The information from Three Mountains City swept through the land, electrifying the populace. Every word of Gu Hai’s solemn proclamation at Three Mountains City’s grave spread like wildfire, captivating the hearts and minds of the Han Imperial Dynasty’s citizenry.
In less than a year, the emperor had accomplished the unimaginable—obliterating the Spirit Mountain Holy Land and eradicating Jiang Gautama.
The Spirit Mountain Holy Land was a bastion of power and influence, surpassing even the grandeur of the Han Imperial Dynasty. Nevertheless, it had crumbled under the unstoppable might of the emperor.
The impact of this momentous event was felt in every corner of the one thousand four hundred cities, sparking a wave of awe and fervor among the citizens.
“Have you heard the news? His Reverence laid waste to the Spirit Mountain Holy Land and brought an end to Jiang Gautama!”
“Of course! My cousin is a Divine Demon Army soldier who took part in the assault on the Spirit Mountain Holy Land!”
“His Reverence had declared that the nation would not ascend to a heavenly dynasty before the destruction of the Spirit Mountain Holy Land! I thought the Han Imperial Dynasty would never become a heavenly dynasty. Now, it looks like…”
“Ascending to a heavenly dynasty is just a matter of time. However, I feel fortunate already just being a Han Nation citizen. His Reverence’s unwavering commitment to seeking justice for the people—even at risk to his life—is unparalleled!”
“Indeed. That was just Three Mountains City. Imagine if our city faced adversity. Knowing that His Reverence would come to our aid fills my heart with gratitude and reassurance!”
“The Wu Imperial Dynasty’s Imperial Emperor Wu pales in comparison to the compassion and dedication exhibited by His Reverence. We are truly fortunate to have such a remarkable sovereign in the Han Imperial Dynasty!”
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Such was the nature of the human heart. If the sovereign treated the people poorly, they might feel powerless to resist, but they would remember it deep inside. Conversely, when the sovereign showed kindness and benevolence, it would leave an indelible mark in their hearts even if they did not express it.
This was the power of popular sentiment. Through the solemn public memorial in Three Mountains City and the emperor’s unwavering pursuit of justice, the emotions of countless citizens erupted, reaching the pinnacle of approval for the Han Imperial Dynasty.
Despite the rapid expansion of the Han Imperial Dynasty, the loyalty and support of the people remained steadfast. This incident solidified their unity, transforming them into an unbreakable force.
In a remarkable display of gratitude and confidence, the people’s sentiments manifested as surges of blessings converging from all directions on Boundless Heavenly Capital and merging into the vast blessings cloud sea.
“Roar!”
A thunderous roar reverberated above the blessings cloud sea as the golden blessings dragon enlarged, radiating an unparalleled sense of tranquility and contentment.
The Han Imperial Dynasty stood prominently, its prosperity evident to all.
The popular sentiment supported Gu Hai. This was not limited to the Han Imperial Dynasty. When the news of this remarkable feat reached the ears of citizens of other factions, it ignited their envy.
“If only our sect master were as dedicated as Gu Hai!”
“I heard that the tax burden in the Han Imperial Dynasty is minimal, and Gu Hai even funds the construction of numerous training grounds for the citizens!”
“Just the other day, our neighbor Old Wang moved to the Han Imperial Dynasty under the pretext of visiting relatives. I heard that life there is far more prosperous than here!”
…
The citizens of the other factions engaged in hushed discussions.
The leaders of the six major factions neighboring the Han Imperial Dynasty gathered In a secluded hall. During the previous public memorial in Three Mountains City, the three imperial emperors and three sect masters had conspired with the Spirit Mountain Holy Land and the Ying Imperial Dynasty, planning a devastating blow against Gu Hai. Gu Hai had seen through their plot; however, he did not pursue the matter and only kept their heirs as hostages.
“Everyone, now that the Spirit Mountain Holy Land has fallen, what do you have to say?” an azure-clad sect master said with a frown.
Silence enveloped the chamber as the other five individuals pondered. After some time, a purple-clad imperial emperor sighed. “The Han Imperial Dynasty’s growth is unprecedented! How many spirit stones did it bring back from the Spirit Mountain Holy Land? However, never mind that. It now has the power to disregard all other imperial dynasties in the world!”
