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

Nuwa was furious, and the wrath of Heaven was like a prison.

Dark clouds rolled in over Chaoge City, accompanied by flashes of lightning and thunder. The sage was enraged, and if it weren't for Nuwa's consideration for humanity, whom she had created, the city would have been destroyed and its inhabitants perished in an instant. Even so, the immense pressure caused the city's inhabitants to tremble and kneel in fear, while the livestock cried out in terror.

King Zhou collapsed onto the cold floor tiles of the Nuwa Palace, his face ashen, a hot, wet patch on his groin from shock. His mind was blank, filled only with boundless terror—had he just… almost blasphemed a sage? No, he had truly angered a sage!

Although loyal ministers like Shang Rong and Bi Qian were equally terrified, seeing King Zhou so utterly incompetent filled them with even greater sorrow and despair. Was the six-hundred-year reign of the Shang Dynasty truly about to perish at the hands of such a tyrannical ruler?

The saint's oppressive aura did not last long. After a furious snort, the dark clouds slowly dissipated, but the anger of being offended remained like a brand in the sky above Chaoge City, and even more so in the heart of Goddess Nuwa.

Seeing that he had achieved his goal—successfully igniting Nuwa's anger and causing King Zhou to be punished for "disrespect" even though he hadn't written any lewd poems, while also forcing the three demons, including Su Daji, to be exposed prematurely—Lu Chen stopped lingering and quietly left this place of trouble using a brick-遁 (a magical technique).

He didn't go far, but instead hid in the clouds outside Chaoge City, quietly observing what would happen next.

Sure enough, when King Zhou returned to the palace, he learned that "Su Meiren" was actually a fox spirit in disguise, and that there were also pheasant spirits and pipa spirits hidden in the harem. He was so frightened that he was scared out of his wits. In addition, he was frightened in the Nuwa Palace and fell ill. He had a high fever and was delirious, and the court was in complete chaos.

The three demons, now exposed, could no longer remain in Chaoge. Although they bore the mark of conversion from the Western Sect, the sect dared not openly harbor these three pawns who had "angered Nuwa." The three demons had no choice but to flee Chaoge in haste. However, before escaping, following erroneous instructions transmitted by the Western Sect through a tampered "middleman" (Lu Chen's misleading mark took effect), they attacked Grand Tutor Wen Zhong's residence, attempting to steal his twin whips. They were instead injured by Wen Zhong using the Taoist magic passed down by the Golden Spirit Mother, and fled in even greater disarray.

"The plan has been disrupted, the pawns have been exposed, and we've gotten ourselves into a mess. This will give the Western Church a headache for a while," Lu Chen sneered.

In the following days, Chaoge was in chaos. King Zhou was seriously ill, and Crown Prince Yin Jiao was still young. Loyal ministers such as Wen Zhong tried their best to stabilize the situation, but the influence of Nuwa's wrath, rumors of the king's immorality, and scandals of demons hiding in the harem had spread like a plague, and the fortunes of the Shang Dynasty were declining at a visible speed.

At the same time, Lu Chen sensed that the aura of Xiqi was surging, with the faint sound of a phoenix's cry echoing throughout. Jiang Ziya had also arrived in Xiqi and was treated as an honored guest by Ji Chang, the Marquis of Xibo. The curtain had been raised on the Investiture of the Gods.

"Yuanshi initiated the Investiture of the Gods, while the Western Sect secretly stirred up trouble, both wanting to get the biggest share of this calamity." Lu Chen pondered, "I originally wanted to fish in troubled waters, but now it seems that simply causing chaos is not enough. I need to acquire a few key pieces, preferably those that can influence the future direction of the Investiture of the Gods, or even... change the fate of some important figures."

He thought of someone—Bo Yikao.

As the predetermined course unfolded, Ji Chang's eldest son, Boyi Kao, was a benevolent and filial man, skilled in music. Later, to rescue his father Ji Chang, who was imprisoned in Chaoge, he carried valuable treasures to Chaoge, but was framed by Su Daji (who had already been exposed and escaped, though her fate might change), and was brutally murdered. His body was made into meat patties and forced to be eaten by Ji Chang. Boyi Kao's death was one of the key catalysts for Ji Chang's decision to rebel against the Shang dynasty and for King Wu's conquest of the Shang. His spirit was later enshrined as the Great Emperor of the North Pole of the Central Heaven, a position of great renown.

