Zhang Kui's Journey to the West in the Investiture of the Gods

After instructing Wu Wenhua to guard the mansion and military camp strictly, Zhang Kui and Gao Lanying rode together on a unicorn-like black smoke beast, transforming into a swift streak of black light, leaving Chaoge and heading straight east.

The black-smoked beast, its hooves kicking up dust, moved swiftly, riding the clouds and wind. In less than a day, the scene before them suddenly opened up, and the vast, boundless East China Sea came into view. The azure waves stretched to the horizon, merging seamlessly with the sky, a breathtaking spectacle. A salty, damp sea breeze swept over them, carrying the powerful essence of water. In the distance, the waves surged, their spray like snow, and occasionally, enormous sea beasts leaped from the water, emitting long, drawn-out roars, revealing the extraordinary nature of this sea.

Zhang Kui took out the divine talisman given to him by Lü Yue. Its light flowed, and the direction became increasingly clear. He urged the Black Smoke Beast to follow the guidance and soar through the air. After flying for about half an hour, he saw the outline of a dazzling island amidst the swirling clouds and mist on the sea ahead.

The island possessed a magnificent and varied landscape, far surpassing any ordinary overseas fairyland. Nine enormous mountain ranges, like living dragons, extended from the island's center, plunging into the sea to form nine natural barriers, protecting the central peak. The entire island was enveloped in an intensely rich innate spiritual energy, with rays of light and auspicious clouds. Rare flowers and exotic plants bloomed everywhere, and exotic birds and beasts frolicked among them. Several magnificent or exquisite palaces and grottoes dotted the mountains and forests, making it resemble a fairyland.

"What a blessed land! No wonder it's the Daoist temple of the Jie Sect immortals!" Gao Lanying couldn't help but exclaim, her beautiful eyes sparkling with wonder.

Zhang Kui nodded repeatedly. He could clearly sense the powerful restrictive formations set up throughout the island, and several undisguised and incomparably powerful auras lingered within them, indicating that many powerful figures had already arrived.

The two descended from the clouds, landing on a white jade platform at the edge of the island, clearly intended for welcoming guests. Two young Daoist disciples, dressed in grey robes and possessing a subtle yet formidable aura, were already waiting there. Upon seeing Zhang Kui and his companion, they stepped forward and bowed, asking, "Are you Uncle-Master Zhang Kui?"

"It is indeed I, Zhang, who have come at the invitation of Fellow Daoist Lü Yue." Zhang Kui returned the greeting with a bow, neither humble nor arrogant.

"Master, please follow me. The master has been waiting for a long time." The young Taoist respectfully led the way.

The two followed the young Daoist boy, passing through layers of restrictions. As they traveled, they saw that the scenery on the island was becoming more and more extraordinary, with spiritual energy swirling into mist. The other cultivators they occasionally encountered, even the weakest among them, were all at the Heavenly Immortal realm. They were all quite polite to the young Daoist boy who was leading the way, but their gazes toward Zhang Kui and Gao Lanying were filled with curiosity and inquiry.

Soon, they were led to a spacious cloud platform. This platform, located atop the main peak, seemed to hang in the heavens, offering an excellent view overlooking the entire Kowloon Island and even parts of the East China Sea. Several figures with auras as profound as the sea were already present on the platform.

Seated in the center was today's protagonist—Lü Yue. He wasn't wearing his usual striking crimson robe, but rather a more solemn black Daoist robe embroidered with dark gold plague runes. His aura was even deeper and more profound than when he was at the Northern Sea Camp, his Daoist principles flowing naturally, as if in harmony with heaven and earth, yet subtly giving off an extremely dangerous feeling, like a turbulent undercurrent beneath a calm sea. He had clearly adjusted himself to his peak condition, awaiting that moment.

Upon seeing Zhang Kui arrive, a smile flashed in Lü Yue's eyes, and he took the initiative to stand up to greet him: "Hahaha! Fellow Daoist Zhang Kui, you've finally arrived. I thought you were reluctant to leave the prosperity of Chaoge City and wouldn't do me the honor of coming."

