Primordial Era: A brick knocks Hongyun unconscious, and he seizes the throne at the start.

After the discussion at Biyou Palace, the surface of the prehistoric world was calm, but the undercurrents were becoming increasingly turbulent.

Lu Chen was in seclusion in the Pillar of Heaven Cave, digesting the essence of array formations he had obtained from the Heavenly Gate, and integrating his understanding of the "Primordial Chaos" Great Dao after resonating with the Primordial Chaos Golden Bucket. The power of the Chaos Brick had subtly increased, and the chaotic patterns on its surface had become more complex and profound. He had a vague feeling that if certain specific conditions were met, this brick might undergo a fundamental transformation.

Lu Xiao, the clone, steadily progressed within the Jie Sect. Relying on his extraordinary "talent" and good relationships with Zhao Gongming, the Three Immortals of Sanxiao, and others, he gradually distinguished himself among the younger generation of disciples and even began to take on some peripheral management duties within the Jie Sect. This gave him a clearer understanding of the overall situation of the Jie Sect, its personnel composition, and the hidden dangers (such as those of Chang Er Ding Guang Xian).

Meanwhile, at the Jade Void Palace on Kunlun Mountain, the atmosphere was somber.

Yuanshi Tianzun sat high on the Eight Treasures Cloud Throne, his face solemn. Below him, the Twelve Golden Immortals of the Chan Sect, led by Guang Chengzi (at this time, before experiencing the tribulation of the Nine Turns Yellow River Formation, there were still twelve of them), stood on both sides, each with perfect aura and profound cultivation, but their brows were all etched with a sense of solemnity.

Immortals of great virtue and fortune, such as the Taoist Ran Deng, the Old Man of the South Pole, and Yun Zhongzi, are also included.

"The Investiture of the Gods is about to be established, and the calamity of slaughter has begun." Yuanshi Tianzun spoke, his voice indifferent and devoid of any emotion. "This is the cycle of the Heavenly Dao, and it is also your opportunity to overcome the calamity of slaughter and advance further."

The disciples listened intently, holding their breath.

"However, in the midst of this great calamity, many variables arise. The Jie Sect, indiscriminate in their origins, presumptuously preach teaching without discrimination. Many of their followers are creatures with fur and horns, born from moisture and eggs, their karma entangled, deserving to be listed on the list and fill the divine positions to fulfill the mandate of heaven." Yuanshi continued, his contempt for the Jie Sect undisguised. "But they rely on the power of ten thousand immortals and may not willingly submit. Furthermore, there is Lu Chen, who is connected to Zhen Yuanzi and Tongtian, making him particularly unstable."

The atmosphere in the hall grew even colder at the mention of the name "Lu Chen." His confrontation with the two Western Saints at the Ullambana Festival, his resistance against the Demon God in the Northern Sea, his robbery of the Spirit Mountain's Merit Pool… these deeds had already reached the ears of the Chan Sect. An uncontrollable peak-stage Hunyuan cultivator, clearly harboring hostility towards the Yuanshi lineage, was undoubtedly a huge variable in the Investiture of the Gods plan.

"Master, although Lu Chen is strong, he has not yet attained sainthood." Guang Chengzi stepped forward, bowed, and said, "Our Chan Sect is the orthodox lineage of the Xuanmen. With Master here, what do we have to fear from him? However, his whereabouts are mysterious, and he is also in league with the Jie Sect. We must take precautions as soon as possible."

"Guang Chengzi's words make sense." Yuanshi nodded slightly. "I have my own plans regarding Lu Chen's matter. The most urgent task is to promote the Investiture of the Gods, establish the Heavenly Court, and restore order to the primordial world."

His gaze swept down and landed on the white-haired old man at the very end. This man's cultivation was only at the Celestial Immortal level, inconspicuous among the Golden Immortals and Great Luo Immortals in the hall, but his aura was upright and peaceful, faintly connected to the fortune of Kunlun Mountain.

"Jiang Shang," Yuanshi called out.

The old man quickly stepped forward and prostrated himself on the ground, saying, "Disciple is here."

"You were born with a short life, unlikely to achieve immortality, yet you enjoy the blessings of a general or minister in the mortal world. Now, the reign of King Tang of Shang is nearing its end, and the sage ruler of the Western Zhou has been born. You should have wise ministers to assist you in overthrowing the wicked, ending the calamity of heaven and earth, and establishing the great undertaking of bestowing gods." Yuanshi said slowly, "I now bestow upon you three treasures and order you to descend the mountain, choose a master to serve, and act as the agent for bestowing gods."

Having said that, Yuanshi flicked his sleeve, and three beams of light flew toward Jiang Ziya.

The first one was a small apricot-yellow flag, which unfurled in the wind, displaying thousands of golden lotuses. Nothing could break it; it was the "Wuji Apricot-Yellow Flag," one of the Five Primordial Flags!

The second item was a wooden whip, three feet six and a half inches long, with twenty-one sections, each section bearing four talismans, totaling eighty-four talismans, emanating the aura of a heavenly decree—the "God-Slaying Whip," a treasure配套 with the Investiture of the Gods! However, this whip could only strike gods, not immortals or humans, and was specially prepared for the Investiture of the Gods.

The third item was a scroll of inscriptions that was neither silk nor cloth, hazy and indistinct, with only the three divine characters "Investiture of the Gods" faintly flowing—it was the very "Investiture of the Gods" that was destined to contain the true spirits of 365 righteous gods! However, at this moment, the scroll was empty, and the divine positions were undetermined.

