine beasts, emitting a terrifying aura, as if it had experienced countless battles, with the ages leaving their marks on it.

And a figure also appeared on the chariot, identical to Gu Jin Nian; this is the manifestation of his talent qi.

Clad in armor, standing on the chariot, holding the reins, heroic and peerless, exuding a mighty presence that moved everyone present.

Soon after, a second chariot appeared, also a bronze chariot, just like the first.

Soon the third.

The fourth.

The fifth.

Five war chariots appeared together, and the surging talent qi, like a river, rushed into them frenziedly.

Until the five war chariots fully materialized.

This is the Confucian‑Dao Establishing Speech Perfection, meaning the idea of learning as rich as five carriages.

This chariot is one of the strongest means by which Confucian‑Dao scholars suppress demons, able to condense talent qi, command the chariot, and suppress demons.

"The bronze chariot represents the meaning of a king; this is indeed inner sage, outer king, ah."

"Our talent‑qi chariots are only two zhang long, while the five chariots Gu Jin Nian condensed are king's chariots, the ruler's mount."

"Only kingly talent qi can condense a bronze chariot; although Gu Jin Nian is merely in the Qi Nurturing Realm, the pressure of these five chariots far surpasses that of ordinary Establishing Speech Realm scholars, pressing close to a Great Scholar."

"They can't match a Great Scholar, but they surpass ordinary Establishing Speech."

The scholars in the hall clicked their tongues, utterly stunned; their eyes held nothing but envy.

But just at this moment.

Crack!

Thunder exploded, the endless talent qi transforming into something like the Nine Heavens Divine Thunder, directly shattering the five war chariots.

This scene appeared.

It drew everyone's alarm.

"What's going on?"

People cried out in shock; some couldn't believe it, turning their gazes over, not knowing what had happened.

The five talent‑qi war chariots had just been condensed—how did they suddenly shatter? Some gloated, not knowing what had happened, but seeing Gu Jin Nian in trouble, they were naturally overjoyed.

"Mr. Wenjing, what's going on?"

Everyone spoke up, asking Su Wenjing; at this point, the sudden destruction of an object is not a good thing.

"Not clear."

Su Wenjing frowned; he had never seen such a strange sight.

But just then.

A voice sounded.

"Being too rigid leads to easy breaking; having already opened the Wen Mansion ahead of time is already the limit, yet still wanting to condense talent into battle chariots—Gu Jin Nian has not yet established his speech, and heaven and earth will not tolerate it."

A scholar spoke up, expressing his own view, but this statement was somewhat impolite.

Among everyone present, only the Prince Guardian of the State remained very calm.

No one knew why, but the Prince Guardian of the State suddenly became very calm.

However, once this statement was made, it gained everyone's approval, after all Gu Jin Nian had not yet established his speech but had already opened the Wen Mansion, and now he even wanted to condense talent into battle chariots.

This is fundamentally impossible.

The road must be walked step by step.

Cultivation also requires leaving footprints step by step; moving too fast is sometimes not a good thing.

At this moment, Kong Yu and others wore delighted expressions, their eyes revealing undisguised joy, and Fu Luo Cai Zi and others were the same.

Gu Jin Nian condensed five talent battle chariots, and only after achieving great completion in Establishing Speech did this become unacceptable to them.

Now, seeing the battle chariots destroyed, he felt much more relieved.

But just when everyone had concluded that this was the reason, suddenly, rolling talent condensed once again.

Then it again formed five battle chariots.

Still bronze-colored, but its aura was even more terrifying than before.

"Have the battle chariots been re-condensed?"

"How did they start re-condensing the battle chariots again?"

"What is going on again?"

At this moment, nobody could understand.

The battle chariots were destroyed because of advancing beyond the limit, which heaven and earth would not tolerate; but what is the situation with their re-condensation? No one knows what the cause is.

The battle chariots re-condensed.

Accompanied by the sound of thunder.

Like being reforged, the bronze battle chariots at this moment are somewhat more mighty than before.

Crack.

But then a bolt of startling thunder struck down.

The battle chariots were destroyed once again.

