Honghuang: Fire De Huaguang, I am the Horse King of Human Education

"If you are not an enemy, why are you traveling with rebels? My husband, have you forgotten that you are a subject of the Shang dynasty?"

Li Jing's expression shifted repeatedly before he finally let out a long sigh.

"Madam, there are some things you don't understand. My master's kindness to me is immeasurable."

Before he could finish speaking, they suddenly saw billowing dust on the distant horizon, and a troop of merchant soldiers approaching with their banners waving. The leading general shouted.

"Commander of Chentang Pass, listen to my command!"

General Huang has ordered strict precautions to prevent the remnants of the Xiqi army from sneaking into the pass!

Upon hearing this, Lady Yin perked up and looked at Li Jing.

"Husband, did you hear that? General Huang's orders are right here. Are you still going to be so stubborn?"

Li Jing was caught in a dilemma: on one side was his mentor and years of planning, on the other was his wife and the imperial military orders. Seeing this, Ran Deng said calmly.

“Disciple, since Madam does not welcome us, we will not go in. But you should take care of your tribulation in three days.”

These seemingly ordinary words sent a chill down Li Jing's spine.

He knew all too well that undergoing the tribulation of lightning was extremely dangerous, and without his master's protection, he would likely face a nine-out-of-ten chance of death. He steeled his resolve and sternly addressed Madam Yin.

"If you continue to obstruct me, my wife, don't blame me for disregarding our marital bond!"

Madam Yin looked at her husband in disbelief, tears welling up in her eyes.

"Li Jing! Are you really going to rebel?"

Just then, a cry of alarm suddenly came from the city wall.

"General! Remnants of the Xiqi army have been spotted outside the pass and are knocking on the gates, begging to enter!"

The crowd looked in the direction of the sound and, sure enough, saw dust billowing outside the pass, and a group of remnants of the army were knocking on the door.

The one leading the group was none other than Ji Fa, who was in a sorry state!
It turned out that the Xiqi army had been pursued by Huang Feihu all the way and had unknowingly escaped to the outside of Chentang Pass.

Ji Fa saw that the door was tightly shut and cried out in alarm.

"Open the door! I am Ji Fa, the Marquis of Xibo!"

Li Jing's expression changed drastically. If Ji Fa were allowed to enter the pass at this moment, it would confirm his reputation as a traitor.

But if I don't let go, my master is right beside me.
Suddenly, Ran Deng gave Jiang Ziya a wink, and Jiang Ziya understood and raised his voice.

"Your Highness, please do not be anxious, this humble Taoist is here!"

After saying this, he rode a cloud and flew towards the border.

Upon seeing this, Lady Yin brandished her Qingfeng sword.

"Stop him!"

The Qiankun Bow on the city wall immediately changed direction, and the Zhentian Arrow whistled as it shot towards Jiang Ziya.

With a flick of his sleeve, the arrows snapped in mid-air.

He said to Li Jing.

"My disciple, if you don't act now, when will you?"

Li Jing gritted his teeth, and the golden pagoda suddenly enlarged, pressing down on Lady Yin.

"Madam, I'm so sorry!"

Lady Yin raised her sword to meet the attack, but her cultivation was far inferior to Li Jing's, and she was forced to retreat steadily under the pressure of the pagoda's golden light.

Jiang Ziya, who was outside the pass, had already met Ji Fa and was about to lead him into the pass.

Just at this critical moment, a clear shout suddenly came from the sky.

"stop!"

Hua Guang and Kong Xuan arrived on clouds, the Kongtong Seal hovering high in the air, radiating immense pressure.

Hua's gaze swept across the field, finally settling on Ran Deng.

"Fellow Daoist Ran Deng, it is beneath your dignity to bully the weak with your superior strength."

The lamp's expression remained unchanged.

"Fellow Daoist Huaguang, you've come at the right time. This matter has nothing to do with you, why bother getting involved?"

Hua Guang said calmly.

"People of the world should manage the affairs of the world."

not to mention."

He looked at Madam Yin, who was struggling to hold on.

“It is despicable to bully women.”

Li Jing blushed with embarrassment at his words, but he didn't take back the golden pagoda at all. Lady Yin, finally getting a chance to catch her breath, hurriedly said...

