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

"Even if sages intervene and the Heavenly Court blocks our path, what do I, Hua Guang, have to fear? What do the human race have to fear? We will meet force with force and water with earth! In the end, the affairs of the human world will be decided by the human race itself!"

Chi You grinned and laughed, his voice echoing across the land.

"Hahaha! Good! This is exactly what I want! I'm here to help you tear down this Xiqi City! To unite the human race as one! So that those demons and monsters won't cause any more divisions!"

He abruptly changed the subject, his crimson pupils sweeping across the sky with a chilling warning.

"But kid, don't be too overconfident. Those guys in the sky have a keen sense of smell and quick hands and feet. My escape and return to my position made quite a commotion, and they definitely won't sit idly by. Maybe reinforcements are already on their way."

Upon hearing this, Hua Guang showed no fear; instead, his pride grew even stronger, and he spoke loudly.

"Come on in! Let's take advantage of this Xiqi City to meet with all the powerful figures! Let's see if their methods of plucking stars and seizing the moon are more skillful, or if the will of our human race, united as one, is stronger! Martial Emperor, please enter the camp! Today we will welcome you and wash away the dust of your journey. Tomorrow, we will stand shoulder to shoulder and conquer Xiqi together!"

"Okay! As long as there's wine, it'll be fine!"

Chi You waved his hand dismissively, showing no mercy.

He called to Xing Tian and Gun Gun, and followed Hua Guang striding towards the central military tent.

Wherever they went, the soldiers of the Shang Dynasty looked up to them in awe, and their morale was greatly boosted.

That towering golden body and that soaring battle intent were the majesty of the human race's Martial Emperor!
With such a powerful figure assisting us, how can Xiqi not be defeated?

Inside the city of Xiqi, in the main hall of the Marquis's residence.

The atmosphere was oppressive, like the silence before a storm.

Ji Fa sat upright in the main seat, his face pale, his fingers unconsciously tapping the armrest, making a dull "tap-tap" sound.

Below, the few remaining generals hung their heads in dejection, and the faint sounds of panicked discussion from the soldiers outside the hall pierced the hearts of everyone present.

The figures of Ran Deng and Jiang Ziya appeared silently at the entrance of the palace.

The severed arm of the lamp was enveloped in celestial light, and his face was still pale, but his eyes had regained their former depth and gloom.

Jiang Ziya appeared dejected, his eyes filled with regret and self-blame as he looked at the dilapidated state of the palace.

"Immortal Master! Prime Minister Jiang!"

Ji Fa, as if grasping at a straw, suddenly stood up, his voice trembling.

"You've finally returned! Outside the city... an army is pressing in, Chi You... the Martial Emperor has arrived too! Xiqi... Xiqi is in imminent danger! Please, Immortal Master, save Xiqi!"

Looking at Ji Fa's panicked and helpless appearance, Jiang Ziya felt a mix of emotions, including despair over the situation and disappointment in this "enlightened ruler".

He mustered his strength, stepped forward, and tried to calm her down.

"My lord, do not panic. With Uncle-Master Ran Deng here, there is bound to be a turning point..."

Ran Deng didn't even glance at Jiang Ziya, his gaze falling directly on Ji Fa, his voice flat and emotionless.

"My lord, please calm down. My master, the Primordial Celestial Venerable, has personally gone to the Heavenly Court to seek our assistance."

"Heaven?!"

A glimmer of hope suddenly burst forth in Ji Fa's eyes, as if a drowning person had grabbed onto a piece of driftwood.

Ran Deng nodded slightly, a faint smile curving his lips.

“Indeed. The Heavenly Court, which governs the order of the universe, would not stand idly by and watch the orthodoxy of the human race perish. Besides…”

He gave Ji Fa a meaningful look.

"Your Excellency is ordained by Heaven and bestowed the title of 'Son of Heaven' by the Heavenly Court. Now that the rebels are rampant and their army is at the city gates, why doesn't Your Excellency, in the name of the Son of Heaven, burn a petition to Heaven and weep blood to beg for help? The Heavenly Court has its own laws, and seeing the Son of Heaven suffer, how could it stand idly by?"

Upon hearing this, Ji Fa was first stunned, then overjoyed!

