I am a boss in the world of nine uncles

Xiqi, inside the city gate tower.

As Uncle Nine struggled to open his eyes, the seal that Jiang Ziya had placed on King Zhou collapsed completely.

In fact, this seal was only used to contain King Zhou, to prevent him from causing any unexpected trouble during the brief interval of their departure.

That being said, only someone as destined for greatness as Jiang Ziya could do this with Qin Yao's cooperation; otherwise, the backlash alone would be enough to give any immortal or god a headache.

"How do you feel?" Qin Yao asked with a smile, standing in front of King Zhou's physical body in the form of Jiang Ziya.

"Such a powerful imperial aura!" Uncle Nine exclaimed.

Just as Qin Yao was about to speak, a line of system characters suddenly appeared as expected:

[System Task: Confer Godhood on Behalf of Heaven.]

[Task Details: The Heavenly Emperor needs to establish a complete divine administrative system to manage the three realms of Heaven, Earth, and Water—the movement of stars, wind, rain, thunder, lightning, plagues, disasters, birth, aging, sickness, and death.]

These crucial divine positions could not be given to random, wandering ghosts. Therefore, under the pretext of a "divine calamity," the disciples of the Human Sect, the Chan Sect, and the Jie Sect were required to "submit" and fill the divine positions.

The three religions therefore jointly discussed the Investiture of the Gods, thus establishing the Investiture of the Gods List and related details. [Please obtain the qualification to be appointed as a deity, acting on behalf of Heaven to bestow titles upon the gods.]

[Task Rewards: Determined based on task completion.]

Staring at the characters before him, Qin Yao suddenly transmitted his voice, "Master, have you received a new mission?"

"No, it's still a mission to protect the merchants," Uncle Nine replied.

Qin Yao nodded slightly and suddenly said, "You should go back to Chaoge yourself. I need to go to Yuxu Palace immediately."

Uncle Nine asked, "What are we going to Jade Void Palace for?"

Qin Yao said with a firm gaze, "Strive to become an agent of the Chan Sect."

Uncle Nine paused slightly, as if deep in thought.

half an hour.

Wearing a white Taoist robe, Qin Yao rode the wind and slowly flew down into Kunlun Mountain, stepping directly into the Jade Void Palace.

In the blink of an eye, he had figured out the layout of the palace. He walked to the front of the temple, cupped his hands and bowed, saying, "Ziya requests an audience with his master."

Inside the gleaming hall, Yuanshi Tianzun slowly opened his eyes from his cloud bed and said in a deep voice, "Come in."

"Thank you, Master." Qin Yao silently lowered his arms and entered calmly.

"Ziya, aren't you an official in Chaoge? What brings you here to see me?" Yuanshi Tianzun asked with a smile as he watched him stop in the middle of the temple.

Qin Yao said, "I have a question for my master."

"What's the problem?" Yuanshi Tianzun's attitude remained nonchalant, as if he wanted to use this to warn the other party that they were going against the will of the Chan Sect.

"Which is more important, face or substance? Or rather, which is more important, reputation or tradition?" Qin Yao's opening line was a direct and impactful question.

Yuanshi Tianzun narrowed his eyes and sat up straight: "What do you mean?"

"I heard that you mentioned supporting the Zhou dynasty and destroying the Shang dynasty when the three religions were discussing the Investiture of the Gods, which led to the Phoenix Crying on Mount Qi and the various forms of support from the Chan religion to Xiqi."

However, judging from the current outcome, King Zhou and the Shang Dynasty still hold the moral high ground.

Given this premise, even if we overthrow it using the power of immortality, is that something to be proud of?
Moreover, King Zhou has Nuwa and the Three Sovereigns behind him. Are your real opponents Nuwa and the Three Sovereigns? Qin Yao said seriously.

Yuanshi Tianzun fell into deep thought.

Who is his real opponent?

In fact, after the Heavenly Emperor demanded that the three religions confer divine titles and the three religions jointly signed the Investiture of the Gods list, his opponents became the Human Religion and the Intercepting Religion.

After all, the essence of the Investiture of the Gods is the bestowal of godhood upon the dead.