As soon as he stood up and spoke, he immediately drew the attention of everyone else on the platform to Zhang Kui.

Zhang Kui accepted the invitation readily, cupping his hands in a smile and saying, "It is a great honor for me to be invited by Fellow Daoist Lü Yue. How could I dare not accept? I wish you great success today and that you will attain the Great Luo Dao."

"Thank you for your kind words, fellow Daoist." Lü Yue seemed to be in a very good mood. He took Zhang Kui's arm and turned to the other terrifying figures on the cloud platform, introducing them in a loud voice: "Fellow Daoists, let me introduce you. This is the young friend Zhang Kui that I mentioned before. Don't underestimate him just because he is only a Celestial Immortal at present. His foundation is very solid, his Dao heart is very firm, and the Dao he has comprehended is quite unique. To be honest, I was able to glimpse the path to the Great Luo Gate this time thanks to the inspiration I gained from observing Fellow Daoist Zhang Kui undergoing the Celestial Immortal Tribulation."

Lü Yue spoke these words with utmost seriousness.

Upon hearing this, the gazes of those on the cloud platform who had previously paid little attention to Zhang Kui instantly changed.

How could this young man, who is proud and arrogant and whose cultivation has reached the peak of Taiyi Golden Immortal, be so highly praised by Lü Yue, who even said that his understanding of the tribulation was due to observing the other's Heavenly Immortal Tribulation? Just what makes this kid so extraordinary?

Instantly, several probing divine senses swept over Zhang Kui, seemingly trying to see through him inside and out. Zhang Kui felt a tightness around his body, and his four-stage golden core spontaneously accelerated its operation. The four divine aura patterns glowed slightly, especially the "Subduing Dragon and Tiger" aura pattern, which emitted an invisible force field, quietly dissolving the overly unrestrained probing into nothingness.

Standing beside Zhang Kui, Gao Lanying felt the terrifying pressure unconsciously emanating from those figures, and was secretly horrified. But seeing Zhang Kui so calm, she forced herself to calm down as well.

Seeing this, Lü Yue's eyes showed even more admiration, and he began to introduce the various great figures present to Zhang Kui one by one.

He first pointed to a female immortal who was dressed in a plain Taoist robe, wearing a fish-tail crown, with an exceptionally beautiful appearance and an elegant and unfathomable temperament. "This is Senior Sister Wudang, a direct disciple of Tongtian Jiaozhu of our Jie Sect. She has already attained the Great Luo Dao Fruit many years ago."

The Holy Mother of Wudang was one of the four direct disciples of the Jie Sect. Zhang Kui and Gao Lanying were shocked and quickly bowed respectfully, saying, "Junior pays respects to the Holy Mother of Wudang."

The Holy Mother of Wudang nodded slightly, her gaze lingering on Zhang Kui for a moment before she said gently, "No need for such formalities. Junior Brother Lü Yue rarely praises people like this; young friend, you must be extraordinary."

Then, Lü Yue pointed to a man dressed in black robes, with a bold face, carrying a golden whip on his back, and exuding powerful magic: "This is Senior Brother Zhao Gongming from Luofu Cave on Mount Emei. He is also a Great Luo Golden Immortal, who enjoys making friends and is extremely generous."

Zhao Gongming, the future Golden Dragon Ruyi Zhengyi Longhu Xuantan Zhenjun on the Investiture of the Gods. Zhang Kui and his companion bowed again, "Greetings, Senior Gongming."

Zhao Gongming laughed heartily, his voice booming like a bell: "Brother Lü Yue's friend is my friend, Zhao Gongming's friend. Young friend, you are welcome to visit my Luofu Cave when you have time."

Lu Yue then pointed to three female immortals standing together, all with stunningly beautiful faces but different temperaments. The one in the lead had the most composed and serene temperament, with a harmonious Daoist aura around her, and was actually a Great Luo Golden Immortal; the one beside her was slightly more lively and spirited, and was a Taiyi Golden Immortal; the youngest one was charming and lively, and was a Golden Immortal.

