Lao Tzu is Ji Gong

Along the way, Li Jing discovered that corpses littered the fields, starving people roamed everywhere, barely clothed and starving, many of whom had starved to death! Thinking of the extravagant wine pool and meat forest built by King Zhou of Shang, he felt indignant!

After traveling for more than half a month, Li Jing finally arrived in Xiqi. He eventually found out where Ji Fa and his group were staying, so he went to pay them a visit. At that time, Ji Fa was discussing the battle situation with Jiang Ziya and his group. Upon hearing that Li Jing had come to see him, he immediately had someone invite him in.

After Li Jing walked in, he saw many people, some he knew and some he didn't. When he saw Nezha, the third son, he was about to step forward when Nezha spoke first, saying, "Your Majesty, I am feeling unwell and will take my leave."

After saying that, he didn't even look at Li Jing and walked straight out. Li Jing felt a pang of disappointment and stared at Nezha's departing figure for a long time without turning back.

After a long while, he turned around, bowed to Ji Fa, and said, "I am Li Jing, formerly a general under King Zhou of Shang. Unable to tolerate King Zhou's cruelty and ruthlessness, I have come to join Your Majesty. I hope Your Majesty can forgive my past grievances. I will do my utmost to help Your Majesty to overthrow the Shang Dynasty!" After speaking, he looked sincerely at King Wu of Zhou, hoping that he would nod in agreement.

Ji Fa had long heard of Li Jing's reputation, and given that he was Nezha's father, Ji Fa naturally attached great importance to him. He approached Li Jing and said, "I have long heard of General Li's bravery and skill in battle. Now that you have joined me, I will naturally treat you with courtesy and give you an opportunity to develop. Let us work together to accomplish the great cause of overthrowing King Zhou!"

After hearing this, Li Jing finally felt relieved. Without waiting for Ji Fa to make arrangements for him, he took the initiative to say, "Your Majesty, I have another request that you would like to make." Ji Fa seemed to have already thought of this. He said, "General, there's no need for such formalities. From now on, you will live with Nezha. Is that alright?" Li Jing was overjoyed. He thanked Ji Fa and went to chase after Nezha.

As soon as Li Jing stepped out, he saw Nezha standing not far away. He slowly walked over and said, "Nezha, are you still resentful of me?" Nezha did not reply or look at him. Li Jing smiled bitterly and continued, "It was all my fault back then. Now I have repented. I hope you can give me a chance. I will make it up to you."

Nezha retorted, "How will you make it up to me? Can spilled water be taken back? Even if you were my father, I would never forgive you!" Li Jing felt a pang of regret; seeing Nezha again was the greatest blessing from heaven. He said, "No matter what, I will try my best. Now, I've joined King Wu of Zhou's forces; he's your king, so you'll naturally obey his orders. He's already assigned you to my side; I'll take good care of you from now on." Nezha indifferently replied, "Whatever!" and turned to leave.

At this moment, Nezha's feelings were extremely complicated. Seeing his father again, he felt much calmer, perhaps it was just that he couldn't accept it for the time being.

He stopped thinking about it and went to spar with Yang Jian and Lei Zhenzi. Li Jing also left alone after Nezha left, firmly believing that he would be forgiven by Nezha.

After Li Jing, many righteous people from the Shang Dynasty came to serve King Wu of Zhou in order to fulfill their determination to serve their country!

Seeing his prized student standing against him and siding with King Wu, Wen Zhong volunteered: "Your Majesty, please send me to quell the rebellion."

Seeing that there were no other capable generals in the court, King Zhou promised: "I am very pleased that Wen Zhong has volunteered to go to Xiqi to quell the rebellion. I hereby appoint Wen Zhong as commander and he will quell King Wu and his followers in one fell swoop."

Wen Zhong's mission was twofold: first, to uncover the reasons behind Huang Feihu's defection and betrayal; and second, to pacify Xiqi and restore peace to the people. With these two questions in mind, Wen Zhong led his troops to the land of King Wu.

Hearing that several of Ji Chang's generals were not in Xiqi, Wen Zhong traveled day and night to Xiqi, hoping to capitalize on the opportunity presented by the loss of Xiqi's generals.

As a general who had led troops for many years, Wen Zhong saw the favorable situation in favor of the Shang Dynasty from the very beginning of the war.

Despite repeated defeats, the Shang court was filled with news of victories, which gave Wen Zhong confidence in the Shang army and its future. Conversely, for Ji Chang, losing several key generals meant that repeated defeats had become commonplace.