"Be careful, Immortal Master!"
They want to let the rebels from Xiqi enter the pass!

Hua Guang nodded.

"Rest assured, my lady, with me here, no one can break through Chentang Pass."

The lamp finally changed color.

"Huaguang, do you really intend to become an enemy of my Chan Sect?"

Hua Guang chuckled softly.

"It is the Chan Sect that wants to be an enemy of the human race."

The Kongtong Seal suddenly enlarged, and the phantom of the Black Bird soared into the air, emitting a clear and melodious cry.

Outside the pass, Huang Feihu's army had already arrived and surrounded the remnants of Xiqi's army.

Ji Fa's face was ashen as he watched the sudden turn of events behind him with despair.

Jiang Ziya stood protectively in front of him, his face also looking very grim.

Ran Deng let out a long sigh.

"In that case, let's see who's the best."

An ancient lamp flew out from his sleeve, its flame flickering and emitting a chilling aura.

Kong Xuan quietly stood in front of Hua Guang.

"Fellow Daoist, be careful, this is the natal coffin lamp of Randeng."

Hua Guang, however, was not afraid at all, and the Kongtong Seal slowly rotated.

"I've long wanted to experience the brilliance of the Chan Sect."

A major battle was imminent, and the sky above Chentang Pass was filled with a dramatic change in color.

Li Jing watched the two sides facing off, cold sweat beading on his forehead.

On one side was his mentor, and on the other was a pillar of the imperial court. He would not want to see either side injured.

"Madam Yin suddenly said."

"Husband! It's not too late to turn back now!"

Li Jing shuddered, and the light from the golden pagoda flickered slightly. Ran Deng shouted sternly.

"Disciple! Do not forget the tribulation of lightning three days from now!"

These words struck Li Jing like a thunderbolt, and his gaze hardened once more. The pagoda shone with an even brighter golden light, seemingly poised to crush both Hua Guang and Lady Yin simultaneously!
Hua Guang shook his head and sighed.

"Obsessive."

The Kongtong Seal crashed down, colliding with the golden pagoda.

A deafening roar suddenly resounded throughout the world!
Li Jing's face was ashen, and his imposing aura surged towards Lady Yin.

Madam Yin swayed, fine beads of sweat appearing on her forehead, and she barely managed to stand steady by leaning on her sword.

She gritted her teeth, her eyes blazing.

"If my husband insists on welcoming the rebels into the manor today, he will be betraying the Great Shang Dynasty and the imperial court!"

"Why must you be so stubborn, madam?"

Li Jing's voice was low and tinged with helplessness.

"With Master here, how can we refuse to let him in?"

Lady Yin refused to budge an inch.

"Even if the Heavenly Venerable himself were to appear, he would still need to distinguish between good and evil! Jiang Ziya is a wanted criminal by the court. If my husband were to associate with him, I would rather die on the spot!"

Ran Deng said calmly from the side.

"What a strong-willed woman. My disciple, could it be that your General's Mansion is actually run by the Madam?"

These words made Li Jing's face turn red.

He suddenly waved his hand, and a golden light bound Lady Yin completely.

"Madam is tired and needs to rest well."

He turned and shouted at his personal guards.

"Escort the lady back to her room. Without my order, she is not to step out even a step!"

Lady Yin stared wide-eyed in disbelief, about to speak again, but her mouth was sealed shut by magic, and she could only watch helplessly as the soldiers stepped forward.

As she was led away, the disappointment and heartache in her eyes made Li Jing turn his face away.

"I'm sorry for making a fool of myself in front of my master."

Li Jing forced a smile and bowed to greet him.

"Please come into my residence for a chat."

Randeng and Jiang Ziya exchanged a glance, then followed Li Jing into the general's mansion.

The guards in the manor saw that the general was personally leading the guests, and although they felt that the newcomers were unfamiliar, they did not dare to ask any questions.

Inside the council hall, incense smoke curled upwards from the burner. Li Jing dismissed his attendants and personally poured tea for the two men. Ran Deng took a small sip and suddenly spoke.

"My disciple, do you know why I have come here specifically?"

Li Jing said respectfully.

"Master, please clarify."