He slammed his hand on the table.

"What the Immortal Master says is absolutely right! I am the Son of Heaven! I am ordained by Heaven! The traitors Hua Guang and Chi You dare to rebel and cause chaos; the Heavenly Court will not tolerate them!"

He immediately turned to his trusted confidant standing to the side and shouted sternly.

"Quickly obtain the sacrificial offerings to Heaven! I must immediately burn the memorial and petition Heaven to send down heavenly troops to punish the traitor!"

Seeing Ji Fa's impatient and desperate look, as if he had grasped at the last straw, Randeng's eyes held a subtle hint of sarcasm.

After Ji Fa hurriedly went to prepare for the sacrificial ceremony, Randeng turned to Jiang Ziya, who had a complicated expression, and transmitted his voice indifferently.

“Ziya, do you see? This is the ‘wise ruler’ you have chosen. Patience? Ha, he’s just good at judging the situation and seizing every opportunity. This boy’s character is not as submissive as he appears. You need to be more careful in the future.”

Jiang Ziya was startled. He looked in the direction Ji Fa had left, then at the unfathomable eyes of Randeng, and a chill rose from the bottom of his heart.

He opened his mouth, but in the end he just lowered his head bitterly.

"Disciple...will keep in mind the teachings of my master."

Just then, the brows on Ran Deng's usually calm face suddenly furrowed slightly.

He suddenly looked up, his gaze sharp as lightning, piercing through the dome of the hall and looking toward the western horizon.

There, the once tranquil void seemed to ripple with extremely subtle, almost imperceptible waves, carrying a cold and sacred aura that did not belong to this world.

"Ok?"

A glint flashed in Ran Deng's eyes, but a playful smile appeared on his lips.

“A ‘guest’ has arrived. Ziya, come with me to see which ‘deity’ is so eager to join in this excitement.”

Having said that, he swayed and transformed into a streak of light, darting out of the main hall.

Jiang Ziya dared not delay and hurriedly followed.

The two instantly appeared on the highest star-gazing platform in the Marquis's mansion.

The night wind was biting, causing their robes to flutter. Ran Deng stood with his hands behind his back, the celestial light from his severed arm shimmering faintly in the night.

His sharp gaze swept across the seemingly empty western night sky, as if he were waiting for something.

Jiang Ziya followed his gaze, but at first he couldn't see anything.

But soon, his powerful primordial spirit also detected the anomaly—that void seemed more "stagnant" than elsewhere, and the starlight appeared exceptionally dim, as if covered by an invisible, cold curtain of water.

"Uncle Master, this is..."

Jiang Ziya was filled with doubt and uncertainty.

Ran Deng didn't answer, but the playful smile on his lips deepened.

With a slight movement of his sleeves, an invisible divine thought spread out, carrying the unique pure and holy aura of the Jade Void Palace, and gently "knocked" towards that stagnant void.

"Now that you're here, why hide? Fellow Daoists of the Heavenly Court, Randeng has been waiting here for a long time."

The night sky above Xiqi City was suddenly torn apart!
Twelve dazzling golden rays, like twelve blazing suns, crashed down from the heavens!

The golden light shone brightly, exuding a sacred and majestic aura, instantly illuminating the entire city of Xiqi as if it were daytime!

A vast, boundless aura of celestial energy spread out, cleansing the heavens and earth, dispelling the gloom, and carrying with it an unparalleled pressure that surpassed all living beings and looked down upon the mortal world! "A deity! A deity has descended!"

"Heaven bless Xiqi! The gods have come to save us!"

"Greetings, Immortal! Greetings, Immortal!"

The people of Xiqi, who were originally terrified by the might of the Shang army and the ferocity of Chiyou, rushed out of their homes and flooded the streets. They were so excited that tears streamed down their faces as they bowed down to the twelve holy figures in the sky!
The morale of the defenders on the city wall soared, and their previously low fighting spirit was instantly ignited. They straightened their backs and shouted enthusiastically, as if with these twelve "gods" guarding the city, Xiqi City would be as solid as a rock!

The clouds of despair were swept away by this sudden divine light, replaced by fervent hope and faith!
"Disciple Jiang Shang greets all senior brothers!"

