Investiture of the Gods: Childhood Sweetheart Daji, Starting with Quasi-Saint Cultivation

It was late at night in the backyard of the Tian Ce Mansion.

Su Yunbai arrived at Daji's courtyard.

The candlelight was still burning, and Daji was sitting by the window, embroidering a dark robe—the very style that Su Yunbai often wore.

She embroidered with great focus, her slender fingers holding the silver needle, each stitch filled with affection.

"Why aren't you asleep yet?" Su Yunbai pushed open the door and entered.

Daji looked up, her eyes filled with surprise: "Yunbai! You've come."

Su Yunbai walked to her side, took the robe, and examined it closely. The hem of the robe was embroidered with exquisite cloud patterns, the stitches were fine and dense, clearly showing that it had been made with great care.

"Made for me?"

"Hmm." Daji's cheeks flushed slightly. "Chaoge is not like Jizhou. Now that you are a great general, you should have some decent robes."

Su Yunbai felt a warmth in his heart and took her hand: "Thank you for your hard work."

"It's not hard work." Daji leaned on his shoulder. "I'm happy to be able to do something for Yunbai."

The candlelight flickered, illuminating the two figures leaning against each other.

Su Yunbai could sense that Daji's dependence on and affection for him was deeper than ever before.

The laws of emotion flow naturally.

[Ding! Daoist companion Su Daji's favorability has increased from 95 to 97!]

"Daji," Su Yunbai said softly, "I want to pass on a martial art to you."

Daji was taken aback: "Cultivation techniques?"

"Your cultivation is still shallow, and I'm worried I won't be able to protect you during this great calamity," Su Yunbai said. "This 'Nine Yin Manual' is most suitable for women to cultivate, as it can strengthen their foundation, nourish their vital energy, and improve their cultivation."

He redeemed this cultivation technique from the system shop, spending 500 intimacy points.

[Current intimacy level: 21640 points.]

The information about the cultivation technique was transmitted into Daji's mind.

She closed her eyes for a moment to process what she had just learned, and when she opened them, her eyes were filled with emotion.

"Yunbai... thank you."

"There's no need for thanks between us," Su Yunbai said. "Come, I'll help you cultivate the first level."

The two sat cross-legged facing each other.

Su Yunbai guided Daji to circulate her cultivation technique, and the Law of Emotion gently nourished her meridians.

A night of cultivation.

Daji successfully broke through to the early stage of the Nascent Soul realm, and her foundation became solid.

[Ding! Daoist companion Su Daji's favorability has increased from 97 to 99!]

It's almost there.

---

early morning.

Su Yunbai arrived at Jiang Xiaowu's courtyard.

In the courtyard, Jiang Xiaowu was practicing her sword.

She practiced the basic version of "Qingping Sword Intent" taught by Su Yunbai. Although it was only the basics, it already had a hint of fierceness.

Upon seeing Su Yunbai arrive, she sheathed her sword and bowed.

"Owner."

Su Yunbai walked up to her: "Xiao Wu, we are Daoist partners, there's no need to be so reserved."

Jiang Xiaowu lowered her head: "I'm used to it..."

Su Yunbai took her sword.

"Your swordsmanship is good, but too rigid."

He gripped his sword and made a casual slash.

The sword light was like water, seemingly gentle, yet containing endless variations.

"The essence of Qingping Sword Intent lies in its agility and unpredictability, allowing one to act as one pleases," Su Yunbai said. "You are too fixated on the techniques, which has caused you to lose sight of its true meaning."

Jiang Xiaowu seemed to be deep in thought.

"Come, I'll teach you."

Su Yunbai taught her swordsmanship step by step.

The two were very close, able to feel each other's body temperature and breath.

Jiang Xiaowu was a little stiff at first, but gradually relaxed.

She discovered that when Su Yunbai taught swordsmanship, he had no ulterior motives; he was purely providing guidance.

This respect warmed her heart.

"Master...why are you so good to me?" she couldn't help but ask.

Su Yunbai stopped what he was doing.

"Because you are Jiang Xiaowu."