Once you embark on the path of the gods, you will first lose your freedom, and secondly, you will lose the infinite possibilities of the future.

Which of the three religions' practitioners with any aspirations would be willing to be on the list?

That's why the question Jiang Ziya is asking now is so meaningful.

Is it worth offending Nuwa and the Three Sovereigns just to save face?

Especially in the context of this debate over the Investiture of the Gods.

"So, what exactly are you trying to say?"

After a long pause, Yuanshi Tianzun did not give a definite answer, but instead continued to press Qin Yao for his purpose.

"What I want to say is that the Chan Sect must figure out who the enemy is and focus its counterattacks and efforts on the enemy, instead of wasting them on meaningless things, only to have their base attacked at a crucial moment," Qin Yao said.

Yuanshi looked him up and down and asked, "Who do you think the enemy is?"

"The Human Teachings and the Intercepting Teachings".

Qin Yao replied without hesitation, "After all, it's the Investiture of the Gods jointly signed by the three religions, and it doesn't include the Western Religion or the Nuwa Palace!"

The Primordial Celestial Venerable asked, "What do you think the Jade Void Palace should do?"

"The Jie Sect claims to have ten thousand immortals paying homage, but in reality, its teachings are too mixed, emphasizing techniques over the Dao. Most of its disciples have shallow roots and are a chaotic and corrupt group."

"Therefore, I think we can turn Xiqi into a trap, burying and killing those demon immortals who disregard fate, recklessly dabble in the mortal world, and defy the heavens," Qin Yao said slowly.

These words, especially the first half, truly resonated with the heart of the Primordial Celestial Venerable.

From beginning to end, his greatest dissatisfaction with the Jie Sect, or rather with Tongtian, lay in their indiscriminate teaching of the eight characters "education for all without discrimination."

The idea of ​​cutting off a lifeline for all living beings sounds noble, but in reality, if you give too much, too indiscriminately, and too indiscriminately, you disrupt the natural order and hierarchy that should exist in the Way of Heaven.

That's why, when he discovered that there were more and more evil spirits in the Jie Sect and that the immortal sect was almost turning into a demonic sect, he no longer wanted to go to the Tongtian Sect Master.

As for the latter half, from a realistic perspective, it does have its merits.

But this also means that if he does this, the bottom line for becoming a deity will be crossed; at that point, he will be locked in a life-or-death struggle with Tongtianzhen...

"Why should the Jie Sect protect the Zhou Dynasty?"

Before long, Yuanshi Tianzun still refused to express his opinion and continued to ask questions.

Qin Yao said with shining eyes, "I have summarized three core points. Please enlighten me, Master."

“Speak!” Yuanshi Tianzun said calmly.

Qin Yao said, "The first key figure is Shen Gongbao in the Western Zhou Dynasty. Master is also familiar with his personality and character. He is fond of associating with demon immortals, and boasts about his extensive network of connections."

It seemed that the more demons and immortals he knew, the higher his own status became.

Moreover, his mouth is extremely persuasive.

As long as he's willing to travel the world and recruit disciples from the outer perimeter of the Jie Sect to protect Zhou, he can definitely drag the Jie Sect into this huge pit little by little, from the outer sect to the inner sect, from the inner sect to the elites, and from the elites to the leader of the Jie Sect.

Once he gained power, his disciples from the Jie Sect would not care about the Western Zhou or the Shang dynasties at all; they would only descend the mountain one after another out of camaraderie, respect for their master, loyalty to the martial world, and personal obsession, risking their lives to fulfill his wishes.

The second core element is the unique characteristics of the Jie Sect itself.

The demon immortals of the Jie Sect are mostly reckless and impulsive. Once their blood boils, even if the Tongtian Sect Leader personally instructs them to stay in their caves and silently recite the Yellow Court Classic, they will not listen. Instead, they will insist on their own way until they die and their cultivation dissipates.

The third core, as the first two cores continue to take effect, will gradually lead the Tongtian Sect Leader to realize that this is no longer a question of whether or not to protect Xiqi, but a major matter of 'protecting the sect'.