"Emperor Ziwei..." A glint flashed in Lu Chen's eyes. If he could save Boyi Kao, he would not only gain a great deal of goodwill and the gratitude of a future Heavenly Emperor, but he could also change Ji Chang and Xiqi's decisions, thus influencing the entire process of the Investiture of the Gods. Boyi Kao was benevolent, filial, and kind; if he could survive, it might be a good thing for Xiqi and even for the future human race.

At this time, news arrived from Chaoge: due to King Zhou's serious illness, the court affairs were temporarily presided over by Grand Tutor Wen Zhong and Prime Minister Shang Rong. To stabilize the situation and also to test Xiqi, Wen Zhong, in the name of King Zhou, issued an edict summoning Ji Chang, the Marquis of Xibo, to Chaoge to "discuss state affairs." This was clearly a trap; if Ji Chang went, his chances of survival were slim.

"The opportunity has arrived." Lu Chen acted immediately.

He did not go directly to Xiqi, but went to Wuzhuang Temple first and found Zhen Yuanzi.

"Senior, I need a 'person' who looks exactly like Boyi Kao, the heir of Xiqi, has a similar aura, and can maintain that aura for a period of time without revealing any flaws," Lu Chen said bluntly.

"Substituting one thing for another?" Zhen Yuanzi instantly understood. "That's not difficult. I can use the ginseng fruit as a base and supplement it with the energy of the earth's membrane to create a fake body. Then, using the essence, blood, and hair you provided as a guide, I can imitate the aura. As long as we don't encounter any beings above the Great Luo Golden Immortal level deliberately probing us, it's enough to fool them. But remember, the fake body cannot last long; it can only last for three months at most."

"Three months is enough!" Lu Chen nodded, and immediately extracted a strand of human aura that matched the characteristics of "benevolence, filial piety and purity" from his body (actually stored in the Qiankun Diagram, which contained various auras collected from the human race back then) as a base, and cut off a strand of hair as a medium.

Zhen Yuanzi immediately took action, taking a ginseng fruit and refining it using the profound methods of an earth immortal. Seven days later, a "false body" that was 90% similar in appearance to Bo Yikao as described by Lu Chen, and whose aura was also 70% similar, was formed. It was lifelike and could even have simple conversations and walk.

Lu Chen used the Chaos Brick to inscribe a barely perceptible "self-destruction restriction" and "information feedback talisman" on the core of this illusory body. Once the illusory body is destroyed or exceeds the time limit, it will automatically dissipate into the purest spiritual energy of plants and trees, and transmit its last sights and sounds back.

Using a fake body, Lu Chen used brick magic to travel to Xiqi.

Inside the Marquis's residence in Xiqi City, Ji Chang was discussing the matter of the envoy from Chaoge with his trusted confidants, including Jiang Ziya and San Yisheng, his face full of worry.

"My lord, going to Chaoge is like entering a den of dragons and tigers. King Zhou is tyrannical, and although Wen Zhong is loyal, he is controlled. My lord must not go!" San Yisheng pleaded.

Ji Chang sighed, "The Emperor has summoned us; how dare we disobey? If we do not go, it will be defying the imperial decree, giving Chaoge a pretext to attack. Xiqi's foundation is still shallow; how can we resist?"

"Father!" The eldest son, Boyi Kao, said with a worried expression, "Why don't you let me go in your place? I am the heir apparent and represent Xiqi. My status is sufficient. I will be careful and cautious, and try to rescue you (if Ji Chang insists on going) or find out the truth about Chaoge."

"Absolutely not!" Ji Chang and Jiang Ziya both objected. They both knew that Boyi Kao was kind and benevolent, and going to that land of tigers and wolves would be like a lamb entering a tiger's den.

Just then, a barely perceptible telepathic message reached the ears of Ji Chang, Jiang Ziya, and Boyi Kao simultaneously: "Marquis of the West, Crown Prince, Lord Ziya, may we speak in private?"

The three were all shocked. This sound transmission could bypass the restrictions of the Marquis's mansion and directly enter their minds. Moreover, even with Jiang Ziya's cultivation level (although low, he was protected by the Jade Void Daoist technique), he did not notice it at all. The person who came was unfathomably powerful!

Jiang Ziya looked at Ji Chang and nodded slightly, indicating that he could listen first. Ji Chang composed himself, dismissed his attendants, and left only the three of them in the secret chamber.

A faint, chaotic light flashed, and Lu Chen's figure appeared. His aura was restrained, like that of an ordinary person, yet he possessed a profound and imposing presence.