Chapter 1139 Wen Zhong Suppresses the Rebellion

Upon hearing Wen Zhong's report of victory, King Zhou declared in the court, "Wen Zhong is a worthy general of our Great Shang. Judging from this situation, the day when our Great Shang will pacify the world is not far off!"

Upon hearing this, the sycophantic minister stepped forward and echoed, "May Your Majesty's kingdom last for a thousand generations, and may our Great Shang prosper in all things."

The court was immediately filled with confidence in the victory of the war. Some people who longed to flee to Xiqi sighed and said, "We still have to live under King Zhou. If we flee now, it seems that we will be in grave danger. It is better to stay in Shang and live a peaceful life than to be slaves of a conquered country."

Even the ministers in the court who had originally intended to serve King Wu were having second thoughts, lamenting, "How could King Wu have fallen to such a state? Alas!"

On the battlefield, Wen Zhong stood at the forefront of the Shang Dynasty army and shouted loudly at King Wu's army: "Are your generals afraid of us? You're all like cowards hiding in your tents all day long."

Seeing Wen Zhong's posture, King Wu's general began to feel intimidated and retorted, "Our general will naturally choose the right moment to strike. In today's battle, I will capture you."

After saying this, the two led their troops into battle. At the beginning of the war, King Wu's generals did perform well, flanking Wen Zhong's army from the left flank, which immediately divided Wen Zhong's army into two parts and disrupted its overall structure.

Upon seeing this, Wen Zhong feigned surprise and said, "Why? Quickly flank from the right. Don't get scattered."

Upon hearing this, King Wu's forces focused all their resources on blocking the vanguard, neglecting the rest of their troops. Unexpectedly, they fell right into Wen Zhong's trap.

"Charge! Block them!" Wen Zhong said forcefully.

Wen Zhong's forces attacked from both sides, while King Wu's forces were attacked from both sides, and King Wu's forces immediately lost control.

"Return the way you came!" King Wu's subordinates ordered helplessly, but there was no way to retreat. Seeing this, the soldiers were almost ready to give up. Wen Zhong's army easily wiped out King Wu's troops like autumn leaves being swept away by the autumn wind.

"King Wu, surrender quickly. The king might be lenient with you." Wen Zhong said triumphantly, having captured one of King Wu's generals.

King Wu and others looked out from the city tower and shook their heads helplessly.

Upon seeing King Wu ascend the tower, Wen Zhong seized the sword and crossbow from a soldier and fired directly at the king. King Wu was greatly alarmed, but a soldier beside him shielded him with his own body, saving him from the arrows.

Upon seeing this, Jiang Ziya shouted, "Return at once!"

After the battle ended, Wen Zhong's tent was filled with celebration, while King Wu's tent was filled with anxiety and helplessness.

"Proceed quickly to Nezha's location and report the current battle situation. Order him to bring Lei Zhenzi, Yang Jian, and the others here," Jiang Ziya said calmly.

"Why are you not worried at all about this battle situation?" King Wu asked in return.

"Actually, I had already foreseen that our side would suffer heavy losses in this battle; it was fate. However, now is the best time to inform Nezha," Jiang Ziya explained with a smile.

"Why do you say that?" King Wu asked, puzzled.

“Wen Zhong is indeed a man of exceptional military talent. If Nezha and the others had gone into battle from the beginning, Wen Zhong would have devised a detailed plan. But now that Wen Zhong has won many battles, he has lowered his guard. This is the best time. Moreover, Nezha and the others have basically completed their mission and are just in time to return,” Jiang Ziya explained patiently.

A few days later, Nezha took command, with Lei Zhenzi and Yang Jian assisting him, and the three appeared on the battlefield. King Wu's troops were riding high on morale, while Wen Zhong's men panicked at the sight of this situation. The soldiers' morale plummeted.

Nezha divided his forces into three groups, with each person leading one group.

Nezha said, "Wen Zhong, you are working for King Zhou, while he slaughters innocent people and disregards your lives. If you surrender soon, I may spare your life. Don't die innocently for King Zhou anymore."

Upon hearing this, Wen Zhong was furious: "Stop spouting such nonsense! You audacious traitor, surrender now!"

Soldiers, break through Wen Zhong's forces and avenge our humiliation! The soldiers, upon receiving the order, replied, "Kill!"

Dust billowed across the battlefield, horses roared, and soldiers charged forward with unwavering courage. Their momentum was like a rainbow, closing in on Wen Zhong's main force. The banner of King Wu fluttered across the battlefield, and the soldiers pressed on relentlessly. In the end, Wen Zhong's troops were routed.