At that time, he will definitely risk everything to defy fate.

As the saying goes, "Whom the gods would destroy, they first make mad," and this is exactly the case.

Moreover, don't you think that Xiqi's rebellious image is more suitable for the Jie Sect?
"A bunch of traitors, how can they possibly be even slightly compatible with my glorious and righteous Chan Sect?"

Yuanshi Tianzun nodded unconsciously, without even realizing it himself. "Master, these are all my heartfelt words, a comprehensive analysis based on the current situation."

"I hope you will seriously consider this and make the most rational and wise decision to help my fellow disciples of the Chan Sect avoid this calamity, and to use this great calamity to make the Chan Sect the leader of all holy sects," Qin Yao finally said.

Yuanshi Tianzun waved his hand and said, "I will think it over carefully. You may leave now."

"Yes." Qin Yao bowed respectfully and calmly withdrew.

He believed that Yuanshi Tianzun would definitely stand on the side of "justice," as for his statement about supporting Xiqi when the three religions discussed the Investiture of the Gods...

If you want to explain it, it's very easy to explain.

Sending Shen Gongbao down to earth to protect the Zhou dynasty does not count as supporting Xiqi.

Sending three Golden Immortals and the Vice Master to guard Xiqi City does not count as supporting Xiqi.

Therefore, the most crucial thing is the hurdle in Yuanshi's heart.

If he can overcome this obstacle, then the Yin and Shang dynasties will be overjoyed.

If he can't get over it, then Qin Yao will have to think of another way.

"Senior brother..."

A short while later, just as Qin Yao was admiringly strolling through Kunlun, a shout suddenly reached his ears.

Looking in the direction of the sound, he saw Shen Gongbao, dressed in purple robes, shrinking the distance between them and moving swiftly towards him, arriving in front of him in a few flashes...

"Brother, what advice do you have?" Qin Yao asked with a smile.

Shen Gongbao said, "I would like to ask my senior brother for a favor."

"What's the matter?"

"To work with Boyi Kao, we should jointly advise or plead with King Zhou to release Ji Fa back to Xiqi to inherit the legacy of the Marquis of Xibo."

Shen Gongbao said, "After all, it was Ji Chang who became king, not Ji Fa. If Boyi Kao could avoid being implicated, why couldn't he?"

Qin Yao shook his head: "Brother, have you perhaps forgotten something?"
The origin of this battle was not Ji Chang's claim to the throne, but rather Ji Fa's refusal to go to Chaoge to submit to the emperor.

In other words, his greatest sin was his act of astral projection and storming the palace with a sword.

Shen Gongbao waved his hands repeatedly: "That is not true... I have heard the Second Young Master mention this matter. He did indeed break into the palace with a sword, but he did not intend to assassinate King Zhou. Rather, he was acting on the orders of Heaven to kill the Great Dragon God of Rain."

This is purely a misunderstanding. If the eldest son and you were to intercede on his behalf and clear up the misunderstanding, surely a major issue could be resolved peacefully.

Qin Yao said, "I really can't help you. Because of my identity as a celestial being of the Chan Sect, if I were to try my best to save Ji Fa as you say, it might backfire."

Shen Gongbao was greatly disappointed, but he was unwilling to give up easily: "Let's not talk about that for now. How about I treat my senior brother to a drink?"

Qin Yao said, "I don't want to drink now, I just want to wander around in the mountains; I used to be so focused on cultivating the Tao that I overlooked how beautiful the scenery of Kunlun is."

Shen Gongbao's lips twitched, and he said, "Then I'll accompany my senior brother for a stroll, and we can chat and have a heart-to-heart talk."

soon.

Just as the two arrived at a waterfall, the White Crane Boy suddenly flew over and said loudly, "Uncle Shen, the Sage has summoned you."

Shen Gongbao was taken aback for a moment, then asked, "Why did you summon me?"

“I don’t know, you should ask the sage yourself,” said the White Crane Boy.

Shen Gongbao felt inexplicably nervous.

After all, he suffered a crushing defeat on the battlefield of Xiqi, which somewhat tarnished the reputation of Yuxu Palace.

