Zhang Kui Asks the Way in Investiture of the Gods

After the four arrived in Mianchi City, Zhang Kui ordered Zheng Lun and Chen Qi to go to the military camp and summon his younger brother Zhang Shan and others to discuss the matter. He himself, along with Gao Lanying, went straight back to the "Jishantang" pharmacy.

The air was filled with the unique fragrance of herbs, and patients lined up to see the doctor and get their medicine. Wang Yunniang was taking the pulse of the patients in an orderly manner, while several apprentices were busy dispensing medicine behind the counter.

Zhang Kui watched quietly for a moment, then didn't go forward to disturb his mother. He gave Gao Lanying a wink, and the two of them silently passed through the front hall and returned to the inner courtyard.

The courtyard was clean and tidy, several peach trees were in full bloom, and tea sets were still on the stone table.

"Mother seemed to enjoy it," Gao Lanying said softly, her eyes filled with nostalgia.

Zhang Kui nodded: "She was originally skilled in medicine, and it's a good thing that she's been able to make a living from it all these years."

Before he could finish speaking, the courtyard gate was pushed open, and Zheng Lun and Chen Qi led the group in one after another.

Leading the group was Zhang Shan, dressed in full military uniform, his brows bearing the marks of time, appearing more composed than a year ago. Closely following was Wu Wenhua, a towering figure, his imposing presence commanding respect. Behind them were four colonels: Zhang Boyuan, Li Zhongqian, Sun Shubao, and Zhao Jiyu, each clad in armor, their steps measured and powerful.

"Greetings, elder brother! Greetings, sister-in-law!"

"Greetings, my lord! Greetings, my lady!"

After everyone exchanged greetings, Zhang Kui raised his hand to indicate, "Please sit down."

There weren't many stone benches in the courtyard, but everyone was clearly used to it—Wu Wenhua sat cross-legged on the ground, while the four captains each found a step or a wooden stool to sit on. Zhang Kui's gaze swept over everyone, noticing the seriousness in their eyes; they clearly knew what they were going to talk about.

"Shanzi," Zhang Kui spoke first, "what do you think of the order to transfer him to Sanshan Pass?"

Zhang Shan did not answer immediately. He pondered for a moment and then said, "Brother, I have carefully reviewed the intelligence gathered by the Embroidered Uniform Guard over the past six months. There are probably two reasons behind this transfer order."

He held up two fingers: "Firstly, when you were under Zhang Guifang's command, your record in the several major battles outside Xiqi City was too outstanding. Even the Golden Immortal of the Chan Sect couldn't do anything to you. This matter has reached Chaoge, and the King couldn't possibly be unaware of it."

"Secondly," Zhang Shan said with a wry smile, "the two of us brothers now command 80,000 elite troops. Mianchi is only a little over a hundred li from Chaoge; we can arrive in a day if we set out in the morning. With such a powerful army beside your bed, how can Your Majesty sleep soundly?"

Gao Lanying frowned and said, "But my husband has never shown any disloyalty."

"Madam, in the court, people's thoughts are the most unpredictable," Zhang Boyuan continued, this old general, who was nearly forty, always spoke with composure. "Especially in recent years, His Majesty has been surrounded by treacherous people who spread rumors. Even if the lord is loyal, he cannot withstand the whispers in his ear day and night."

Zhang Kui remained expressionless, merely reaching out to fiddle with the tea set on the stone table.

"According to military orders, of the 80,000 troops garrisoned in Mianchi, 60,000 must be taken with them this time," Zhang Shan continued. "Moreover..."

He paused, his tone becoming solemn: "Three days later, the Imperial Advisor Shen Gongbao will personally come to deliver the imperial decree, inspect the army, and urge the army to set off."

"Shen Gongbao?" Zhang Kui raised an eyebrow.

The moment the name was uttered, the atmosphere in the courtyard tensed up.

"My lord, this man is not to be underestimated," Chen Qi said in a deep voice. "The news from the Embroidered Uniform Guard indicates that he possesses profound cultivation, mysterious magical power, and exceptional eloquence. In the past six months, he has befriended many ministers in the court and enjoys the king's great trust."

Zheng Lun snorted coldly: "He's nothing but a smooth talker."

