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

He quickly swallowed a few healing pills, sat cross-legged and regulated his breathing for a moment, barely suppressing the injuries and the lingering fear in his primordial spirit.

Once his complexion had eased slightly, he stood up and walked to Jiang Ziya's side, channeling a stream of pure Jade Purity Immortal Qi into him.

"Cough cough..."

Jiang Ziya slowly woke up, looked around blankly, and was immediately horrified when he saw Randeng's disheveled appearance and empty left sleeve.

"Uncle-Master! You... that Chi You..."

"It doesn't matter."

The lamp interrupted him, its voice returning to its usual indifference, though a barely concealed fear lingered deep in its eyes.

"Chi You has been taken away by Lady Pingxin, so he's not a concern for now. But how are your injuries?"

Jiang Ziya struggled to sit up, looked inside his body, and smiled bitterly.

"His internal organs have been shaken and his spirit has been damaged; he will probably need to rest for some time."

"It's not suitable to stay here for long."

Ran Deng looked up towards the west, his gaze sharpening.

"The matter of Chentang Pass is beyond saving. Lady Yin has secured the hearts of the people by taking advantage of Chi You's power, and with Wen Zhong in command, a direct assault would be futile. The most urgent task is to return to Xiqi as soon as possible!"

"Go back to Xiqi?"

Jiang Ziya was taken aback.

"good."

A glint of light flashed in the lamp's eyes.

"Ji Fa is the chosen one, and Xiqi is our foundation. With Chi You appearing in the world and Hua Guang causing chaos, the fortunes of the Yin Shang Dynasty may seem stable, but in reality, undercurrents are surging and variables are increasing rapidly. This is the perfect opportunity for our Chan Sect to assist a wise ruler and bestow divine titles on behalf of Heaven!"
"As the one who conferred the titles of gods, how can you linger here? Quickly follow me to Xiqi to assist King Wu in organizing his army and discussing the great cause of overthrowing King Zhou!"

His tone was resolute, leaving no room for doubt.

Jiang Ziya recalled the events that had transpired in the General's Mansion, Li Jing's betrayal and death, and Chi You's devastating power, and his heart was filled with mixed emotions.

But the words of the lamp-lighter, and the responsibility of the "one who conferred the gods," ultimately overwhelmed other thoughts.

He suppressed the weakness caused by his injuries and cupped his hands in greeting.

"Disciple obeys, and will follow Uncle's arrangements."

Ran Deng nodded, said no more, and used a burst of light to envelop himself and Jiang Ziya, speeding towards Xiqi.

The wound on his severed arm throbbed faintly in the fading light, reminding him of today's crushing defeat and humiliation, and making his calculations even colder.

Chi You... Hua Guang... this debt will be settled sooner or later! And Xiqi will be the starting point for their counterattack.

Deep within the Six Paths of Reincarnation, the Netherworld energy is as dense as ink, yet it contains a strange order and vitality.

This is the final resting place for the departed souls, and also the starting point of reincarnation.

An ancient palace floats in the endless void, it is the Pingxin Palace.

Inside the hall, Chi You had returned to his normal human size, but a faint aura of malevolence still lingered around him, subtly blending with the atmosphere of the Netherworld, yet also feeling out of place.

He solemnly performed an ancient Wu tribe ritual towards the Lady Pingxin, who was seated on the futon.

"Chi You thanks Your Majesty for saving him."

With gentle eyes, Empress Pingxin looked at the once mighty war god of the Wu tribe, now only a remnant spirit, and felt a surge of emotions.

She gently raised her hand, and a soft yet powerful force lifted Chi You up.

"No need for formalities. Your escape was due to good fortune and luck, but also... the pull of the human race's will."

She pointed out the key point.

Upon hearing this, Chi You's scarlet pupils held a complex expression.

He could clearly feel the kneeling worship of the people of Chentang Pass and the surging incense and prayers. It was this power that helped him solidify his true form and even briefly control the merits of humanity.

