Investiture of the Gods: I am Bigan, the Master of Conspiracy

Chapter 23: Establishing a character, virtuous!
Use your heart as your path, engage in the game with your body, and fight against fate. Even if you cannot control the situation, you must strive for the best result.

In the future, Yin Ziyu is not sure whether the saint will continue to let Emperor Xin become a demon to destroy the legal system of the Shang Dynasty.

But, without a doubt, this is the fastest way.

The mystery here is that it is like Duke Zhuang of Zheng shooting the Emperor of Zhou with an arrow.

From now on, anyone can attack you with justification, and orthodoxy and legality will all disappear in an instant.

This is also the reason why Emperor Xin's empire went from being like an iron bucket to its sudden demise.

Even Fuxi could not support the Shang Dynasty, so the Jiejiao had to resist.

Of course, Jiejiao's resistance has nothing to do with Shang, but is another logic of Jiejiao's survival.

Regardless of whether this will happen or not, Yin Ziyu cannot stop it, and cannot stop it.

After all, the saint's personal actions have already exceeded the limits of the rules.

As for hiding, it's useless because you can't avoid it.

At this time, Yin Ziyu postponed the selection to a hundred days later, and let Luoshen handle the affairs of the sacrificial ceremony.

Yin Ziyu, on the other hand, was considering more issues and making more arrangements.

In Xiqi City, Xibohou Mansion, in the quiet courtyard, the breeze blows gently and the leaves rustle.

During this period, the Immortal of the South Pole had been in the Xibohou Mansion, teaching Ji Chang the sixty-four hexagrams so that Ji Chang could comprehend them as quickly as possible.

Only Ji Chang successfully achieved the title of sage, and thus he himself was labeled as a descendant of the Yellow Emperor and a sage sent from heaven by the human race.

At that time, nature will create the momentum of destiny.

Now that it is several decades before the deification, it can be said that the saints have basically determined the strategy tens of thousands of years in advance.

It can also be said that Cheng Tang was able to conquer the world as a result of the orthodox teachings letting the people of the sect go, and what he was waiting for was the day when he would be deified.

In other words, for the sake of Ji Chang's jealousy, Cheng Tang's 60,000-year empire was sacrificed.

At this time, facing Emperor Xin's edict, King Ji Chang of Xibo frowned, his face full of worry, and he knelt respectfully in front of an old man with an immortal look.

The old man wore a moon-white Taoist robe, his hair white as snow, and his long, flowing beard. He was none other than the Nanji Immortal of Kunlun Mountain's Yuxu Palace. Ji Chang clasped his hands together, speaking with an urgent yet worried tone, "Master, I recently heard that Emperor Xin issued an edict stating that all prehistoric tribes could serve as officials in the Shang Dynasty. This move deeply worries me. The Shang Dynasty is recruiting talented individuals, and its fortunes are bound to flourish. How should Xiqi respond to this sudden change?"

Ji Chang stared at the Immortal of the South Pole with anxious eyes. After all, since he had already vowed to rebel in the future, what Emperor Xin did now made him his enemy, and he had to deal with it.

The Immortal of the South Pole looked leisurely. He slowly picked up the teacup on the table, took a sip, and then slowly put it down.

"Lord Xibo, there's no need to worry about this. Emperor Xin's move may seem impressive, but it's really just bluffing. Just look at this: upon hearing this news, all the various factions in the prehistoric world are rushing to the Shang Dynasty. What they're after is fortune. Driven by greed, their hearts are divided. How can they truly serve the Shang Dynasty? Besides, the rise and fall of this world is irrelevant to them. They're all here to serve. By then, those who refuse to change will be nothing more than numbers on the Conferred God List!"

Ji Chang frowned slightly, a hint of confusion flashed in his eyes. He seemed to understand but not quite. He nodded slightly, but still couldn't hide the uneasiness in his heart.