“Oh? How is that possible? We have the blessings cloud sea. If Gu Hai were to come to our capital, he would be powerless against us,” retorted a red-clad imperial emperor.
The earlier azure-clad sect master frowned. “Do you all recall the recent incident where Jiang Gautama pursued Crown Prince Gu Han? While you all received the news secondhand, I happened to be nearby at the time.”
“Oh?”
“Vairocana is like Jiang Lianshan, reaching the consummation of the Upper Heavenly Palace Realm. He might even be slightly stronger!” the azure-clad sect master said.
The room fell into a heavy silence, the tension palpable.
The red-clad imperial emperor’s face contorted in displeasure as he scoffed, “The consummation of the Upper Heavenly Palace Realm? Humph! If I drove my nation’s blessings, there’s no guarantee—”
The azure-clad sect master interrupted with a grim expression, “You might not be aware of it, but I went in secret and witnessed the battle to destroy the Spirit Mountain Holy Land. Those rumors of three Jiang Gautamas are true.”
“Oh?”
“There were two individuals identical to Jiang Gautama, and what’s more, their auras were even more formidable than his. There were three consummate Upper Heavenly Palace Realm cultivators, yet Gu Hai eliminated them. Furthermore, he has a close relationship with Chiyou!” The azure-clad sect master’s voice carried a mix of dismay and concern.
The purple-clad imperial emperor nodded solemnly. “My son is in Boundless Heavenly Capital as a hostage. When Gu Hai returned, my son overheard their conversation. Perhaps Gu Hai had no intention of concealing anything in the first place.”
“What did he find out?” Everyone looked at the purple-clad imperial emperor.
In a heavy voice, the purple-clad imperial emperor said, “The second crown prince, Gu Han, has returned to the Han Imperial Dynasty. He is now at the consummation of the Upper Heavenly Palace Realm. Shangguan Hen, the Han Imperial Dynasty’s Black Tortoise Prime, has also returned and likewise reached the consummation of the Upper Heavenly Palace Realm!”
“Three consummate Upper Heavenly Palace Realm cultivators? And there’s the enigmatic Gu Hai?” his listeners exclaimed in astonishment.
“These are signs of a heavenly dynasty! I believe the Han Imperial Dynasty’s elevation to a heavenly dynasty is within reach!” declared the azure-robed sect master, his voice sinking.
A moment of silence engulfed the room.
“In their conquest of the Spirit Mountain Holy Land, the Han Imperial Dynasty did not seize the enemy’s cities. Instead, it instigated internal discord, causing the Spirit Mountain Holy Land’s blessings to scatter. Hence, it did not acquire much blessings from the Spirit Mountain Holy Land. I speculate that if the Han Imperial Dynasty intends to ascend to a heavenly dynasty, it may require additional blessings. And these blessings…,” the azure-robed sect master trailed off.
The other five’s faces darkened at the azure-robed sect master’s words, as their factions neighbored the Han Imperial Dynasty. Expanding territory was the most effective way to gain blessings.
“Are we destined to become enemies with the Han Imperial Dynasty?” The purple-clad emperor’s expression turned grim.
Silence again fell upon the room.
However, the azure-robed sect master shook his head. “I am not preparing for war!”
“Oh?” The other five looked at the azure-robed sect master with confusion.
“The Han Imperial Dynasty is currently flourishing; no one can stop its momentum. Just look at the Spirit Mountain Holy Land. Haha! Instead of facing it in battle at a later time, why not…,” the azure-robed sect master trailed off.
“Are you suggesting surrendering to the Han Imperial Dynasty? Bending your knee and becoming a subject?” The purple-clad imperial emperor’s eyes widened.
“Why not? Confronting them in battle, only to have our cities seized again, has a different outcome from submitting to them now. If I were to offer my one hundred cities as a gesture of loyalty, I might even become a vassal ruler. My sect could survive!” the azure-robed sect master declared with conviction.
“Hahaha! Are you forsaking your sect’s legacy?” the purple-clad imperial emperor laughed, wide-eyed.
“Legacy? Can’t you see that the world is changing?” The azure-robed sect master shook his head.
The other five faction leaders’ expressions changed; then each fell silent.
Hand over their legacies? No one was willing to do so. However, the azure-robed sect master’s words today had shaken everyone.
Should they cling to their legacies or exchange them for possible status in the Han Imperial Dynasty? Everyone was torn.