Jiang Ziya accepted the three treasures with trembling hands, his heart filled with both excitement and trepidation. He was excited to receive such a heavy entrustment from his master, who bestowed upon him such precious treasures; he was trepidated because his own cultivation was too low, and he was to go to the mortal realm to assist a wise ruler, conquer the world, and preside over such a momentous event as the Investiture of the Gods, the pressure of which was immense.

"Disciple...disciple's cultivation is shallow, I fear I will fail Master's high expectations..." Jiang Ziya prostrated himself on the ground, his voice trembling.

"This is destiny; you are destined for it." Yuanshi's tone remained unchanged. "The Antarctic Immortal."

"Disciple is here." The Antarctic Immortal stepped forward.

"You escort Ziya down the mountain, protecting him all the way to Xiqi. Inform Ji Chang that the phoenix has cried out on Mount Qi, signifying the emergence of a holy ruler, and that we should follow the will of Heaven and the will of the people."

"Follow the law."

"Furthermore," Yuanshi's gaze swept over the Twelve Golden Immortals once more, "you shall all return to your caves, close your gates tightly, and quietly recite the Yellow Court Classic. Do not rise before the tribulation, and do not easily become entangled in karma. When Ziya has completed his work, the time will come for you to descend the mountain and complete your tribulation."

"We will obey our master's orders!" the disciples replied in unison.

A moment later, accompanied by the Antarctic Immortal, Jiang Ziya used earth magic to leave Kunlun Mountain and headed towards Xiqi, the capital of the human race.

However, all of this could not be completely hidden from the eyes of those who were interested.

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On the Western Spirit Mountain, by the Eight Treasures Merit Pool, Jieyin and Zhunti sat facing each other. The pool water was much clearer than before, indicating that the crystallized faith that Lu Chen had taken away had not yet fully recovered.

"Yuanshi has already sent Jiang Ziya down the mountain with the Investiture of the Gods and the God-Slaying Whip," Zhunti said slowly. "The curtain is about to rise on the Investiture of the Gods."

"Jiang Ziya's fate is special; he is destined to be the one to bestow titles upon the gods, and cannot be harmed," Jieyin's voice was deep. "However, the God-Slaying Whip and the Investiture of the Gods are crucial. Especially the God-Slaying Whip; although it cannot strike immortals or mortals, it is a key token for commanding the righteous gods of Heaven. If we could..."

A glint flashed in Zhunti's eyes: "Senior brother, are you planning to... tamper with the God-Slaying Whip? Or... make early contact with Jiang Ziya?"

"Yuanshi will surely take precautions; direct contact with Jiang Ziya is too risky." Jieyin shook his head. "But the God-Slaying Whip... when it was forged, it incorporated Heavenly Dao seals and edicts; perhaps there's an opening. Besides, that scoundrel Lu Chen stole from my Merit Pool before; this grudge cannot go unavenged. Doesn't he like to steal things? If he knows the importance of the God-Slaying Whip and the Investiture of the Gods..."

Zhunti immediately understood: "Shifting the blame eastward? Brilliant! But how do I let him know, and make him believe it?"

Jieyin smiled slightly and looked eastward: "Isn't Lu Chen close to Tongtian of the Jie Sect? Tongtian must be keeping an eye on this matter. We just need to... let the news 'naturally' reach Biyou Palace. Given Lu Chen's personality and his dislike for Yuanshi, how could he not be tempted to learn that such a crucial item is being handled by a Celestial Immortal?"

"Moreover," Jieyin added, "even if he doesn't take action personally, just the thought of sending someone to 'take a look' is enough to disrupt Yuanshi's plans and create an opportunity for us."

"Excellent!" Zhunti clapped his hands.

At the same time, in Biyou Palace, the Tongtian Sect Leader also sensed something, his gaze piercing through the void as he looked towards the direction of Kunlun Mountain, his brows slightly furrowed.

"Jiang Ziya has gone down the mountain... the God-Slaying Whip, the Investiture of the Gods..." he muttered to himself, his gaze shifting to his disciples, especially lingering on Duobao, Zhao Gongming, the Three Immortals, and the newly promoted "genius disciple" Lu Xiao for a moment, a complex look flashing in his eyes.

"The calamity begins in the human realm... but where does the change lie?"

He waved his sleeve, and a beam of clear light flew out, landing in the hand of Daoist Duobao, who was dealing with external affairs.

"Duobao, order the outer disciples to closely monitor the movements of the Shang and Zhou territories of the human race. If any abnormalities are found, report them immediately."

"Disciple obeys." Daoist Duobao respectfully replied.

The news, like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, began to spread ripples.

Inside the Heavenly Pillar Cave on Mount Buzhou, Lu Chen, who was in seclusion, suddenly received an urgent message from his clone Lu Xiao through a special channel—it was only a short line:

"Jiang Ziya, carrying the God-Slaying Whip and the Investiture of the Gods, descended from Kunlun and headed towards Xiqi."

Lu Chen suddenly opened his eyes, his gaze filled with a chaotic energy.

"The God-Slaying Whip? The Investiture of the Gods?"

"Yuanshi, are you really so comfortable letting a celestial being carry these two items all over the world?"

A familiar, slightly mischievous smile slowly crept onto his lips.

"If we don't go and 'escort' it for a while, and take the opportunity to 'check' the authenticity of the treasure, wouldn't we be letting down your 'kind intentions,' Primordial Sage?"

"Jiang Ziya, right...?"

"Your package, I'm Lu Chen, let me check the contents for you first!"

The Brick Escape technique was activated silently, and a chaotic stream of light streaked across the sky, heading straight for Jiang Ziya's inevitable route down the mountain!