At this moment, Su Wenjing's eyes flashed with astonishment; he seemed to know what was being done.

"Nine Refined Battle Chariots."

"The talent of a sage."

At this moment, Su Wenjing could no longer hold back; he looked at Gu Jin Nian and almost lost his voice as he spoke.

Upon these words, in an instant, all the Great Scholars in the hall were shocked, each involuntarily looking toward Su Wenjing, and then inevitably toward Gu Jin Nian.

In their eyes was shock, genuine shock.

"Nine Refined Battle Chariots? What does that mean?"

In the hall, even Emperor Yongsheng could not help but feel curious; he gazed at this scene and asked in this manner.

"Your Majesty."

"This is the ultimate transformation of the Confucian Dao."

"The third realm of the Confucian Dao is knowing the sage and establishing speech; its meaning is to understand the great principles of the sage, to establish reading and speaking, and after establishing speech, one can then open the Wen Mansion."

"Within the Wen Mansion, talent can be transformed into five battle chariots, taking the meaning of 'learning rich as five carriages'; these five chariots represent the talent and ability of scholars."

"The stronger the battle chariots, the deeper the comprehension of the sage's intent; if one truly comprehends the sage's intent to the utmost, the battle chariots will be reforged."

"I have seen in ancient texts that the limit for refining talent battle chariots is nine times, hence they are acclaimed as Nine Refined Battle Chariots."

"This is a realm pursued by the ancient sages; I never imagined that today I could see the Crown Prince achieve a timeless accomplishment."

Su Wenjing's speech became somewhat excited.

Upon these words, the hall erupted in an uproar.

"Nine Refined Battle Chariots? The accomplishment pursued by the ancient sages?"

"How could such a thing possibly exist in this world?"

"I too have seen it in ancient texts, but I always thought it was fabricated; I never expected it to be real."

"If this is indeed true, Crown Prince, even without having established speech, you could slay fourth-realm demons."

"Moreover, in scholarly disputes, the Crown Prince also has a great advantage."

People discussed, each not knowing what to say.

"Nine Refined Battle Chariots, this is merely hearsay; it may not be true."

"Indeed, three refinements are already the limit; nine refinements do not exist at all." At this moment, several voices also sounded.

They did not approve of Su Wenjing's words, but these voices were few and were drowned out by the majority.

At this moment.

Gu Jin Nian is the most dazzling existence in the Wen Heart Hall; whether true or false, the shock he has given them is already more than enough.

The battle chariots condensed once again.

This is the third condensation.

As expected, it was destroyed once again.

The endless talent made the battle chariots increasingly terrifying.

The fourth re-condensation.

Destroyed once again.

Throughout the Wen Hall, an extraordinary silence prevailed; everyone held their breath, gazing at Gu Jin Nian, fearful of disturbing him.

Fifth re-consolidation.

Destroyed again.

The talent never ceases; this is the influence of the ancient poem.

However, by the time the sixth war chariot consolidates, all the talent has essentially been exhausted, for a single ancient poem can only provide so much talent.

"Regrettable, still lacking a lot."

"If there were enough talent, perhaps we could truly achieve the nine refinements."

"Still far off; indeed the nine‑refinement war chariot is a rumor, not very realistic."

Voices rose one after another.

Filled with regret and emotion.

We thought we could witness a miracle, but the lack of talent prevented the nine‑refinement.

However.

At that moment.

Behind Gu Jin Nian, the Wen Mansion flickered with a star.

The star shone brilliantly, radiating endless light; inscriptions were on it, though hard to discern—it was an ancient text.

In an instant, a torrent of talent poured from the star, endless talent flowing back into Gu Jin Nian's body.

The war chariot resumed forging.

The startled crowd was momentarily at a loss for words.

"Good."

"The previous ancient text, at this critical moment, consolidates talent—good."

"Today, will we truly see the nine‑refinement war chariot?"

"Talent war chariot, nine refinements to sainthood."

At this moment, many clenched their fists, feeling joy for Gu Jin Nian.

Especially Su Wenjing, who stared seriously at the Wen Mansion, his eyes full of expectation.