He said earnestly, "You are not anyone's appendage; you are yourself."

"I want you to become stronger, not so that you will risk your life for me, but so that you will have the ability to protect yourself and the right to choose."

Jiang Xiaowu's eyes were slightly red.

From childhood to adulthood, she suffered endless scorn because she was a half-demon.

When they were in Beihai, Yuan Futong only used her as a tool.

Only Su Yunbai truly treated her like a human being.

"I will try my best," she said firmly. "I definitely will."

[Ding! Daoist partner Jiang Xiaowu's favorability has increased from 92 to 95!]

---

afternoon.

Su Yunbai found Ao Ling.

She was studying water conservancy blueprints in her study, her icy blue eyes focused and serious.

"Ling'er".

Ao Ling looked up: "Yun Bai."

"What are you busy with?"

"A detailed plan for the Yellow River diversion project." Ao Ling pointed to the blueprints. "According to your idea, if dams can be built at places like Sanmenxia and Longmen, the Yellow River flood problem can be completely solved."

Su Yunbai looked at the blueprints.

The plan is very comprehensive, which shows that Ao Ling has put in a lot of hard work.

"Thanks a lot."

"It's not hard work," Ao Ling said. "I'm happy to be able to do something for the people."

She paused.

"Yunbai, Father has sent a message saying that the North Sea Dragon Clan is willing to provide Xuanbing Iron, but they need our help to resolve the problem of the North Sea Eye's instability."

"North Sea Sea Eye?"

"Hmm." Ao Ling nodded. "The North Sea Eye is one of the four sea eyes. Recently, for some unknown reason, it has been frequently disturbed, affecting the stability of the North Sea Dragon Palace. The North Sea Dragon King suspects that someone is sabotaging it in secret."

Su Yunbai frowned.

The turbulence in the ocean eye... this is no small matter.

"Any clues?"

"Not for now," Ao Ling said. "However, my father has already sent people to investigate. If needed, the Dragon Clan can ask the general for assistance."

"Alright," Su Yunbai said. "If it's determined to be man-made, I will definitely take action."

A tenderness flashed in Ao Ling's eyes.

"Thank you, Yunbai."

"We are husband and wife, there is no need for thanks."

He grasped Ao Ling's hand.

"Ling'er, how's your cultivation progress lately?"

"I've reached the threshold of the Great Luo realm," Ao Ling said, "but I always feel like I'm missing a crucial opportunity."

Su Yunbai pondered.

"Perhaps you need to understand the deeper meaning of water."

He redeemed a drop of "Three Lights Divine Water" (the second drop in his inventory) from the system and handed it to Ao Ling.

"This water contains the fundamental principles of water, which may be helpful to you."

Ao Ling took it, sensing the vast water-based spiritual energy within, and exclaimed in shock, "This is... a primordial divine artifact!"

"It's yours."

Ao Ling looked at Su Yunbai, his eyes filled with affection.

"Yunbai, why are you so good to me?"

"Because you are Ao Ling," Su Yunbai said with a smile, "my dragon princess."

Ao Ling's eyes were slightly red as she threw herself into his arms.

[Ding! Daoist partner Ao Ling's favorability has increased from 98 to 99!]

---

evening.

Su Yunbai finally arrived at Bixiao's courtyard.

Bixiao is making tea.

Seeing Su Yunbai enter, she smiled and asked, "Finished with your work?"

"Hmm." Su Yunbai sat down. "What kind of tea are you brewing?"

"The 'Cloud and Mist Spirit Tea' sent from the East Sea is said to be beneficial to the primordial spirit." Bixiao handed him a cup. "Try it."

The tea has a refreshing aroma and a sweet aftertaste.

"Good tea."

Bixiao looked at him: "You... went to see them today?"

"Yes," Su Yunbai said frankly, "I want to spend more time with you all."

Bixiao smiled.

"You've finally figured it out."

She paused.

"However, Xiqi probably won't give us much time."

"I know," Su Yunbai said, "that's why I want to improve my strength as soon as possible."

"We're still missing a cultivation partner, aren't we?"