His master, however, valued his reputation above all else…

"Brother, don't just stand there, go on your way," Qin Yao said, waving his hand.

Shen Gongbao secretly exhaled a breath of stale air, smiled at him, and headed straight for the temple...

"Shen Gongbao pays respects to his master."

Before long, upon entering the door, Shen Gongbao immediately performed a grand salute, prostrating himself on the ground.

"Get up," said Yuanshi Tianzun, raising his hand.

Shen Gongbao stood up nimbly, his face full of fawning smiles: "Master, what are your orders?"

The Primordial Celestial Venerable asked, "Can you do whatever I command?"

Shen Gongbao immediately replied solemnly, "I can do it, I can do it. This disciple will do my best and go through fire and water for Master and for Yuxu Palace."

Yuanshi Tianzun couldn't help but smile: "Very good. I do have one request for you: from now on, when you are protecting Zhou and resisting Shang, seek help from the Jiejiao immortals more often and ask the Chanjiao immortals for help less often."

Shen Gongbao was stunned for a moment, then asked in confusion, "Master, why is this? I am clearly a disciple of the Chan Sect!"

"The reason is simple: the calamity will inevitably fall on the war between Shang and Zhou, and the closer to the calamity, the higher the level of danger."

If you keep coming to find the immortals of the Chan Sect, the karmic consequences of their killings will naturally become heavier and heavier; when they become so heavy that they suppress their own fortune, they will face death.

"Shen Gongbao, you don't want to become the jinx of the Chan Sect, do you?" Yuanshi Tianzun explained.

Shen Gongbao: "..."

"Any more questions?" Seeing his speechless expression, Yuanshi Tianzun spoke again.

Shen Gongbao took a deep breath, clasped his hands in a fist and said, "No, this disciple will take his leave."

Yuanshi Tianzun nodded slightly, and after watching him leave, he suddenly said softly, "White Crane Boy, summon Jiang Ziya again."

“Yes, sir.” Outside the temple gate, the White Crane Boy bowed in response.

A short while later.

Qin Yao slowly stepped into the main hall and bowed, saying, "Master."

The Primordial Celestial Venerable silently summoned a wooden whip, three feet six and a half inches long, divided into twenty-one sections and engraved with eighty-four talismans, and pushed it through the air in front of him:
"This is the God-Slaying Whip, which, together with the Investiture of the Gods, forms a set of magical artifacts."

However, I cannot give you the Investiture of the Gods right now. You need to build the Investiture Platform first before you can come to me to receive the Investiture of the Gods.

When the Investiture of the Gods list and the Investiture Platform were combined, all immortals and mortals who died in the confrontation between the Shang and Zhou dynasties had the opportunity to be listed and become gods.

Qin Yao reached out and took the God-Slaying Whip, asking, "May I ask, Master, are there any requirements for the establishment of this Conferred God Platform?"

The Primordial Celestial Venerable slowly spoke: "The platform is divided into three levels, each with nine steps. An altar is set up at the top level. When you obtain the Investiture of the Gods, hang the list on the altar, and it will naturally sense the countless wandering souls in the world."

Qin Yao paused slightly, as if he wanted to say something but then stopped.

This is the biggest difference between the Investiture of the Gods and the original novel.

In the original story, Yuanshi Tianzun personally guided Jiang Ziya to the East Sea to find Bai Jian. As a result, Bai Jian became the builder of the Investiture Platform. When the gods were conferred, he was appointed as the leader of the Three Realms and the 365 Pure Blessing Gods of the Eight Departments, ranking first on the Investiture List.

This plot point is not present in the novel *The Investiture of the Gods*.

So here's the question: if Bai Jian didn't even appear, how was the final Investiture of the Gods made?

The answer is that Jiang Ziya threw the Investiture of the Gods into the air, and countless names appeared in the air that were too numerous to see. And then... that was it.

That's right.

It's over.

Who was conferred the title of which god is completely unknown, which can be said to have taken the process of obfuscation to the extreme.

However, on the other hand, this difference might not necessarily be a bad thing for Qin Yao... (End of Chapter)