Who could have imagined that at the crucial moment, the articles Gu Jin Nian had written would become star‑texts, supplying a continuous flow of talent.

The ancient text provided an immense amount of talent.

The seventh re‑refining of the war chariot.

Then came another thunderous strike.

However, a single bolt was insufficient; the talent transformed into hundreds of thunderbolts, finally shattering the war chariot.

Within the Wen Mansion, a second star appeared.

It was Gu Jin Nian's first ancient poem.

That poem also gathered a massive amount of talent, allowing Gu Jin Nian to begin consolidating the eighth war chariot.

However, the later stages required ever more talent.

A single ancient poem could not fully re‑consolidate the eighth war chariot.

Fortunately, Gu Jin Nian has little of anything else, but the most poems.

The State‑Stabilizing poem appeared.

Inferior to the ancient poem, yet it filled the crucial step.

Finally, with talent surging,

the war chariot reconsolidated.

This was the ninth time; everyone's gaze fell on Gu Jin Nian, unwilling to look away for even a moment.

Snap.

Thunder roared, striking the war chariot again.

But at that instant, a Great Scholar's voice suddenly rang out.

"His Highness the Crown Prince, the nine‑refinement war chariot is a symbol long coveted by ancient sages, but should it fail you will have nothing; with talent lacking now, you must not take the risk."

It was Zhou Mao's voice, kindly warning Gu Jin Nian not to take the risk.

Upon hearing this, many scholars furrowed their brows.

Indeed, though not the nine‑refinement war chariot, the eight‑refinement one is already impressive, a pinnacle achievement.

With talent now insufficient, continuing to hammer could leave you with nothing.

Doing nothing for now yields a better result.

"His Highness the Crown Prince, you can indeed stand down."

At this moment, even Su Wenjing could not help but speak.

It is now evident that the talent war chariot has solidified; this is the eighth refinement, and if we proceed with insufficient talent, it may self‑destruct.

That would be troublesome.

"Jin Nian, be cautious."

Even Emperor Yong Sheng could not help but speak, reminding Gu Jin Nian to be careful.

Nine‑refinement war chariot.

It is the symbol ancient sages have long dreamed of.

However, Gu Jin Nian's internal talent is still insufficient.

Refining nine times is difficult.

The first eight have already drained all talent, and it gets harder each time.

The ninth, I fear, will be very hard.

「Mr. Wenjing, if we don't condense now, can we condense later? 」

Gu Jin Nian didn't know what the Nine Refined War Chariot really meant, but he also had a rough idea in his heart.

Now he spoke up, asking Su Wenjing whether they could continue refining later.

After all, to say something unpleasant, he has as much ancient poetry as he wants, his talent is not lacking; it's just that being able to refine it later doesn't require such haste.

Taking it slow also won't be a loss.

「No. 」

「Only this one chance. 」

Su Wenjing did not deceive Gu Jin Nian; he spoke frankly.

At this moment, Gu Jin Nian fell silent.

Everyone looked at him, probably also having thoughts in their hearts.

Gu Jin Nian was just one step away from the Nine Refined War Chariot; this is something countless people dream of.

Anyone else would hardly give it up so easily.

But the problem is, if he fails, he will end up with nothing at all; the war chariot will become an ordinary talent chariot, with no change.

But if he succeeds, it will be different from the rest.

Everyone knows what Gu Jin Nian is thinking.

They are eager to see what choice Gu Jin Nian will make.

Normally speaking, stopping in time is a good thing; the Eight Refined War Chariot is already quite good, surpassing countless people.

The Nine Refined War Chariot is completely unnecessary.

At this very moment, Gu Jin Nian indeed hesitates somewhat; he remains silent, lost in thought.

「Jin Nian, you can stop; it's enough already. According to ancient records, the Nine Refined War Chariot is merely an illusion, not necessarily real; even if it is real, no one knows how much talent is required, and if you fail, the loss would outweigh the gain. 」

Su Wenjing spoke up; this was his advice, hoping Gu Jin Nian would stop.

「Although I, too, would love to see the Nine Refined War Chariot, right now we can indeed stop; there's no need to continue refining. The Confucian Dao relies on righteous and noble spirit; this is merely an ornament, a weapon for demons, and not particularly important. 」

Zhao Ru also spoke up.