Upon seeing this scene, King Wu exclaimed, "Indeed, the young man's heroic spirit is unmatched. I will certainly reward him handsomely."

Nezha and the others knelt and thanked him, saying, "Thank you for the reward, King Wu. This is our duty. We will definitely assist King Wu in pacifying the world and restoring peace to the common people." Lei Zhenzi and Yang Jian echoed, "We would gladly die for King Wu."

King Wu was overjoyed, and the generals and soldiers were also delighted by this great victory since the start of the war.

When news of Wen Zhong's defeat reached Chaoge, King Zhou was furious. He ordered his palace servants to devise a plan.

Then someone suggested, "Your Majesty, I have a way to defeat King Wu and his men."

"Tell me quickly!" King Zhou asked eagerly. The minister replied, "I know some divine beings who possess some magical arts. If Your Majesty agrees, they can lend Your Majesty a hand."

Sitting to the side, Daji asked with a radiant smile, "Is this person trustworthy? If he truly exists, why not quickly introduce him to the King?"

The minister quickly replied, "They are friends I made in my early years, and they are trustworthy."

Upon hearing this, King Zhou ordered, "Please invite this divine being to assist my great Shang Dynasty."

After arriving in Chaoge, these religious figures demonstrated their various talents to King Zhou, proving they were indeed masters of all kinds of magical arts and techniques. The king was very pleased and exclaimed, "You great immortals are indeed all skilled in your own way. With your help, my Shang Dynasty will surely survive forever. If I can pacify the world, I will certainly grant you any request you may have."

Ultimately, this event drew many factions into the war, plunging the land into chaos and causing immense suffering for the people. The involvement of these religious sects further complicated the conflict. King Wu and his followers, witnessing this plight, were deeply saddened. This further solidified their resolve to overthrow the Shang Dynasty and establish a nation that truly cared for its people.

After Jiang Ziya summoned Nezha and Yang Jian, the Xiqi army began to turn the tide of battle. Victory was in sight, and Chuanyun Pass was about to fall. Shen Gongbao personally led an army of 400,000, but they still suffered repeated defeats. Shen Gongbao was in a state of panic and had no choice but to fly to Jiulong Island to invite the Taoist Lü Yue to set up the Plague Immortal Formation.

Jiang Ziya sent Nezha and Yang Jian to break the formation. Nezha rode on his wind wheels all the way to the gate of Chuanyun Pass, where Lü Yue flew up alone and asked, "Who are you?"

Chapter 1140 Breaking the Plague Immortal Formation

With his hands on his hips, Nezha declared, "I am Nezha, the vanguard in the campaign against King Zhou."

"Hahaha!" Lü Yue laughed loudly, "You little thief, how dare you presume to break my Plague Immortal Formation? Is there no one left under Jiang Ziya's command!"

"You... watch my Universe Ring!" At Nezha's command, the Universe Ring flew straight towards Lü Yue. Just as it was about to hit him, Lü Yue vanished. Nezha was puzzled and was instantly sucked into the formation. The Plague Immortal Formation was named Plague Immortal because no matter how powerful your abilities were, you couldn't use them within it. Nezha was only in the Plague Immortal Formation for a short while before he was ejected and seriously injured. Yang Jian helped him back.

"It seems this Plague Immortal Formation is indeed powerful." Jiang Ziya had just used his true energy to heal Nezha's injuries.

"Prime Minister, let me try. I am determined to break that Plague Immortal Formation," Yang Jian said, kneeling down.

“No,” Jiang Ziya shook his head. “This Plague Immortal Formation is inscribed with the magical power of all the immortals in the world. Since Nezha cannot break the formation, it will be the same if you go.”

"What can we do? We can't just sit here and wait." Li Jing said anxiously.

"I'll go and try it myself," Jiang Ziya said, getting up and stroking his beard. "I'll go and investigate this Zhuxian Town and see if I can find any flaws in this formation."

"No, Prime Minister," the crowd below the hall objected in unison. "Prime Minister, you have just recovered from a serious injury a few days ago. You must not rashly charge into the formation."

Jiang Ziya frowned and remained silent. Just when everyone was at a loss about the Plague Immortal Town, Nangong Shi suddenly came to report, "Reporting to the Prime Minister, there is a Taoist priest outside the gate named Yang Ren who has come to see you. He said that he was ordered by the Heavenly Venerable to come and help the Prime Minister break the Plague Immortal Formation."

