Zhang Kui Asks the Way in Investiture of the Gods

"Nothing is impossible."

Zhang Kui remained expressionless, then turned his blade and slashed at Mu Zha again.

The swordsmanship appeared simple and unadorned, but in reality, it concealed profound mysteries. This strike not only blocked all of Mu Zha's evasive routes, but also condensed a trace of the Dao of Reincarnation on the blade, causing Mu Zha to instinctively feel his soul tremble.

"You disciples of the sage, you live a life of luxury and ease, how would you know what a life-or-death struggle is?" Zhang Kui's voice was icy.

Mu Zha hurriedly swung his sword to defend, but the instant his sword made contact with the Dragon Sparrow Blade, a strange force surged through the blade. It wasn't a pure clash of power, but rather a kind of erosion—as if something was devouring his magical power and disintegrating his foundation.

"This..." Mu Zha's expression changed drastically. He felt his life force draining away, slowly but definitely.

This was Zhang Kui's initial application of the Law of Reincarnation. Reincarnation is not only about the cycle of life and death, but also encompasses prosperity and decline. He infused a trace of the Daoist essence of "decay" into the blade, which, while not immediately fatal, could continuously weaken the opponent during battle.

"Second brother, be careful!" Jin Zha steadied himself and rushed to Zhang Kui's aid. His sword transformed into a streak of light, aiming straight for Zhang Kui's back. He activated the Jade Purity Immortal Technique with this strike, and runes faintly flowed within the sword light, making it three times more powerful than before.

But Zhang Kui seemed to have eyes in the back of his head; without turning his head, he slashed out with his backhand. This slash appeared casual, but in fact, it subtly conformed to the principles of the Five Elements.

"clang!"

With a sharp crack, Jin Zha's sword was deflected, and the runes on its blade dimmed briefly. Zhang Kui used the momentum to turn, and his blade swept towards the two like a storm.

Each strike is faster and more ruthless than the last.

Chopping, slashing, hacking, sweeping—these most basic techniques were transformed into deadly killing blows in Zhang Kui's hands. Even more terrifying was that each strike contained a different Daoist essence, sometimes the power of the Five Elements, sometimes the transformation of Yin and Yang, and sometimes the erosion of reincarnation.

Jinzha and Muzha grew increasingly alarmed as the fight progressed.

They were disciples of Manjushri and Samantabhadra, learning the orthodox teachings of the Xuanmen School. When had they ever seen such fierce and bizarre close combat? In just ten breaths, the two were already in a state of chaos and danger.

"This can't go on!" Jin Zha gritted his teeth and suddenly activated all his magical power. He formed hand seals, and the sword floated in front of him, transforming into a ten-zhang-long golden giant sword, with densely packed Jade Purity runes appearing on its blade.

"cut!"

The golden giant sword, carrying the force of thunder, slashed down towards Zhang Kui's head.

"Well done!"

Instead of retreating, Zhang Kui advanced, gripping the sword with both hands, the Dragon Sparrow Sword shimmering with five-colored light. He infused the Daoist essence of the Great Five Elements Annihilation Divine Light into the blade, but instead of releasing it outwards, he contained it within the blade, transforming the sword itself into a sharp edge capable of annihilating all things.

"boom!"

The moment the swords clashed, time seemed to stand still for a split second.

Immediately afterwards, the golden greatsword shattered inch by inch, starting from its tip.

The Great Five Elements Extinction Divine Light.

Although Zhang Kui was unable to unleash his full power due to his injuries, he was able to concentrate this power within the blade to its fullest extent.

"puff!"

Jin Zha coughed up a mouthful of blood and flew backward, his soul severely damaged, his face turning ashen white instantly.

"Big brother!" Mu Zha was horrified and rushed to his rescue.

But Zhang Kui was faster than him.

Flying body leaves traces, frost has no fixed location.

Zhang Kui transformed into a faint wisp of frost, instantly appearing beside the flying Jin Zha. His Dragon Sparrow Blade slashed horizontally, aiming straight for Jin Zha's neck.

If this strike lands squarely, Jinzha will surely be beheaded, and his spirit will be enshrined in the Investiture of the Gods.

"Stop! Spare his life!"

A loud shout descended from the sky. Immediately afterwards, a red figure fell with incredible speed, blocking Jin Zha's path.

"clang!"

The Dragon Sparrow Blade struck a familiar spear, only to be deflected back.

The blazing force emanating from the Fire-Tipped Spear was the power of Samadhi True Fire, colliding with the Samadhi Daoist energy within Zhang Kui's blade and erupting into dazzling flames.