Light the lamp and set down the teacup.

"You will undergo a tribulation of lightning in three days. With your current cultivation level, the chance of success is less than 30%."

Seeing that Li Jing's face had turned pale, he changed the subject.

"But if one receives the assistance of the fortune of Xiqi, not only will one be free from tribulations, but one can also directly attain the path to immortality."

The teacup in Li Jing's hand trembled slightly.

"What does Master mean?"

"It's very simple."

The lamp's light was as sharp as lightning.

"You will surrender the pass to the Zhou dynasty. At that time, you will become a founding hero, enjoy the dynasty's fortune, and your cultivation will advance by leaps and bounds."

Li Jing gasped.

“But Chentang Pass is a strategically important military town, and the imperial court…” Jiang Ziya interjected.

"General Li, there is no need to worry. Xiqi has already received the help of the Heavenly Court, and it will soon be able to take Chaoge directly. A wise bird chooses a good tree to perch on, and the general should understand the general situation."

Li Jing fell silent, his fingertips unconsciously tracing the rim of his teacup. Only the wisps of smoke from the incense burner filled the hall, obscuring everyone's faces.

After a long while, Li Jing finally looked up, his eyes filled with determination.

"Disciple is willing to follow Master's arrangements."

Ran Deng revealed a satisfied expression.

"Very good. However..."

He changed the subject.

"Now that you've entered Xiqi, you must pledge your allegiance. Your wife was so fierce just now; if you spare her life, she might cause trouble in the future."

Li Jing was startled.

"Master wants it."

"Take his head to show your determination."

Ran Deng spoke in a calm tone, as if he were talking about a trivial matter.

The teacup in Li Jing's hand fell to the ground with a thud and shattered into pieces.

His face turned deathly pale, and he shook his head repeatedly.

"No! My wife has been with me for decades, sharing joys and sorrows. How can I..."

Ran Deng got up to leave.

"In that case, pretend I never said anything. The tribulation will begin in three days. You'd better prepare yourself."

Jiang Ziya also stood up and sighed.

"What a pity to have such an opportunity to become an immortal."

As the two reached the door, Li Jing suddenly shouted hoarsely.

"Wait a minute!"

Ran Deng paused slightly, but did not turn around.

"Have you figured it out?"

Li Jing clenched his fists so tightly that his nails dug deep into his palms.

The disappointed look in Madam Yin's eyes flashed before his eyes, and he recalled the terrifying scene of being annihilated by lightning.

Ultimately, the allure of immortality prevailed.

"Disciple obeys."

Upon uttering those four words, Li Jing seemed to have all his strength drained away, and he staggered and fell to the ground.

Then Ran Deng turned around and took out a jade bottle.

"This is the Nine-Turn Golden Elixir, which can help you overcome your tribulation. There will be a great reward after the task is accomplished."

Li Jing accepted the jade bottle with trembling hands, but there was no joy in his eyes. Randeng and Jiang Ziya exchanged a smile and quietly left.

Li Jing was the only one left in the hall, slumped on the ground, staring blankly at the jade bottle in his hand.

Suddenly, thunder roared outside the window, and a torrential downpour began.

A bolt of lightning ripped through the sky, illuminating his pale face.

After an unknown amount of time, Li Jing slowly got up and straightened his clothes.

He pushed open the hall door and addressed the guards standing outside.

"Prepare wine and dishes; I will be having dinner with my wife."

The guards obeyed and left. Li Jing walked alone through the corridor and arrived at the courtyard where Lady Yin was being held captive. The guards, seeing him, quickly saluted and let him pass.

Inside, Madam Yin stood by the window, gazing at the torrential rain outside. Hearing the door open, she didn't turn around.

"Has my husband come to take my life?"

Li Jing paused, then forced a smile.

"Madam, why do you say that? What I did just now was merely a temporary measure."

Madam Yin turned around, her eyes clear.

"We've been husband and wife for decades, do you think I can't see through your thoughts?"

She gently stroked the window frame.

"That year, on a rainy day like this, you and I made a vow in the rain to be of one heart for life and to guard Chentang together."

Li Jing's Adam's apple bobbed, unable to speak.