Jiang Ziya was so excited that he trembled all over and almost staggered as he flew into the air, where he bowed deeply to the twelve figures surrounded by golden light.

A surge of hope welled up in his heart: with the twelve golden immortals arriving together, what fear was there of Chi You? What fear was there of Hua Guang?
The golden light subsided slightly, revealing twelve figures with an air of otherworldly grace and profound aura.

The leader, with a gaunt face and holding a whisk, was none other than Guang Chengzi.

His gaze swept over the kneeling masses below, then settled on the excited Jiang Ziya. His voice was calm and detached.

“Junior Brother Ziya, no need for formalities. We have come to Xiqi on the orders of our Master to assist you in completing the great undertaking of the Investiture of the Gods.”

Although his tone was calm, it carried an undeniable authority.

The other Golden Immortals either closed their eyes to rest or glanced indifferently at the crowd below, showing little affection for Jiang Ziya.

They came on the orders of Yuanshi Tianzun, not for Jiang Ziya or Xiqi.

The figure of Ran Deng appeared silently in front of the Twelve Golden Immortals, the immortal light from the severed arm appearing somewhat dim under the golden light.

He nodded slightly to Guang Chengzi and the others.

"Thank you for your trouble, fellow disciples."

"Uncle-Master Ran Deng!"

Several Golden Immortals who were closely related to Randeng, including Puxian Zhenren and Cihang Daoren, showed genuine smiles and stepped forward to pay their respects.

The other Golden Immortals also bowed their heads, their attitudes noticeably more respectful than when they faced Jiang Ziya.

Ran Deng's gaze swept over the Twelve Golden Immortals, lingering for a moment on Guang Chengzi, Chi Jingzi, and several other highly skilled individuals, before he felt somewhat at ease.

With the help of these twelve junior disciples, and the upcoming reinforcements from the Heavenly Court, Xiqi's predicament may truly be resolved.

He said solemnly.

"Hua Guang holds the Kongtong Seal, and Chi You has received a human decree, so he has already gained considerable power. Tomorrow's battle will likely be no easy task, and we will need all of you to work together with one heart."

Guang Chengzi lightly flicked his whisk and said calmly.

"Uncle, rest assured. Those who defy the heavens will eventually be punished. Since we have come here on our master's orders, we will do our utmost."

Below, Ji Fa, having finished bathing and burning incense, knelt solemnly before the sacrificial altar at the highest point of Xiqi City, dressed in the emperor's ceremonial robes.

Before him stood a lifelike statue of the Supreme God of Heaven, carved from white jade.

Before the statue of the deity, offerings of three kinds of animals were displayed, and the air was filled with the fragrance of sandalwood.

Ji Fa held aloft a petition to Heaven woven with gold thread and written with his own blood, his voice mournful yet devout, echoing through the night sky.

"Ji Fa, the Emperor of the Lower Realm, tearfully appeals to His Majesty the Jade Emperor, the Supreme Ruler of the Golden Palace of the Heavenly Realm!"

"Now there is a traitor, Hua Guang, who wields the murderous weapon, the Seal of Kongtong, wreaking havoc on the court. He has colluded with Chi You, a remnant of the Wu tribe, to raise an unjust army and invade our Xiqi! The traitor's power is overwhelming, and wherever his army points, lives are lost! Xiqi is in imminent danger, and the legitimate lineage of the human race is on the verge of collapse!"

"Ji Fa has been granted the title of Emperor by His Majesty's grace, and is appointed to govern the people on behalf of Heaven. However, the treacherous rebels are rampant, and my abilities are insufficient. I am truly ashamed to have failed in the Emperor's grace! Now I burn this memorial to Heaven and plead with tears of blood!"

We humbly beseech the Jade Emperor to have mercy on all living beings, send down heavenly soldiers and generals to punish the rebels, uphold righteousness, and protect the destiny of our human race!

Ji Fa bows deeply and respectfully! May you accept this offering!

As soon as he finished speaking, Ji Fa solemnly threw the memorial in his hand into the blazing golden flames in the center of the altar.