Seeing this, the Immortal of the South Pole smiled slightly and continued, "Lord Xibo, your most pressing task right now is to deeply comprehend the sixty-four hexagrams and successfully achieve the status of a sage. Once you achieve this, you will be able to rally the hearts of the human race. When that happens, opportunities will aid you in your endeavors. Your most important task is to gather prestige for your son. Then, for your heir to conquer the world, it will be as easy as taking candy from a sack. As for Emperor Xin recruiting officials from the various tribes of the prehistoric world, it is merely a minor incident that is irrelevant to the greater purpose, so don't worry too much about it."

When Ji Chang heard this, his eyes suddenly brightened, his originally furrowed brows gradually relaxed, and a relieved smile appeared on his face.

Ji Chang clasped his hands together again and bowed deeply to the Immortal Nanji, saying gratefully, "Thank you, Immortal Master, for clearing the clouds and seeing the sun. I feel like I've just woken up from my dream. I will follow your teachings and cultivate diligently to live up to your expectations."

The Immortal of the South Pole narrowed his eyes slightly, his gaze seeming to penetrate time and space. He solemnly addressed Ji Chang, "Lord Xibo, if you wish to achieve great things, you must first establish a reputation. This reputation isn't superficial fame or profit, but rather the reputation of a virtuous person. Virtue is the foundation of one's conduct, the foundation of governance, and the treasure that wins the hearts of the people. From now on, you must make virtue your guiding principle, permeating your entire life, and demonstrating your virtuous character in every action."

Ji Chang was stunned: "How can I be a wise man?"

Nanji Xianweng paused slightly, took a deep breath, and stared at Ji Chang with a piercing gaze. He emphasized, "Remember, this 'virtue' isn't a temporary disguise, but something you must practice over the long term and unwaveringly. For the next few decades, whether you're dealing with people in the court or in the marketplace, you should always base your behavior on virtue. Lightening taxes and levies, ensuring the people live and work in peace and contentment, is virtuous governance; showing kindness and compassion, helping the poor and needy, and providing porridge and clothing to those starving and cold, is virtuous behavior; accepting advice readily, not being stubborn and self-willed, and listening to the voices of your subjects and the people, is virtue."

After hearing this, Ji Chang couldn't help but ponder, and at the same time he understood the key.

The Immortal of the South Pole asked Ji Chang to establish his character, and then assisted with the sixty-four hexagrams to become a great sage of the time.

By then, when both the incompetent ruler and the sage are in the world at the same time, the fate of the world will basically be determined.

"Hou Xibo!"

The Immortal of the South Pole leaned forward, his expression solemn. "For decades, you must work tirelessly, day after day, year after year, to deeply carve the word 'virtuous' into your being, imprinting it in the hearts of the people of the Shang Dynasty. Then, when your reputation for virtue spreads far and wide, encompassing every inch of the Shang territory, and everyone in the world hears of the virtue of the Marquis of Xibo, the people will follow their lead, and the tide of time will follow. Then, destiny will favor you, and you will accomplish the great cause of transforming the world."

Ji Chang listened attentively, nodding his head repeatedly, his expression filled with piety and determination. He bowed and said, "Immortal Master, your teachings are engraved in my heart. I will devote all my energy, daily for decades, to practicing virtue and living up to your expectations."

Ji Chang asked another question: "Master, I have heard that Emperor Xin will marry the daughter of the Duke of Dongbo. This is a major event for the Shang Dynasty and the Duke of Dongbo, and it will undoubtedly increase Emperor Xin's power. How should Xiqi respond?"

Upon hearing this, the Immortal of the South Pole remained composed. He gently stroked his long beard and spoke slowly, "Lord Xibo, there's no need to deliberately react to this matter. Simply observe it calmly. The general trend of the world is like a surging river; it can't be suddenly altered by a few events. Don't worry about these minor matters. You must remember that virtuousness is the foundation of your character and the foundation of Xiqi's prosperity. This foundation must never be lost in your dealings with others or in your governance. If you lose your reputation for virtuousness, it will shake your very foundation. Even with all your schemes, you'll struggle to achieve anything significant. Therefore, for now, Lord Xibo, simply focus on upholding the path of virtuousness. All else can take its course."

(End of this chapter)