"No." Zhang Kui slowly shook his head. "This man is cunning and comes from a prestigious sect of the Chan Sect. His cultivation has already reached the Xuanxian realm. He came to deliver the imperial decree more to probe the strength of our army."

Zhang Kui got up and paced back and forth, quickly analyzing the situation in his mind.

King Zhou's move was actually a double-edged sword. It both transferred Zhang Kui's powerful army to the southeast front, relieving pressure on Deng Jiugong, and weakened Zhang Kui's strength, eliminating the threat from his own side.

"Brother, this military order... should we accept it or not?" Zhang Shan asked.

All eyes were on Zhang Kui.

Zhang Kui stopped walking, not answering immediately, but instead asking, "What do you think?"

Wu Wenhua said in a deep voice, "My lord, in my opinion, it would be better to just..."

He made a decapitation gesture.

Zhang Kui shook his head: "No. If we break off relations now, we'll immediately become the target of everyone's criticism."

"Are we just going to stand by and watch the assistant commander be transferred?" Sun Shubao was anxious. "With 60,000 elite troops transferred, Mianchi will only have 20,000 soldiers left. If someone takes advantage of this situation..."

It is unclear when exactly, but Zhang Kui's generals began to address Zhang Shan as "Assistant Commander" without prior arrangement.

Li Zhongqian also said, "The battle at the Sanshan Pass is raging, and the rebel army under the command of the Marquis of Nan is said to number 200,000. Your Excellency, on your way there..."

The crowd began to discuss amongst themselves, and the atmosphere in the courtyard grew increasingly heavy.

Gao Lanying suddenly spoke up: "Husband, generals, I don't think it's time to completely turn against Chaoge yet."

She stood up and walked to Zhang Kui's side, her voice clear and bright: "First, Grand Tutor Wen is still alive, and he has shown great kindness to my husband. If we disobey his orders, the Grand Tutor will lose face, and it will put him in a dilemma."

"Secondly, the southeastern front is indeed in critical condition. Since the Marquis of Nanbo raised his army, he has broken through three passes in succession. If Sanshan Pass is lost, the rebel army can advance unimpeded and threaten the heartland of Chaoge. From the overall perspective, there is nothing wrong with reinforcing Sanshan Pass."

Zhang Kui listened to his wife's analysis and nodded secretly in agreement.

Lan Ying is right; the time is not yet ripe to turn against them.

Although King Zhou was incompetent, the foundation of the Shang Dynasty, which had lasted for six hundred years, remained. There were still loyal ministers in the court, such as Wen Zhong, Shang Rong, and Bi Qian, and not all the feudal lords in the four directions had rebelled.

"Shanzi," Zhang Kui finally spoke, "we shall carry out the military order, and the entire Longxiang, Yingyang, and Huben armies shall proceed."

"Brother!" Zhang Shan cried out anxiously, "The Dragon Soaring, Eagle Soaring, and Tiger Ben armies have all been transferred away, leaving the defenses of Mianchi City practically non-existent!"

"That's brilliant!" Zheng Lun's eyes lit up. "Commander, the lord's intention is to exploit the fact that Mianchi's defenses are insufficient."

Chen Qi also realized: "So that's how it is! That guy in Chaoge is trying to rob Peter to pay Paul. Let's just tear down the Peter to pay Paul and see what he does then!"

Zhang Kui gave the two of them an approving look.

This was precisely his calculation—to go with the flow and overcorrect.

When Sanshan Pass was in grave danger, Zhang Shan led his troops there, also to do Deng Jiugong a personal favor. This man was known for his loyalty and righteousness; if a good relationship could be established, he might be of great use in the future.

"My husband, you're really wicked," Gao Lanying couldn't help but tease. "On the surface, you're obeying orders, but in secret, you're plotting every step of the way."

Zhang Kui's forehead was dark with anger as he said irritably, "What kind of talk is that? It's just that guy in Chaoge who always 'praises the food while holding the bowl, but complains about how dirty the bowl is when washing it.' I can't do anything about it."

He paused, then said seriously, "The Shang dynasty's fate is sealed; it's destiny. But we can't be the ones to overturn the table first."

Zhang Shan finally understood his brother's plan. He said, half-laughing and half-crying, "Brother, you're even more wicked than me! When we were kids, we always got into trouble together, and every time Mom would... oh dear!"