"These three are the Three Immortal Maidens of the Three Immortal Islands in the East Sea: Senior Sister Yunxiao, Junior Sister Qiongxiao, and Junior Sister Bixiao," Lü Yue introduced.

The Three Immortals of the Clouds were formidable figures who would set up the Nine-Bend Yellow River Formation in the future Investiture of the Gods, eliminating the three flowers atop the heads of the Twelve Golden Immortals. Zhang Kui and Gao Lanying dared not be negligent and greeted them respectfully. Lady Yunxiao returned the greeting calmly, Qiongxiao curiously sized up Zhang Kui, while Bixiao blinked and her gaze lingered on Gao Lanying.

Finally, Lü Yue's gaze fell upon a lone man standing with his hands behind his back at the edge of the cloud platform, dressed in a five-colored robe. This man possessed an almost otherworldly handsome appearance, an indifferent expression, yet his aura was terrifying, like a bottomless black hole. Though he stood there, he seemed utterly detached from the world, transcending all mortals. Even when Lü Yue introduced him, his tone carried a clear hint of respect:

"This is Fellow Daoist Kong Xuan, the son of the Phoenix, a primordial being who has long since severed his evil corpse and achieved the quasi-saint Dao fruit."

Kong Xuan, a quasi-saint who could sweep away anything with his Five-Colored Divine Light. Zhang Kui and Gao Lanying were shocked; this was a truly great figure standing at the pinnacle of the primordial world. The two bowed deeply: "Greetings, Senior Kong Xuan."

Kong Xuan merely glanced at them indifferently, nodded slightly in return, and said nothing more, remaining immersed in his own world.

After the introductions were completed, Zhang Kui solemnly introduced Gao Lanying to the seniors: "This is my Daoist partner, Gao Lanying."

Gao Lanying quickly greeted them all again. Out of respect for Lü Yue, the distinguished guests nodded in response.

Lü Yue's disciples had already prepared prayer mats, celestial fruits, and fine wine. Everyone took their seats as hosts and guests.

After exchanging pleasantries for a while, the group began to share their cultivation experiences. Of course, most of the discussion was with several powerful figures. Zhang Kui would occasionally chime in, but each time he would offer insights from a different perspective, which would make the powerful figures glance at him and nod in approval.

About an incense stick later, Lü Yue looked up at the sky, stood up, cupped his hands to the crowd, and said, "The auspicious time is approaching. I need to make preparations first. Please excuse me for a moment."

Everyone rose to return the greeting: "Please, fellow Daoist, make yourself at home."

After leaving, Lü Yue went to the cave behind the house to bathe, change clothes, burn incense, and calm his mind.

The platform fell silent for a moment, save for the sound of the sea breeze and the distant tides. All eyes were drawn to the most open area in the center of the platform, where a simple incense table had already been set up.

The atmosphere gradually became solemn and respectful.

A moment later, Lü Yue reappeared after bathing and fasting. He had changed into the most ancient linen Taoist robe, his long hair was loose, he was barefoot, and the domineering aura of plague around him was completely suppressed. His eyes were clear and firm as he walked step by step toward the incense table in the center of the cloud platform.

He stood before the table, took three sticks of incense, lit them with a real flame, bowed deeply to the clear blue sky, and then spoke solemnly, his voice dignified and resounding throughout Kowloon Island:

"Heaven above, your disciple Lü Yue, today on Kowloon Island, respectfully proclaims to Heaven and Earth. I have cultivated for ten thousand years, comprehending the Dao of the transformation of plague and disease. Although I have achieved some minor success, the Great Dao is boundless. Now I feel the time has come, and I am willing to invite heavenly tribulation to inquire about the Great Luo Dao Fruit. Regardless of success or failure, I will have no regrets, but only seek to understand my mind and nature, and to attain my true self."

After speaking, he inserted the incense sticks into the incense burner.

Wisps of smoke rise straight to the heavens.

In an instant, the spiritual energy of heaven and earth above Kowloon Island began to surge wildly.