Su Yunbai nodded.

Bixiao pondered.

"What do you think of... Lady Shiji?"

Su Yunbai was taken aback.

Lady Shiji?

He was a disciple of the Jie Sect and was killed by Taiyi Zhenren in the original story, making him a tragic character.

Why would she...?

"I have a good relationship with Senior Sister Shiji," Bixiao said. "Her dojo is on Skull Mountain, not far from Chaoge. Moreover... she hates the Chan Sect to the core."

Su Yunbai understood.

The enemy of my enemy is my friend.

"However, Senior Sister Shiji is aloof and not easy to approach," Bixiao said. "If you really want to win her over, you'll need to put in some effort."

"Thank you for reminding me," Su Yunbai said. "I'll consider it."

Bixiao grasped his hand.

"Yun Bai, no matter who you choose as your fifth Daoist partner, I will support you."

"Because I believe that you will always have a place in our hearts."

Su Yunbai was deeply moved.

"Bixiao..."

"However," Bixiao suddenly smiled slyly, "you'll have to keep me company tonight."

"it is good."

---

late at night.

Su Yunbai and Bixiao fell asleep in each other's arms.

[Ding! Daoist partner Bixiao's favorability has increased from 99 to 100!]

[Congratulations! Your first Daoist partner has reached maximum affinity!]

[Reward: 10000 Intimacy Points!]

[Current Intimacy Level: 31640 points!]

Su Yunbai was overjoyed.

Finally, one person has reached the maximum value!

Four more are needed.

The road ahead is long, but at least there is hope.

---

The next day.

Court meeting.

King Zhou announced two things.

First, the "Wenhua Pavilion" was established, presided over by Daji, who was responsible for compiling classics and educating the people.

Second, the "Military Intelligence Institute" was established, with Jiang Xiaowu as its assistant, responsible for military intelligence analysis.

These two appointments greatly surprised the court officials.

It was extremely rare for a woman to serve as an official in the history of the Shang Dynasty.

But no one dared to object.

Everyone could see that this was Su Yunbai's intention.

As for Su Yunbai, no one dares to mess with him now.

---

After the court session ended.

Just as Su Yunbai was preparing to return to Tian Ce Mansion, a eunuch rushed over.

"General, His Majesty requests your presence."

The Imperial Study.

King Zhou's expression was solemn.

"Yunbai, I just received a secret report that Xiqi is preparing to create friction on the border."

"where?"

"Youhun Pass," King Zhou said. "General Dou Rong reported that the Xiqi army is frequently moving around outside the pass, which seems to indicate some unusual activity."

Su Yunbai frowned.

Youhun Pass was the western gateway of the Shang Dynasty. If it were lost, Xiqi could advance unimpeded.

"How does Your Majesty intend to respond?"

"I want you to go there," King Zhou said. "Youhun Pass cannot be lost."

Su Yunbai nodded.

"Your subject obeys the decree."

---

Back at Tian Ce Mansion.

Su Yunbai summoned the four women.

"I need to go to Youhun Pass."

All four women showed expressions of worry.

"Is there any danger?" Daji asked.

"Probably not," Su Yunbai said. "Xiqi doesn't dare to launch a full-scale war right now; at most, it's just testing the waters."

Bixiao said, "I'll go with you."

"I'll go too," Ao Ling said. "The Dragon Clan can send their navy to assist."

Jiang Xiaowu gripped her sword tightly: "The Iron-Blooded Army is ready to fight at any time."

Su Yunbai shook his head.

"You shall remain in Chaoge."

He looked at Bixiao and Ao Ling.

"Bixiao, you are in charge of contacting the Jie Sect and trying to gain more support."

"Ao Ling, coordinate the dragon clan's resources to ensure the supply of materials."

Then he looked at Daji and Xiaowu.

"Daji, the Wenhua Pavilion has just been established and needs your presence to oversee it."

"Xiao Wu, intelligence analysis from the Military Intelligence Institute is of paramount importance."

Although the four women were unwilling, they knew that what he said made sense.

"Then... be careful," Bixiao said.

"I will."