“Your Majesty,” Chi You straightened up, his voice low and firm.

"I have something I don't understand, and I also have something to ask of you."

"speak."

"We, the Wu tribe, were born of the earth and fought in the primordial wilderness. Standing tall and upright, why should we ever depend on others? Even though we are weak now, we should still strive to be strong!"

Chi You's tone carried the pride of a war god belonging to the Wu tribe.

"You just mentioned that I should return to the Six Paths of Reincarnation. Do you mean that you want me to become a saint in the Underworld, like you, and to be eternally guarded in the netherworld?"

Empress Pingxin looked at him quietly, without denying it.

"You are formed from the essence and blood of the Ancestral Witch, bearing the legacy of Pangu, and also possessing the power of human vows, giving you a profound foundation."

If one wishes to merge with the essence of the Earthly Dao and attain the venerable position of an Earthly Dao Saint, not only will one completely restore one's former cultivation, but one will also be able to jointly govern reincarnation with me, protect the souls of the primordial world, and enjoy immeasurable merit and purity. This is the supreme Dao, and also the opportunity for the continuation of the Witch Clan.”

A sage of the true path! May he forever guard the cycle of reincarnation! Immeasurable merit!

Any one of these titles would be enough to make countless powerful beings in the primordial world flock to it.

However, after listening, Chi You slowly shook his head.

His eyes held no longing, only a deep, unwavering fighting spirit.

"Your Majesty's kindness is appreciated by Chi You."

His voice was decisive.

"But I won't become a true sage!"

Empress Pingxin frowned slightly.

"Why? Do you know how noble this position is? Do you know how many living beings dream of this opportunity but cannot obtain it?"

"I know!"

Chi You raised his head, his gaze piercing through the darkness, as if he could see the primordial land.

“But I, Chi You, was born in war and grew up in war! My way lies in the primordial land, in battle and struggle! What meaning would it have for me to sit in the netherworld, enjoying boundless tranquility, even if I lived as long as heaven and earth? That is not my way, Chi You!”

He paused, then spoke with even greater fervor, his tone filled with an undeniable determination.

"The Wu Clan is descended from Pangu, and should stand tall and dominate the primordial world! Even though our bloodline is thin and our fortune is waning, we should never cower in a corner and eke out a living!"

Now that I, Chi You, have returned, I will ensure that the name of my Wu tribe resounds once more throughout this primordial world! I will allow the Wu tribe to walk openly under the sunlight, to contend with all other races, instead of being eternally confined to this netherworld!

Empress Pingxin remained silent for a moment, and the aura of the underworld within the hall fluctuated slightly.

She looked at the burning, almost obsessive flame in Chi You's eyes, the indomitable fighting spirit of the Wu tribe.

After a long while, she slowly spoke, her voice revealing neither joy nor anger.

"How would you like?"

Chi You's eyes flashed with a sharp light, clearly indicating that he had already made up his mind.

"Leverage the momentum! Leverage the momentum of this great calamity of the Investiture of the Gods!"

"The Investiture of the Gods is a calamity of the Heavenly Dao, a massacre of immortals and gods, and also a time of changing fortunes! The Heavenly Court is about to be established, the divine positions are about to be filled, the human dynasty will change, and various forces will compete! This chaotic situation is the perfect opportunity for our Wu Clan to return to the primordial world!"

He took a step forward, his murderous aura resonating faintly with the underworld.

"I want the bloodline of the Witch Clan to be integrated into the human race! The human race is the protagonist of this world, and its fortune is prosperous. I observe that the people of Chentang Pass may well have a trace of Witch Clan blood within them!"
"I will make the combat techniques and spirit of the Witch Clan the guardians of humanity! I will ensure that the fate of humanity and the fate of the Witch Clan are completely intertwined and inseparable in this calamity!" "As long as humanity survives and acknowledges my Witch Clan as one of their ancestors, and recognizes Chi You as the martial ancestor of humanity, then my Witch Clan can use the fate of humanity to wash away the name of 'remnants' and exist openly and proudly in this primordial world!"
Instead of being like rats crossing the street, hated by everyone, forced to hide in the underworld or desolate lands!