He gave his own assessment: the Nine Refined War Chariot is an offensive means for Confucian Dao cultivators; it's fine for suppressing demons, but for the Confucian Dao itself, it's not very important.

Of course, being able to achieve the Nine Refined War Chariot would certainly be best; they only say this because they cannot do it.

At this moment, many people spoke up, advising Gu Jin Nian.

「Jin Nian, you must be cautious. 」

Emperor Yongsheng spoke up; he neither advised nor agreed, but hoped Gu Jin Nian would act cautiously.

Just then, the long-quiet Grandfather Gu spoke up.

「Jin Nian. 」

「If you have confidence, let go and do it. 」

「Even if you fail, it's fine; Grandfather is here. 」

Grandfather Gu spoke up.

He was very domineering.

Let Gu Jin Nian decide for himself; as long as he has confidence, give it his all—losing is no problem, for the Gu family is here, and everything will be fine.

Indeed.

As Grandfather Gu spoke in this way,

Gu Jin Nian involuntarily took a deep breath.

The biggest problem right now is insufficient talent.

And talent comes from ancient poetry.

In other words, wanting to refine the Nine Refined War Chariot is nothing more than writing poetry.

Thinking of this,

Gu Jin Nian closed his eyes.

He was pondering, searching for poetry in his mind.

Crack.

Just at this moment,

Lightning struck again.

It struck toward the talent chariot.

Everyone was shocked, but they also knew what decision Gu Jin Nian had made.

He wanted to forge the Nine Refined War Chariot.

「Just this kind of spirit already surpasses ninety-nine percent of scholars under heaven. 」

Someone sighed, couldn't help but speak out, praising Gu Jin Nian's spirit.

「Striving for perfection—isn't that what a sage intends? 」

「Regardless of the outcome today, I am impressed. 」

「The Yangtze's rear waves push the front waves; I am convinced, I am convinced. 」

「Gu Jin Nian, he is fit to be called a crown prince. 」

「He hasn't brought shame to the Gu family. 」

In an instant, various sounds rose; all the Great Scholars were shocked, their eyes filled with admiration.

Under these circumstances, Gu Jin Nian dares to bravely challenge the limit; with such spirit, how could one not admire him?

But there are good voices, and there are bad voices as well.

Overestimating one's strength.

It was a voice transmission, the voice transmission of Kong Ping and Kong Yu; he didn't dare to speak it openly, otherwise he would be besieged.

"Nine Refined War Chariot is probably just a legend; even sages couldn't forge it, he can't do it."

"Talent exhausted, yet you dare to do this? Is it courage? I think it's foolish."

Some inappropriate sounds rose, but they were all voice transmissions; no one dared to speak them directly.

"Alas, if only there were still talent, that would be good."

"Yes, lacking talent, forcing it like this might be wrong."

However, some sounds rose, not to belittle, but out of regret.

Gu Jin Nian currently has no talent in his body; that is not a good thing.

It is very likely to fail.

No, it should certainly fail.

Crack.

Thunder rumbled loudly, and the war chariot collapsed at this moment.

Wen Mansion trembled.

This time, it was Gu Jin Nian who destroyed the war chariot himself.

Now only the final step remains.

Under the gathering gazes.

Gu Jin Nian took a deep breath, then opened his eyes.

In an instant, winds and clouds shifted; a powerful aura spread outward, a gale swept the hall, blowing the cups on the table straight to the floor, where they shattered with a clear crack.

Everyone's clothes fluttered in the wind, yet all eyes remained fixed on Gu Jin Nian.

"Insufficient talent makes success absolutely impossible."

"Without talent, it's impossible to forge it by will alone."

Some will rose.

The talented ones of the Fuyu Dynasty stared at Gu Jin Nian one by one; their eyes held contempt.

Kong Yu gazed at Gu Jin Nian, his eyes full of anticipation, hoping for Gu Jin Nian's failure.

Su Wenjing, the Yongsheng Emperor, the Zhenguo Duke, Zhao Ru, and others all rose to their feet, looking at Gu Jin Nian, hoping he would succeed.

