Zhang Kui Asks the Way in Investiture of the Gods

Seeing Zhang Kui successfully break through to the Xuanxian realm, his aura becoming harmonious, the three-flower phantom above his head slowly disappearing, and the Five Qi Converging at the Origin becoming stable, Lady Pingxin nodded slightly, her eyes full of approval.

However, when she spoke, it was still slightly teasing, "Alright, stop being so smug. You're just a minor immortal, with a long road ahead."

Zhang Kui's recent breakthrough joy was largely dispelled by those words. He was speechless for a moment, muttering to himself, "I cultivated step by step through hardships, unlike you, sir, who was born divine and had extraordinary origins. Your starting point is my destination... Ouch!"

I received another sharp rap on the back of my head; it wasn't heavy, but it was loud enough.

"I've already told you, don't speak ill of your elders," Empress Pingxin looked at him with a half-smile, her eyes filled with the doting affection one would show to a junior member of the family. "Otherwise, I'll hit you."

Zhang Kui rubbed the back of his head, completely exasperated. In front of this person, he was no different from someone made of paper.

After a short while, Lady Pingxin's expression turned slightly serious, and she gently raised her hand to beckon. Zhang Kui felt a movement in his arms, and the treasure-falling coin, which had been dormant and only occasionally had a faint connection with him, flew uncontrollably toward Lady Pingxin.

As soon as the treasure coin left her body, it trembled violently, its golden and black light flashing wildly, as if trying to break free of its restraints and fly back to Zhang Kui's side. However, in the seemingly delicate and powerless jade hand of Lady Pingxin, its struggles were like an ant trying to shake a tree, utterly futile.

Ignoring its struggles, Lady Pingxin gently twirled the ancient copper coin between her fingertips. Her gaze became complex, carrying a trace of sorrow that seemed to transcend eternity. She murmured softly, "Little sister... is that you?"

Upon hearing the word "little sister," Zhang Kui felt a flash of inspiration, instantly connecting all the clues.

The ancient and ferocious remnant spirit contained in Ma Yuan's bone hand, coupled with the mutterings of Lady Pingxin just now... it turns out that what Luo Bao Jin Qian had just devoured was actually the remnant divine spirit of Xuanming Ancestral Witch, one of the Twelve Ancestral Witches.

Lady Pingxin was lost in her memories, her voice tinged with a hint of etherealness: "Xuanming... she governs the cold winter, rain and snow, and is also the master of slaughter. In the past, during the decisive battle between the Lich King and the Demon King, she charged ahead, the most valiant and the most tragic. I transformed into the cycle of reincarnation, and although I gained merit, I ultimately failed to protect her completely, leaving only scattered remnants of my spirit scattered throughout the world. I never imagined that today, I would sense her here..."

These few words vividly depict a brutal battle between witches and demons in ancient times.

Pulling herself out of her reverie, Lady Pingxin's eyes regained their clarity. She looked at Zhang Kui and said, "Little fellow, I have taken back the lingering will of Xuanming from this Treasure-Falling Coin."

With a flick of her fingertip, an extremely faint, yet anciently chilling, icy blue light was drawn from the Treasure Coin, merged into Lady Pingxin's fingertip, and disappeared.

The treasure coin immediately stopped struggling and became quiet, but the dark gold ghostly patterns on it remained clear.

Empress Pingxin continued to examine the Luobao Coin, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes: "This treasure was originally a primordial spiritual treasure born in response to the human way. Now, due to a series of coincidences, it has absorbed the energy of the Netherworld, fused with the remnants of the Xuanming, and unexpectedly formed a connection with the Earthly Dao... Truly interesting."

After a moment's thought, she made a decision: "Since this connection has already been established, I will lend it a hand and completely complete the communication with the underground passage, making it a bridge connecting the human world and the underground passage."

Having said that, Lady Pingxin's expression turned solemn, and her body emanated a vast and boundless primordial aura. She extended her index finger, and at its tip condensed a point of incomparably heavy, profound yellow light that bore witness to the birth and death of all things—pure, primordial power. Using her finger as a brush, she began to inscribe, along the original Netherworld patterns, increasingly complex and ancient mystical runes on the Falling Treasure Coin.

These symbols complement the original humanistic gold patterns on the coins, yet they are distinctly separate, creating a peculiar balance.

Throughout the process, the coin trembled slightly and emitted a pleasant hum, instinctively realizing that this was an incredible opportunity.