Zhang Kui took three steps back, looked up, and sure enough, it was him. "Nezha, it's you!"

The newcomer was none other than Nezha, riding on his Wind Fire Wheels and with his arm wrapped in the Universe Ring. At this moment, Nezha's expression was complex, and his eyes were full of helplessness.

After retrieving the Dragon Sparrow Sword, Zhang Kui looked at his friend and was momentarily at a loss for words.

He and Nezha had a life-or-death bond, but today, their positions are opposed.

Gao Lanying, noticing Zhang Kui's hesitation, stepped forward, her golden needles hovering around her, and said coldly, "Nezha, quickly take these two defeated subordinates and leave. If you don't leave, you won't be able to leave either!"

Although her words were harsh, a hint of pity flashed in her eyes.

Gao Lanying knew that Zhang Kui valued loyalty and righteousness, and that he would never want to be enemies with Nezha. After saying this, she gestured to Yang Jian, who was following closely behind Nezha, to leave quickly.

Yang Jian was also a shrewd man, and immediately understood Gao Lanying's meaning.

He flashed and appeared behind Jinzha and Muzha, striking out with both palms and knocking them unconscious. He then tucked them under his arm and flew away.

The whole process was swift and efficient, without any unnecessary delays.

Nezha, riding on his Wind-Fire Wheels, his Universe-Shattering Ribbon tumbling endlessly, looked at Zhang Kui, then at Gao Lanying, and finally sighed, "Brother Zhang, Sister Lanying, take care!"

Zhang Kui remained silent for a moment, then slowly sheathed his sword and said in a deep voice, "Nezha, take care of yourself too."

Nezha nodded emphatically, glanced at Zhang Kui one last time, and then flew away.

Watching Nezha's departing figure, Zhang Kui felt a mix of emotions.

……

"Cihang, you've lost."

The voice of the Holy Mother Wudang rang out. Immediately afterwards, the Shangqing Immortal Light that had trapped Cihang suddenly contracted, turning into a point of blue light, which entered the palm of the Holy Mother Wudang.

Cihang Daoren appeared, her face pale, a trickle of golden blood spilling from the corner of her mouth. She had been forcibly breached by the Holy Mother Wudang and was seriously injured. The protective water dragon formed by the Three Lights Divine Water had long since dissipated, and even the jade bottle had developed tiny cracks.

"Senior Sister Wudang..." Cihang herself smiled bitterly, "Does it really have to be this way?"

"You crossed the line first," said the Holy Mother of Wudang calmly. "Bullying the weak with the strong, bullying the few with the many, and now you want to attack the juniors? Cihang, your Chan Sect's skin is far too thick."

Cihang remained silent.

Meanwhile, the battle between the Holy Mother of Gold and the Holy Mother of Tortoise also ended.

Manjushri and Samantabhadra were covered in wounds, their robes torn, and their auras weak. Manjushri's wound on his left shoulder was still bleeding, the power of reincarnation still eroding him, preventing him from concentrating on healing. Samantabhadra's twin swords were broken, and the other one had lost its spiritual light.

Ju Liusun suffered an even worse fate; his left arm was severed at the shoulder, with red and white light intertwined at the wound. This was the Daoist essence left by the Sun and Moon Pearl, preventing the wound from healing, a condition that even a Great Luo Golden Immortal's regenerative abilities could not dispel.

The three immortals of the Jie Sect achieved a complete victory.

"Now, it's time to discuss terms." The Holy Mother of Wudang glanced at the four immortals of the Chan Sect, her imposing presence radiating without anger. She lightly flicked her whisk, the Shangqing Immortal Light subtly flowing within it; if the four of them made the slightest move, she would strike with lightning speed.

Manjushri, Samantabhadra, Julusun, and Cihang were all ashen-faced, yet dared not make a move. The situation was beyond their control; if they dared to act rashly, no one could guarantee that the three before them wouldn't strike with deadly force.

But at that moment, something unexpected happened.

Without warning, a dazzling golden light pierced through the sky.

The golden light shone brightly like the sun, majestic as the heavens. Wherever it passed, clouds dispersed and mist vanished, and all things bowed their heads. Within the golden light, the faint image of a jade ruyi could be seen—the Three Treasures Jade Ruyi.

"Oh no, the Three Treasures Jade Ruyi!" The Holy Mother of Wudang's expression changed drastically.