To become the first person in ancient and modern times to forge the Nine Refined War Chariot.

"Bring the brush."

Just at this moment.

Gu Jin Nian extended his hand; terrifying talent swirled around it, forming a talent brush.

In an instant, under the gathered gazes, there was only astonishment.

They could tell Gu Jin Nian was about to compose a poem.

Everyone looked at Gu Jin Nian, anticipating what timeless masterpiece he would write next.

"A great peng rises with the wind one day, soaring straight up ninety thousand li."

The next moment.

Gu Jin Nian lifted the talent brush in his hand, inscribing characters in the void, using the heavens as xuan paper.

Boom.

Boom.

Boom.

Blazing light erupted at this moment, a terrifying aura sweeping directly across the entire Wen Xin Hall.

Above the capital's heavenly dome, every character Gu Jin Nian wrote reflected upon the world.

Golden large characters emerged.

That rolling talent, from this moment onward like a vast ocean, surged into Gu Jin Nian's body.

Boom boom boom.

The sound of thunder echoed for a hundred li.

At this moment, five war chariots appeared again, but this time they were not bronze chariots; they were pure gold chariots, shining like the sun, dazzling and brilliant.

"Truly the Nine Refined War Chariot."

"Gu Jin Nian has composed another timeless masterpiece; this is simply unbelievable."

"Where is there such a monster? Where is there such a monster?"

"A single utterance from his embroidered mouth brings half an age of prosperity."

"A great peng rises with the wind one day, soaring straight up ninety thousand li—what a magnificent soaring ninety thousand li."

"Just this one sentence can be called timeless."

This moment.

Everyone in the hall erupted; these great scholars were excited beyond measure, clutching their fists as they gazed at Gu Jin Nian's poetry.

Just the beginning made them feel an unprecedented surge of vigor and passion.

And Gu Jin Nian lifted his brush and wrote without the slightest hesitation.

"Even if the wind ceases, he could still stir the vast seas."

"The world sees my constant odd tone; hearing my grand words, they all sneer."

"Even Confucius could fear the younger generation; a man should not underestimate youth."

This is by Li Yong; it is one of the timeless masterpieces of the poetic immortal, and also one of Gu Jin Nian's favorite poems.

A great peng rises with the wind in a single day, soaring straight up ninety thousand li.

At this moment, it also expresses Gu Jin Nian's entire state of mind.

From today onward.

The name Gu Jin Nian is famous throughout the world, letting everyone know it.

Soaring straight up ninety thousand li.

Talent surges.

Like a vast ocean, it sinks into the Wen Mansion.

Within the capital.

The common folk hearing this sound also tremble incessantly.

Again, a work for the ages.

Again, a work for the ages.

Moreover, this poem lets everyone feel Gu Jin Nian's surging heart.

Hot blood, like a volcano erupting.

Fighting spirit, transforming into a great peng spreading its wings.

Boundless talent sinks into the Wen Mansion; at this moment, a war chariot appears.

A golden war chariot, like five suns, brilliant to the extreme, yet still incomplete.

Terrifying talent sinks into the Wen Mansion, yet it cannot make the golden war chariot fully complete.

Still lacking a bit.

This poem is still not enough.

Gu Jin Nian, without any hesitation, picks up the brush again.

However, this poem, Gu Jin Nian casually writes another, purely to increase talent.

Without any particular care.

Nor does he consider any appropriateness; only talent is needed.

"Gold goblet of clear wine, ten thousand per cup; jade plate of delicacies, worth ten thousand cash."

"Setting down the cup and chopsticks, unable to eat; drawing the sword, looking around, the heart is bewildered."

"Desiring to cross the Yellow River, ice blocks the river; intending to climb the Taihang Mountains, snow fills the mountains."

"Idly, I fish by the green creek; suddenly I board a boat, dreaming of the sunrise."

"The road is hard, the road is hard, many diverging paths; where now shall I be?"

He puts brush to paper as if aided by a deity, without the slightest hesitation.

When the poem appears, everyone looks; their gazes are already numb.