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Borderless Heavenly Capital:
Gao Xianzhi and Ao Sheng returned with an army of two hundred thousand soldiers.
“Your Reverence, I slew the five million disciples of the Spirit Mountain Holy Land. Please punish me!” Gao Xianzhi pleaded guilty to his failure.
“We are equally responsible as Milord!” The Divine Demon Army soldiers assigned to him knelt down.
“Gao Xianzhi made a decisive move and helped me defeat Jiang Gautama. What crime is there? I should reward him generously!” Gu Hai guffawed.
Having understood everything, Gu Hai felt a wave of gratitude. It was fortunate that Gao Xianzhi had been decisive; otherwise, both Vairocana and Gu Hai himself would have been in trouble.
Gao Xianzhi received a reward, and the Divine Demon Army soldiers accepted this joyful outcome with confusion.
Borderless Heavenly Capital regained its tranquility.
Ao Sheng and the Mosquito Daoist envied Shangguan Hen’s cultivation. They clung to Shangguan Hen, refusing to let go, seeking guidance on cultivation every day. Shangguan Hen concealed nothing and openly shared his knowledge. Although their cultivation paths were different, as long as it could help them, Shangguan Hen held nothing back.
With the ancestor dragon’s dragon pearl and inheritance, Ao Sheng’s cultivation soared under Shangguan Hen’s guidance. The Mosquito Daoist’s cultivation also increased but to a limited extent. According to Shangguan Hen, Kong Xuan’s cultivation would also grow significantly, provoking a sense of urgency.
“In the past, I thought guarding Borderless Heavenly Capital was the easiest task, not having to venture out and take risks. A very safe job! However, why does it feel like guarding Borderless Heavenly Capital is the most useless thing to do? I have to go out with His Reverence. Be it Kong Xuan or Shangguan Hen, their cultivations increase whenever they follow His Reverence outside. No, I have to go next time. I will no longer stay and guard the city!” the Mosquito Daoist exclaimed anxiously.
Despite his extreme caution, the Mosquito Daoist could not bear watching everyone who accompanied Gu Hai on dangerous expeditions reap tremendous rewards.
While Gu Han was busy reestablishing the Nalanda Temple, he bonded with Gu Qin. He also sought mutual verification of Buddhist insights with Vairocana and was astounded by Vairocana’s Buddhist teachings. He was immensely curious about Vairocana, but the latter never revealed his origins, and it was inappropriate for Gu Han to inquire further.
Lifespan Court:
The Unborn Man had obtained the cultivation techniques of Earth’s Fuxi. In recent days, wisps of white and black energies occasionally emanated from his body. He seemed like he had gained enlightenment.
After handling some political affairs, Gu Hai entered the Gu’s Immortal Firmament.
One day in the outside world equaled ten years inside.
In outer space, Kong Xuan had devoured a thousand Jiang Gautama replicas over the past twenty years. A boundless, black demonic aura wreathed his body, indicating a significant growth in his cultivation.
Gu Hai didn’t pay him any attention. Instead, he went to the seaside. Along the coastline were some palaces enveloped in a ritual array. The palaces were pristine yet eerily empty.
Gu Hai stepped into the array and entered the central palace.
Inside, Chen Xianer was surrounded by a layer of white mist, apparently immersed in cultivation.
At the sight of Chen Xianer, a faint smile of relief appeared in Gu Hai’s eyes.
Xianer is alive? Perhaps this is my greatest achievement in all these decades!
Gu Hai had many things to say to Chen Xianer. However, he did not disturb her at this critical moment of her cultivation but instead carefully closed the doors and stood guard.
Extending his hand, Gu Hai waved.
Whoosh!
A plain and simple azure lamp flew over from a distance. It was none other than the Candle Epoch Azure Lamp, one of the top sixteen ancient treasures.
“Hey?! Where is the Reincarnation Pool?” Gu Hai exclaimed in surprise.
Gu Hai obtained not only the Candle Epoch Azure Lamp during his battle against the Spirit Mountain Holy Land but also the Reincarnation Pool. However, the Reincarnation Pool had not appeared when he waved his hand.
Gu Hai searched in confusion, but there was no trace of the Reincarnation Pool in the entire Gu’s Immortal Firmament.
“Gone? It’s impossible for it to disappear for no reason!” Gu Hai furrowed his brow, puzzled.
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