“Heavenly Venerable,” Jiang Ziya instantly understood that this was Li Xiuyuan’s envoy sent to help the Great Zhou. He said to Nangong Shi, “Quickly invite him in.”

A moment later, a Taoist priest walked in from outside the door. His eyes had been gouged out, but two hands emerged from his eye sockets. "I am Yang Ren from Yuxu Palace, paying my respects to Prime Minister Jiang Ziya."

"No need for such formalities, Daoist Master," Jiang Ziya quickly replied.

"The Heavenly Venerable foresaw that the Prime Minister was trapped in the Plague Immortal Formation, and specially ordered me to come and help him." Yang Ren said respectfully, "There is no time to lose. I will go to the Plague Immortal Formation now, break that old Taoist Lü Yue, and allow the Great Zhou army to continue its advance towards Shang Tang."

With Yang Ren's words of comfort, everyone felt relieved and said in unison, "Thank you, Daoist Master."

Yang Ren descended on a cloud to the outside of Chuanyun Pass. Lü Yue sensed this and flew out of the cave, saying, "Yang Ren? You are the Grand Master Yang Ren whose eyes were gouged out by King Zhou?" Yang Ren lowered his head and did not speak. "That's right, it's you. You were gouged out by King Zhou for speaking out against the king. But you were a subject, and he was the ruler. How could you hold a grudge and help others destroy the Shang Dynasty?"

"Shut up!" Yang Ren shouted. "King Zhou is a foolish and incompetent ruler who has degenerated into a beast. He killed his wife and children, which is unforgivable. He destroyed the Shang dynasty himself. The phoenix cried out on Mount Qi, and King Wu was born in response to the times. The people support him. This is the general trend of the world. You should stop aiding and abetting King Zhou and going against the will of Heaven. I advise you to put away this evil formation as soon as possible and go back to Nine Dragons Island to cultivate."

"Hmph, how dare you, a mere scholar, utter such arrogant words! I was about to let you off the hook because of your reputation for speaking frankly, but who knew you would be so stubborn? I'll make sure you die knowing why!" Lü Yue flew back into the formation and activated the array.

"Master Lü, you are about to die, yet you show no remorse. Let us settle this in the formation." Yang Ren stood up, but a huge eye emerged from between his two palms. This eye emitted a tremendous light, killing all the little devils in the formation one by one. He turned his hand and produced a banana leaf fan. He fanned it three times, and sand and stones flew in the formation. In the blink of an eye, the formation broke, and Lü Yue coughed up blood and died.

With Lü Yue's death, Shen Gongbao lost another capable and extraordinary person. The commander of Chuanyun Pass committed suicide, and Chuanyun Pass fell without a fight. Li Jing led a large army to occupy Chuanyun Pass and welcomed Jiang Ziya and Ji Fa to settle there.

Seeing Jiang Ziya's strength increase so much, Shen Gongbao was terrified, fearing that the Shang Dynasty he relied on would collapse and he would have no place to stand. He hurriedly ordered his men to gather his strategists.

A young general dressed in a tiger skin hurried along, looking flustered. He tripped and fell, muttering something unintelligible. Shen Gongbao slammed his hand on the table and said:

"You piece of trash, what use are you? I told you to go and spread the word, but where are you?"

"Our national advisor, our strategists have all fled. They saw the Shang and Zhou dynasties losing power, so they all went to join Jiang Ziya."

Shen Gongbao roared, "I treated them like my own brothers, yet they betrayed me! When I restore the Shang Dynasty, I will tear you to pieces!" Shen Gongbao's roar was so ferocious that it terrified the palace maid beside him, who dropped the plate she was holding. Shen Gongbao suddenly turned around and flung the palace maid away with his hair.

Shen Gongbao was notoriously ugly. He was seven feet tall with a head of silver hair, a human body and a leopard's head. What was most terrifying about him was that his eyes could look backward, and his face was covered in blisters. Ordinary women would be too scared to leave the house for three days after just one glance.

Shen Gongbao looked around and saw that all his strategists had left. He couldn't help but feel melancholy. Suddenly, he heard a loud shout from the doorway: "Do you need a strategist?" Shen Gongbao was overjoyed and immediately ordered his junior officer to invite the strategist from the doorway in.

The strategist was seven feet tall. Upon closer inspection, Shen Gongbao realized that he was none other than Duan Wuqing, the most handsome man in the Shang Dynasty.

Duan Wuqing said, "The Shang and Zhou dynasties are now doomed. If you wish to..."