His words were forceful and resolute, carrying a do-or-die determination.

"For this reason, I, Chi You, am willing to fight for humanity! To fight for this primordial land! Until I shed my last drop of blood! I implore you, my goddess, to allow my sons of the Wu tribe to leave the Netherworld, enter the primordial world, and participate in this calamity!"
I assure you, the Witch Clan will never bring harm to the people; they only seek a foothold and a chance to see the light of day again!

Empress Pingxin listened quietly, and the hall fell into a long silence.

Only the aura of the netherworld flowed silently.

Looking at Chi You, she seemed to see the proud figure of that time, leading the Wu tribe on the primordial land, fighting against the demons and humans.

His proposal was insane and audacious, gambling the fate of the entire witch clan on this great calamity and the human race.

The risks are enormous; if they fail, the Wu clan could be utterly destroyed.

But... this might truly be the last chance for the Witch Clan. A chance to shed their "remnant" status and truly integrate into the new era.

After a long while, Empress Pingxin sighed softly, a sigh that seemed to contain the vicissitudes of reincarnation.

"Since you've made up your mind... then so be it."

She neither explicitly agreed nor disagreed. But the sigh and the decision to no longer dissuade her indicated tacit consent.

A startling light flashed in Chi You's eyes, and he bowed deeply once more.

"Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty! Chi You will not disappoint you and will surely allow our Wu tribe to return to the primordial world!"

At the top of Chentang Pass, a biting wind howled, stirring up lingering dust and a faint smell of blood.

Lady Yin stood there with her back straight, leaning on her Qingfeng sword.

Her face was pale, the bloodstains on her clothes had dried and darkened, her internal magical power was nearly exhausted, and her primordial spirit was still stinging from the previous impact. But she could not fall.

Below, the dark mass of soldiers remained kneeling on the ground, none daring to rise.

Their faces were a mixture of relief at surviving a calamity, awe for Chi You, the Martial Ancestor, and a complex, indescribable look in their eyes when they looked at her, their mistress—a look of sympathy, admiration, and an unspoken sense of alienation.

After all, their commander-in-chief had just attempted to kill his wife and betray his country.

The icy air stung Madam Yin's lungs, but it also cleared her confused thoughts somewhat.

She used her last bit of magic, and her voice carried clearly across the city walls.

"Everyone get up!"

The voice was not loud, but it carried an unquestionable majesty.

The soldiers hesitated, looking at each other, and finally, led by several deputy generals, slowly stood up, but still stood with their heads bowed, the atmosphere heavy.

Lady Yin's gaze swept over familiar and unfamiliar faces, over the traces of battle inside and outside the city walls, over the distant, collapsed, desolate mountain crater, and finally landed on the pile of flesh and blood at her feet, which had turned to ashes and could no longer be recognized as human.

That was the last piece of evidence Li Jing left in the world.

A sharp pain spread from the bottom of her heart, almost suffocating her.

But the next moment, that pain was replaced by a deeper chill and resolve.

"Today's events were caused by the traitorous Daoist Ran Deng from Xiqi, who instigated Li Jing to commit this heinous act!"

Lady Yin's voice was resolute, pinning all the blame on Randeng and Xiqi.

"Li Jing... was bewitched by a sorcerer and nearly made a grave mistake, ultimately... dying at the hands of a traitor! This was entirely his own fault!"

She cleverly obscured the cause of Li Jing's death, shifting the focus to the conspiracy in Xiqi.

Upon hearing this, the soldiers' complex emotions lessened, replaced by resentment towards the traitors.

"Of course!"

Madam Yin abruptly changed the subject, her tone rising sharply and carrying a sense of tragic intensity.