As the last rune fell, the entire Treasure-Dropping Coin trembled violently, its light intertwining and flashing, and a more harmonious and profound aura spread out. The previously restless spiritual energy completely subsided, and the precious light became deep, appearing ancient and mysterious.

"Alright," Lady Pingxin handed the transformed Treasure-Dropping Coin back to Zhang Kui, "Now it connects the human and earthly paths, greatly increasing its potential. In the future, if there is an opportunity and the Heavenly Dao grants permission to gather the power of the three realms, this treasure may truly have a chance to break through the shackles of innate spiritual treasures and advance to innate supreme treasures. Of course, this path is difficult, and the hope is slim; it depends on your own destiny."

Zhang Kui accepted the Treasure-Dropping Coin with both hands, feeling the far stronger and more profound power it contained compared to before, and was overjoyed. This was truly his first innate spiritual treasure, and he quickly bowed, saying, "Thank you for your kindness, Senior!"

Lady Pingxin waved her hand and said, "Alright, little one, this matter is settled. You should return to the mortal realm. Although you have inherited the position of the Great Emperor of Fengdu, in order to truly fulfill his duties and regulate Yin and Yang, you need to forge the Golden Immortal Dao Fruit yourself to fully control the power of your incarnation. Currently, the incarnation of the Great Emperor of Fengdu can only rely on his divine instincts to maintain the basic operation of the underworld and the order of reincarnation."

She changed the subject, reassuring Zhang Kui: "However, there is one thing that can help you. In a critical moment, you can briefly invoke the divine power of the Fengdu Emperor through mental connection. With his peak Great Luo Golden Immortal status, he can step into the Quasi-Saint realm, ensuring your safety as you travel in the prehistoric world." This was undoubtedly the strongest trump card for survival.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Kui was deeply moved.

He straightened his robes, took a step back, and with an unprecedentedly solemn expression, bowed deeply to the ground before Lady Pingxin, saying, "Zhang Kui thanks you, teacher! I will never forget your kindness in imparting knowledge, teaching skills, resolving doubts, and protecting the Way."

"Teacher?" Upon hearing this title, Lady Pingxin was visibly taken aback, then smiled gently, a smile that brightened the entire Fengdu Mountain. "That won't do, you can't call me teacher."

With a playful glint in her eyes, she explained, "If I were to accept you as a student, wouldn't that junior member of the Human Teachings have to shorten his lifespan?"

Empress Pingxin looked at Zhang Kui with great interest and continued, "From now on, you'll call me... 'Ancestor'! After all, you're of the Wu clan bloodline. Come on, call me that first and make me happy."

Several black lines instantly appeared on Zhang Kui's forehead. This lady's personality is really... But he dared not speak out against her anger, not even daring to complain in his heart, for fear that he would be beaten again in the next second.

"If you can't beat them, just give in. A wise man submits to circumstances," Zhang Kui thought to himself. Then he raised his head, forced a "sincere" smile, and shouted, "Junior Zhang Kui pays respects to the Ancestor!"

"Hmm, very good!" Empress Pingxin nodded in satisfaction and replied with a smile.

Suddenly, as if remembering something, she said, "Alright, that's enough of our reminiscing. I'll see you off."

Before Zhang Kui could react, she used the same trick again, grabbing him by the back of his collar.

"No way? Not again!" Zhang Kui only had time to let out a terrified scream before he was thrown straight out by Consort Pingxin, as if he were floating on clouds.

Just as Zhang Kui flew out, the space in front of him was silently torn open like a piece of cloth, and the vibrant, sunny atmosphere of the mortal world, unlike the cold and desolate underworld, rushed out from it.

"Whoosh!"

Zhang Kui's figure precisely disappeared into the spatial rift. The instant he was fully inside, the rift closed rapidly as if it had a life of its own, sealing itself perfectly, as if nothing had ever happened.

……

In the mortal realm, in the desolate mountains outside Mianchi City.

A barely perceptible ripple in space flashed by, and Zhang Kui's figure appeared, somewhat unsteadily.

The warm sunlight shone on me, dispelling the chill of the underworld. I could hear birds chirping and insects buzzing, and smell the fresh scent of grass and trees.

He steadied himself, looked back at the seemingly ordinary void, and was filled with mixed emotions.

"It's time to go back. I'm sure Lan Ying and the others are getting impatient." He felt the immense magical power of the Xuanxian level within his body, as well as the enormous avatar that sat in the Netherworld and was connected to his mind. An unprecedented sense of confidence and control welled up within him.

With a swift movement, Zhang Kui transformed into a streak of light and sped towards Mianchi City...