Before he could finish speaking, Zhang Kui's shoe sole had already imprinted itself on his buttocks.

"Shut up, you have no manners!" Zhang Kui scolded with a laugh. "An elder brother is like a father, don't you know that?"

Zhang Shan rubbed his buttocks, speechless for a moment. He couldn't win, so he might as well shut up!

Upon seeing this, everyone in the courtyard burst into laughter.

After laughing, Zhang Kui composed himself and began to make specific arrangements.

"Shanzi, you will begin to organize the troops tomorrow. The three armies—Longxiang, Yingyang, and Huben—totaling 80,000 men, must be fully mobilized."

"Okay, brother!" Zhang Shan nodded in response.

"Furthermore, Zheng Lun and Chen Qi, you will also go," Zhang Kui continued. "Bo Yuan, the four of you will also go with the army. Wen Hua, you will stay behind to guard Mianchi."

A cold glint flashed in his eyes: "Doesn't he want to weaken us? We'll lend him a hand."

"Yes, my lord!" Zheng Lun and Chen Qi clasped their hands in obeisance and accepted the order.

"Alright, my lord!" Wu Wenhua was very happy to stay by Zhang Kui's side.

Zhang Kui looked at the four captains: "Remember, your core mission is to preserve your strength. I will pass on the 'Yi Jin Duan Gu Jue' to you; you must promote it throughout the entire army as soon as possible."

"Yes!" the four responded in unison.

Zhang Kui then turned to Zheng Lun and Chen Qi: "You two have just successfully transcended your tribulations, and your cultivation levels still need to be stabilized. After arriving at the Three Mountains Pass, you should focus on your cultivation and complete the 'Great Sun Golden Crow' and 'Qiongqi Bifeng' formations as soon as possible."

"Yes, my lord!" Zheng Lun and Chen Qi quickly replied.

After the arrangements were completed, Zhang Kui dismissed everyone and left only Zhang Shan and Gao Lanying.

"Shanzi," Zhang Kui said earnestly, "there are three things you must remember on your journey to Sanshan Pass."

"Brother, you say it."

"First, when you arrive at Sanshan Pass, you must show respect to Deng Jiugong. He is the commander-in-chief, and you are the deputy commander; the proper etiquette must be observed. However, if your own safety is threatened, act according to your own judgment and do not be bound by formalities."

Zhang Shan nodded: "I understand. A general in the field may disobey the emperor's orders, let alone the orders of the commander-in-chief."

"Secondly," Zhang Kui continued, "use your brain more when fighting. You have already condensed the 'Divine Mountain Suppressing Prison' Dharma Image, and your strength at the Earth Witch Realm is practically invincible on the mortal battlefield. But remember, be careful of extraordinary people and never be arrogant."

"Third," Zhang Kui's expression turned serious, "Don't act rashly. If your life is in danger, retreat immediately—as long as you're alive, you can always make a comeback."

Zhang Shan's eyes reddened slightly: "Brother, don't worry, I'll be careful."

The two brothers exchanged some more intimate words before Zhang Shan took his leave.

Only Zhang Kui and Gao Lanying remained in the courtyard.

As the sun set, it cast long shadows of the two of them.

"My lord, the troops you sent Shanzi away are almost all of Mianchi's elite forces," Gao Lanying said softly. "If something unexpected happens, we will have no soldiers at our disposal."

Zhang Kui grasped her hand, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon: "Lan Ying, I am now at the peak of the Profound Immortal realm, about to condense the Golden Immortal Dao Fruit. You have received the Shangqing Immortal Technique from the Holy Mother of Wudang, and have also reached the Profound Immortal realm."

"Moreover," a glint of light flashed in Zhang Kui's eyes, "I also have the Fengdu Incarnation as a trump card. Even against a Great Luo Golden Immortal, I would have the power to fight."

Gao Lanying leaned on his shoulder: "I know my husband is far-sighted. But... in the face of the great calamity of the Investiture of the Gods, those who dare to get involved are not easy to deal with."

"That's more interesting!" Zhang Kui's lips curled into a cold smile. "But if anyone really targets you and my wife, I'll show them what a surprise is..."

He didn't finish his sentence, but the cold glint in Zhang Kui's eyes said it all.