"You are...?" Ji Chang asked, his voice filled with surprise and uncertainty.

"I am Lu Chen, a humble cultivator." Lu Chen did not conceal his real name. At his level, there was no need for an alias. "I have come today to relieve the predicament of Xiqi and to save the life of the young master."

"Save my life?" Boyi Kao asked in surprise.

Lu Chen didn't say much, but waved his hand to set up a soundproof barrier. Then he succinctly stated what he knew (in part): Chaoge was already a trap, King Zhou was tyrannical, the demons had temporarily retreated but danger lurked everywhere, Nuwa was furious, and the Shang Dynasty's fate was sealed. If Ji Chang went, he would be imprisoned or even killed; if Boyi Kao went in his father's place, he would be framed and die.

Ji Chang and the other two turned pale upon hearing this. Although some of the content was horrifying (such as the details of Nuwa's wrath), combined with the recent celestial anomalies and the rumors circulating in Chaoge, they couldn't help but believe it.

"Since you have come, sir, you must have some good ideas to teach me!" Ji Chang bowed deeply.

"Substituting one thing for another." Lu Chen directly revealed the fake body crafted by Zhen Yuanzi. "Use this body to go to Chaoge in place of the Crown Prince. This body is enhanced by my secret technique and can last for three months, which is enough to pass Chaoge's inspection and complete the 'entry to court'. The real Crown Prince must hide immediately, preferably secretly leaving Xiqi and finding a safe place to cultivate in seclusion. He can reappear after the storm has passed or the situation has been settled."

Bo Yikao looked at the fake body that resembled him so closely, then at his father and Jiang Ziya. A struggle flashed in his eyes, but it eventually turned into determination: "Father, Master Jiang, this method is feasible! It can preserve your reputation for loyalty (by sending the heir to court) and also protect the bloodline and strength of Xiqi. It's just... this fake body will have to suffer."

"Your Highness is benevolent and filial, which is admirable." Lu Chen nodded. "This incarnation was originally formed from the spiritual energy of plants and trees. It is its good fortune to be able to take the calamity in place of Your Highness. Your Highness's true body needs to be moved immediately. I have a secluded place where you can temporarily take refuge." He was naturally referring to the world inside the Qiankun Diagram, but he would not say it outright.

Jiang Ziya pondered for a moment, then said, "Mr. Lu, your kindness is deeply appreciated by Xiqi. However, there are many capable and extraordinary people in Chaoge. If we are exposed..."

"Unless a sage personally arrives, or a Great Luo Golden Immortal deliberately uses their primordial divine power to investigate, it will be difficult to see through it," Lu Chen said confidently. "Moreover, Chaoge is currently preoccupied with its own problems and will not focus all its attention on a mere 'hostage' from Xiqi."

In the end, Ji Chang gritted his teeth and adopted the plan. That night, the real Boyi Kao, under Lu Chen's cover, secretly left Xiqi and was temporarily settled in a valley rich in spiritual energy within the Qiankun Diagram. The fake Boyi Kao, accompanied by several loyal guards (two of whom Lu Chen had secretly replaced), set off openly for Chaoge the next day.

Before parting, Lu Chen handed a small, inconspicuous gray brick (formed from a wisp of the Chaos Brick's aura) to the fake Boyi Kao, instructing him to wear it close to his body so that it could protect him once in a crisis and also transmit information.

Watching the departing convoy, Lu Chen said to Ji Chang and Jiang Ziya, who had disappeared beside him, "Lord Xibo, Lord Ziya, next, Xiqi should prepare its troops and wait for the opportune moment. Within a year, there will surely be a dramatic change."

Ji Chang, with a solemn expression, bowed deeply: "We of Xiqi will never forget your great kindness, sir. If there is ever a need for us in the future, the Ji clan will never refuse!"

Jiang Ziya also bowed respectfully.

Lu Chen accepted it calmly, knowing that this good relationship had been formed.

A few days later, the fake Boyi Kao "successfully" arrived in Chaoge and was placed in the guesthouse, where he was temporarily unharmed.

Lu Chen, on the other hand, turned his attention to another line of thought—the God-Slaying Whip in Jiang Ziya's hand and the Investiture of the Gods.

"The game in Chaoge has been decided, and the goodwill in Xiqi has been established. Now, it's time to see what secrets are hidden in the 'delivery' that Yuanshi sent me."

The brick-throwing technique is back, targeting Jiang Ziya's inevitable route back to Xiqi from Chaoge! This time, he'll personally inspect the goods!