"My husband, do you still remember why you named our third son Nezha?"

Madam Yin suddenly asked.

Li Jing was taken aback.

"Because he was born holding the Universe Ring and wearing the Heaven-Shattering Ribbon."

"Yes."

Lady Yin said quietly.

"At that time you said that this child was destined to be extraordinary and that he should be allowed to protect the lights of every household in Chentang Pass."

She turned and looked directly at Li Jing.

"Now, my husband wants to destroy all of this with his own hands?"

Li Jing avoided her gaze.

"Madam does not understand. The path of cultivation is arduous. If we do not seize this opportunity..."

"So you're going to trade my life for your path to immortality?"

Madam Yin spoke softly, yet every word was piercing to the heart.

Li Jing suddenly looked up.

"I will not let you die! When I become an immortal, I will definitely find a way to bring you back to life!"

Madam Yin smiled, but her smile was tinged with sorrow.

"And then what? Watch you side with the rebels of Xiqi, watch the people of Chentang Pass suffer?"

She suddenly pulled a short sword from her sleeve.

"Li Jing, today it's either you kill me, or I die here. But there's absolutely no way I'll stand by and watch you betray the court!"

The short sword gleamed coldly, reflecting Li Jing's panicked face.

He hurried forward.

"No ma'am!"

Just then, a guard announced from outside the door.

"General, the food and wine are ready."

Li Jing lowered his voice.

"Madam, please calm down. Let's discuss this further."

Suddenly, he made a move, and a golden light knocked the short sword away.

Lady Yin collapsed to the ground, tears streaming down her face.

"Li Jing, are you really going to remain so stubborn?"

Li Jing turned his face away and addressed the person outside the door.

"Send it in."

The guards brought in wine and dishes, but upon seeing the scene, they dared not ask any questions. After setting out the food, they hurriedly withdrew.

Li Jing poured two cups of wine and pushed one of them towards Madam Yin.

"Madam, please drink this cup."

Lady Yin looked at the wine swirling in the cup and suddenly smiled.

"My husband, do you know that when I married you, my father said you were not a good match?"

Li Jing paused in his movements.

He said you are too ambitious and that one day you will lose sight of your true self.

Madam Yin picked up her wine glass and gently swirled it.

"I don't believe it. I always felt that I could move you with my sincerity."

She tilted her head back, drank the wine in one gulp, and threw the cup to the ground.

"Now it seems that my father was right."

Li Jing's expression changed, and he also finished the wine in his cup.

"You will understand when I become an immortal."

Madam Yin stopped looking at him and turned to look at the torrential rain outside the window.

The rain tapped against the windowpane, as if playing a lament.

After a moment, she suddenly said.

"My husband, do you still remember the first time Nezha called you 'father'?"

Li Jing was taken aback, his eyes filled with reminiscence.

Then, little Nezha wobbled over, calling him "Daddy" in his childish voice, and buried his head in his arms.
"puff--"

The sound of a sharp blade piercing flesh interrupted his reverie. Li Jing looked down and saw a section of the sword tip protruding from his chest.

Lady Yin stood behind him, holding another hidden short sword in her hand, tears streaming down her face.

"My husband, I'm sorry. I can't let you make such a terrible mistake."

Li Jing stared in disbelief, his eyes wide, before slowly collapsing to the ground. The last thing he saw was his wife's heartbroken face.

Thunder roared outside the window, as if heaven and earth were mourning together.

Jiang Ziya bent down and helped Li Jing, who was slumped on the ground, to his feet. His voice was gentle but carried an undeniable guiding tone.

"General Li, please cheer up. Teacher Randeng's actions are actually for your benefit."

He channeled his inner energy through his fingertips, helping Li Jing to calm his mind.

Li Jing's face was ashen, and he muttered to himself.

But she is my wife of many years.

"It is precisely because of one's first wife that one needs to be even more careful."

Jiang Ziya sighed.

"General, consider this: if you were to join Xiqi, what choice would your wife make? Given her fierce nature, she would likely rather perish than let you go. When the three sons return, will they help Father achieve his great cause, or will they stand by Mother's side?"

Li Jing trembled, and an image of his three sons and wife standing side by side flashed before his eyes. (End of Chapter)