The golden light had reached the sky above the battlefield, and the Three Treasures Jade Ruyi swayed gently, scattering endless pure light. Wherever the pure light passed, time seemed to freeze.

Zhang Kui found himself unable to move, not even able to blink.

This is the power of a sage; even a projection of a magical artifact is enough to suppress everything.

The Holy Mother of Wudang bowed respectfully, forcing herself to stand up against her divine authority, and said, "Welcome, Master Yuanshi!"

Although the Holy Mother of Golden Spirit and the Holy Mother of Tortoise Spirit looked unwilling, they had no choice but to bow and pay their respects to the sacred treasure. The majesty of a saint should not be disrespected.

"Greetings, Master!"

Manjushri, Samantabhadra, Julusun, and Cihang bowed together, their voices filled with the relief of surviving a calamity.

"Once this matter is settled, return to Jade Void Palace immediately!" The voice of the Primordial Heavenly Venerable resounded through the Three Treasures Jade Ruyi, his words carrying the power of law, causing the minds of everyone present to tremble.

Zhang Kui felt a gaze sweep over him, even lingering for a moment, whether he was imagining it or not.

Zhang Kui felt a chill run down his spine, but quickly regained his composure. If Yuanshi Tianzun wanted to attack him, there was no need for such a move.

"We will certainly obey our master's decree." The Holy Mother Wudang stopped the Holy Mother Guiling and the Holy Mother Jinling who were about to speak, and said while looking at the Three Treasures Jade Ruyi in the air, "However, I hope that my master will return the magic weapon that I taught my disciples."

The Three Treasures Jade Ruyi swayed slightly.

"Can!"

As soon as the word was uttered, the three innate treasures—the Heaven-Opening Pearl, the Earth-Opening Pearl, and the Primordial Pearl—along with the storage bags of Wang Mo, Yang Sen, Gao Youqian, and Li Xingba, flew towards the Holy Mother of Wudang.

The Holy Mother of Wudang accepted the magic treasure and storage bag, put them into her sleeve, and bowed again, saying, "Thank you, Uncle Master."

Immediately afterwards, the Three Treasures Jade Ruyi cast a beam of clear light, enveloping Julusun, Manjushri, and the other two, and they disappeared from everyone's sight.

The oppressive force of heaven and earth gradually subsided, and Zhang Kui regained control of his body.

He let out a long breath; his back was already soaked with cold sweat.

"Husband, are you alright?" Gao Lanying walked over quickly and helped him up with concern.

"It's alright." Zhang Kui shook his head, turned to the three Holy Mothers of Wudang, and bowed deeply. "Thank you for saving my life, seniors. If you hadn't arrived in time, I'm afraid I wouldn't have survived this calamity today."

The Holy Mother of Wudang looked him over, a hint of admiration flashing in her eyes: "No need for formalities. It is already remarkable that you were able to withstand the attack of four Great Luo Golden Immortals for so long."

She paused, then continued, "However, you saw what happened today. The Chan Sect now sees you as a thorn in their side, and you must be even more careful in your future actions. Especially that Julusun, that man is narrow-minded and vindictive; he will never let this grudge go unpunished."

Golden Spirit Mother snorted coldly, "What's there to be afraid of! Zhang Kui, you're practically a member of the Jie Sect. If you ever encounter difficulties, come find me on Golden Turtle Island. I'd like to see who in the Chan Sect dares to touch you!"

The Holy Mother Turtle Spirit nodded and said, "Indeed. I admire the strength and courage you displayed today. Take good care of your injuries, and once you've recovered, come visit me at my cave. I'll teach you a few spells."

Zhang Kui was flattered by the three saints' attitude.

"I will remember this." Zhang Kui bowed again.

The Holy Mother of Wudang waved her hand: "This place is not safe to stay any longer. You should leave quickly. My two junior sisters and I still need to return to Jin'ao Island to report back, so we won't stay any longer."

After saying that, she looked at Gao Lanying and said, "Lanying, take good care of yourself."

"Thank you, Master!" Gao Lanying bowed.

"Lan Ying, keep these things!" The Holy Mother of Wudang gave Gao Lan Ying the three innate treasures she had just obtained—the Heaven-Opening Pearl, the Earth-Opening Pearl, and the Primordial Pearl—along with four storage bags.

Afterwards, the Holy Mother of Wudang, the Holy Mother of Jinling, and the Holy Mother of Guiling exchanged a glance, and the three of them transformed into three streams of light and disappeared into the sky.

After the three Holy Mothers left, Zhang Kui finally relaxed completely, swaying so much that he almost lost his balance.