The petition ignited upon contact with fire, transforming into an incredibly condensed wisp of incense smoke, imbued with the essence of Ji Fa's blood and the remaining fortune of Xiqi. It shot straight into the sky, ignoring spatial barriers, and instantly arrived at the supreme Lingxiao Palace!
The Lingxiao Palace is shrouded in auspicious clouds and radiant light.

The Supreme God of Heaven, seated atop a throne adorned with nine dragons, was lost in reverie with his eyes closed.

Suddenly, he sensed something and slowly opened his eyes.

A wisp of condensed incense smoke pierced through the auspicious clouds above the palace and landed directly in front of him, transforming into Ji Fa's sorrowful and devout petition to Heaven, each word filled with tears and each cry a lament.

The Jade Emperor's gaze swept over the petition, his majestic face revealing neither joy nor anger, but a barely perceptible satisfaction flickered deep in his eyes.

Ji Fa's title of "Son of Heaven" was bestowed upon him by Ji Fa. Now, in this time of crisis, this "Son of Heaven" is so humble and respectful in asking him, the "Heaven," for help. His words are earnest and his posture is extremely humble, which greatly satisfies Ji Fa's vanity as the supreme ruler of the Three Realms.

"Hmph, Hua Guang... Chi You..."

The Supreme God of Heaven tapped the armrest of his throne lightly with his fingertips, producing a dull sound.

"Holding the Kongtong Seal, bestowing the title of Martial Emperor, ruining the Heavenly Court's grand plan of bestowing gods... Now, he is even pressing his troops against Xiqi, attempting to sever the orthodox lineage of the human race... He is truly lawless!"

His voice was not loud, yet it carried the supreme majesty of a ruler of the three realms, echoing throughout the hall. The celestial officials and divine generals standing on both sides held their breath in awe.

The Queen Mother of the West frowned slightly and spoke.

"Your Majesty, Chi You is an ancient ferocious god, bestowed with a title by human authority, and his fortune is currently at its peak. Hua Guang, wielding the Kongtong Seal, is no ordinary figure either. Rashly sending troops to intervene in the human race's civil war may..."

What are you afraid of?

The Jade Emperor interrupted her, his gaze sharp as lightning.

"Ji Fa is the Son of Heaven personally appointed by me, representing the orthodoxy of the Heavenly Court! This traitorous rebellion and the suppression of the orthodoxy is an act of contempt for the Heavenly Court! If I stand idly by, where will the majesty of the Heavenly Court be? Where will the order of the Three Realms be?"

He paused, his tone carrying an undeniable determination.

"By imperial decree! The Heavenly Venerable of Universal Thunder and Lightning of the Nine Heavens shall gather 100,000 heavenly soldiers and generals and immediately descend to the mortal realm to aid Xiqi! Slay the traitors Huaguang and Chiyou, protect Emperor Ji Fa, and uphold righteousness in the human world!"

"His Majesty……"

The Queen Mother of the West wanted to persuade her further, but seeing the unyielding look in the eyes of the Jade Emperor, she could only sigh softly and said no more.

She knew in her heart that while Haotian's actions were partly motivated by a desire to maintain the dignity of the Heavenly Court, Ji Fa's humble, almost subservient, petition to Heaven undoubtedly played a crucial role.

She paused for a moment, then spoke.

"Since Your Majesty has made a decision, I will naturally comply. However, the person in charge of the troops... Although the Thunder God is highly powerful, he has a fierce temperament and may find it difficult to get along with the people of the mortal realm."

Why not let Longji go and gain some experience? She's calm and collected, and knowledgeable about the lower realms; perhaps she could handle this important task.

Upon hearing this, the Jade Emperor pondered for a moment and then nodded.

"Very well. Let Longji be the commander-in-chief, with the Thunder God Venerable as his deputy, leading 100,000 heavenly soldiers to quell the rebellion in the mortal realm!"

With the decree issued, celestial officials naturally took their orders and departed. Inside the Lingxiao Palace, the auspicious light remained, but a chilling atmosphere had subtly crept in.

The Great Shang Army Camp, Central Command Tent.

Hua Guang, Chi You, Kong Xuan, Wen Zhong, and others stood outside the tent, gazing at the twelve dazzling figures in the sky above Xiqi City and the fervently kneeling people below. (End of Chapter)