"Although the rebels have temporarily retreated, their ambition to destroy our Great Shang Dynasty remains undiminished! The divine intervention of Chi You, the Martial Ancestor, has startled and driven away the powerful enemy; this is a blessing from Heaven upon Great Shang! However, the Martial Ancestor also has important matters to attend to and cannot linger! Powerful enemies surround us, and the crisis is not yet resolved! Our Chentang Pass is the eastern gateway to Great Shang, and we must not allow it to fall!"

She suddenly raised the blood-stained Qingfeng sword in her hand, its tip pointing straight at the sky.

"All officers and men obey orders!"

"exist!"

Thousands of soldiers roared in unison, their shouts shaking the cold wind from the city walls.

"Immediately, impose martial law on the entire city! Repair the city walls, count the casualties, and treat the people! Send scouts a hundred miles away to closely monitor the movements of Xiqi! Send swift riders to report to Chaoge of the changes here and request Grand Tutor Wen Zhong to send reinforcements immediately!"

"promise!"

The order was clear and unambiguous, and the soldiers responded with a thunderous roar, replacing the oppressive atmosphere with a shared sense of righteous indignation.

Officers at all levels acted swiftly, directing their soldiers to perform their respective duties.

Seeing that order had been restored on the city wall, Lady Yin's tense nerves finally relaxed a little. A strong sense of dizziness struck her, and she swayed slightly. She quickly used her sword to support herself and regain her balance.

"lady!"

A trusted lieutenant rushed forward to help him up, and whispered something.

"Your injuries are quite serious. Please return to your residence to rest. We have men here..."

"No need."

Madam Yin waved her hand, refusing to be helped, and steadied herself.

She cannot fall, especially at this time.

Her gaze turned westward, towards Xiqi, the direction from which Ran Deng fled, her eyes filled with deep worry.

The appearance of Chi You, the Martial Ancestor, startled Ran Deng and temporarily lifted the siege of Chen Tang Pass.

But as Wu Zu said, he could not stay long.

When Randeng fled back to Xiqi, Xiqi gained the support of the Chan Sect, and may even have received secret assistance from the Heavenly Court... They will never let this go.

Today is just the beginning.

Chen Tang Pass will be the first to bear the brunt, and the entire Shang Dynasty and the entire human race will face an unprecedented storm.

The dark clouds of the Investiture of the Gods calamity have already descended, and they will all be pawns struggling to survive in this calamity.

She turned her gaze back to Chaoge, her tired yet resolute face now showing even deeper worry.

Chaoge, Your Majesty... how much longer can the Shang Dynasty last?
Deep within the Six Paths of Reincarnation, the Netherworld energy within the Pingxin Hall was dense and still.

Chi You sat cross-legged, his surging murderous aura mostly subsided, but his scarlet eyes still burned with fury.

He slammed his fist into the Netherworld Stone beneath him, producing a dull thud that caused the eerie light within the hall to flicker.

"How could humanity have declined to such a state?!"

Chi You's voice carried a suppressed roar, like that of a wounded beast.

"Back then, when we fought for supremacy, how valiant were the sons of the human race! They used their flesh and blood to directly confront the battle formations of my witch race! But what about now? The soldiers of Chentang Pass are weak and feeble, their strength and blood are shallow. Even someone like Li Jing can be a general! It's laughable!"

He suddenly stood up, his tall figure casting a heavy shadow in the dimly lit hall. His gaze was like lightning, as if he wanted to pierce through the darkness and look directly at the high heavens above.

"Laozi! Zhunti! And those cowardly turtles hiding in the Fire Cloud Cave! It was all their doing!"

"Lao Tzu established the religion of humanity, enjoying the blessings and offerings of the human race, yet he only transmits that ethereal and illusory philosophy of tranquility and inaction, causing the human race to lose its fighting spirit! Zhunti is even more shameless; the Western Dharma sect appears compassionate, but in reality, it secretly undermines the foundation of human faith and undermines our human race's foundation! (End of this chapter)"