Then, when Gu Jin Nian writes the final line, the numb gaze nonetheless shows a shock of brilliance.

"The long wind will break the waves at times; straightly hoist the cloud sail to cross the vast sea."

At this moment, the sound of applause echoes throughout the hall inside and out.

"Good, good a line: 'The long wind will break the waves at times; straightly hoist the cloud sail to cross the vast sea,' truly excellent."

"The road is hard, the road is hard, many diverging paths; the long wind will break the waves at times; straightly hoist the cloud sail to cross the vast sea, truly excellent."

"Gold goblet of clear wine, ten thousand per cup; jade plate of delicacies, worth ten thousand cash."

"Every word, every sentence surpasses all; it is something this old man could never write in his lifetime."

"Today's feast, this old man dies without regret, dies without regret."

"Great talent, great talent."

"His Highness the Crown Prince, he shall be the foremost in the poetry world."

"A single utterance from those embroidered lips brings half an age of prosperity."

"I am convinced."

Within the great hall, sounds arise one after another.

Everyone is utterly convinced.

This is utter, thorough conviction.

Gu Jin Nian, in just a single day, composes four timeless famous poems.

For an ordinary scholar, being able to write one in a lifetime is enough to bring glory to his ancestors.

But Gu Jin Nian, in one breath four poems, and each one moves the heart more than the last; truly he is a marvel of Confucian and Daoist talent.

At this very moment.

Within the Wen Mansion, six timeless literary stars glitter, accompanied by one state-protecting literary star, forming the Big Dipper.

Five war chariots, bathed in thunder, are born.

But in the end, still lacking a bit.

Lacking just a little.

But just then, within the scroll, a surge of Heaven's Mandate erupts, rushing into Gu Jin Nian's body.

Stabilize the war chariot.

Talent like the sea, supporting the Wen Mansion.

Five golden war chariots, fully revealed to the world.

Upon the war chariot.

Four figures appear, they are Gu Jin Nian's essence, spirit, and mind; standing in the war chariot, left hand holding the reins, right hand holding the heavenly halberd, like a war god.

Above the Wen Mansion's firmament, the timeless literary stars fall, light abundant; each war chariot likewise manifests nine-headed dragon horses.

This is a dragon horse, its body covered in dragon scales, with dragon horns, capable of transforming into a dragon.

It is said that only the ancient sages could ride a dragon horse.

A nine-headed dragon horse pulls a war chariot, a sight terrifying and invincible.

Five war chariots, but the middle one is vacant; Gu Jin Nian can drive the chariot and slay enemies before the formation.

Nine Refined War Chariot.

It was also completely forged at this moment.

All light, wildly converging inward.

It surged into Gu Jin Nian's body.

This is the great perfection of Establishing Speech.

Learned as five carts of books.

And at this moment, Gu Jin Nian stood on the chariot, his talent transforming into a heavenly halberd in his hand.

An unparalleled aura exalted Gu Jin Nian like a god.

The golden war chariot, like the sun.

Gu Jin Nian, like the child of the heavenly god, looks down upon all beings.

This appearance, unmatched.

Even a quasi-sage might not have such an appearance.

"Nine Refined War Chariot, the making of a sage."

"I."

"Su Wenjing."

"Paying respects to the Confucian-Dao Holy Son."

Just then.

Su Wenjing stepped forward, then bowed deeply to Gu Jin Nian.

Gu Jin Nian has great potential to become a sage.

Forging the Nine Refined War Chariot is also a symbol of a sage.

Although poetry is not the classics, Gu Jin Nian, despite his youth, has achieved this; such a person has no hope of becoming a sage in the future.

Then who can become a sage?

Therefore, the title Holy Son is no exaggeration.

At this moment, the remaining Confucian students were stunned.

But Zhao Ru's voice sounded second.

"I, Zhao Qingfei, pay respects to the Confucian-Dao Holy Son."

As Zhao Ru spoke.

No one hesitated any longer.

One by one, they performed the great rites.

Only because.

The two words "Holy Son".

Shocking ancient and modern times.

Throwing the Holy Grandson several hundred streets away.

(End of chapter)