Zhang Kui Asks the Way in Investiture of the Gods

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Grand Tutor Wen Zhong, what brings him here?

On the walls of Mianchi, Wu Wenhua, having received a report from his scouts, was somewhat puzzled. "At this crucial moment when the battle at the front is at a stalemate, why would Grand Tutor Wen come to this small city of Mianchi?"

Seeing that the banner was getting closer and closer, Wu Wenhua stopped thinking about it and went down to the city to greet it.

As the troops outside the city approached, Wu Wenhua immediately stepped forward to pay his respects, saying, "This humble general, Wu Wenhua, greets the Grand Tutor!"

"So it's General Wu!" said a long-bearded old man riding a black unicorn. "I wonder if Fellow Daoist Zhang Kui is in the city? Wen Zhong has come uninvited, having something to discuss with you!"

Upon hearing Wen Zhong's inquiry, Wu Wenhua immediately replied, "Reporting to the Grand Tutor, the lord and his wife left the city for the East Sea three days ago and are not currently in the city."

"What a pity!" Wen Zhong said with some disappointment. "Then General Wu will pass this edict on to Fellow Daoist Zhang Kui. Hmm... it seems unnecessary..."

Wu Wenhua, who was originally preparing to kneel and receive the imperial edict, was now somewhat bewildered... because Wen Zhong suddenly took back the edict that had already been handed over.

Leaving aside Wu Wenhua's bewilderment, Wen Zhong leaped off his mount and looked up at the sky...

Not long after, two figures appeared.

The visitors were Zhang Kui and Gao Lanying, who had returned from Chijiao Island in the East China Sea.

Upon seeing Wen Zhong present, Zhang Kui raised his hand to stop Wu Wenhua, who was about to bow, and quickly walked towards Wen Zhong. "Grand Tutor, I, Zhang Kui, am deeply sorry for not greeting you properly! I am filled with trepidation!"

Gao Lanying also bowed and greeted him, saying, "Greetings, Senior Brother!"

"Hahaha!" Wen Zhong laughed heartily and said, "Fellow Daoist Zhang Kui, my junior sister is indeed very polite. We should address each other as fellow Daoists. For us cultivators, worldly duties are but a fleeting hundred years."

Seeing this, Zhang Kui smiled knowingly and readily changed his address, saying, "Fellow Daoist Wen Zhong, this humble Daoist Zhang Kui greets you!"

Seeing this, Wen Zhong stroked his long beard with his right hand and nodded slightly, clearly pleased.

"Fellow Daoist, please enter the city first." Zhang Kui stepped aside to lead the way.

Gao Lanying then turned to Wu Wenhua and instructed him: "Arrange for the Grand Tutor's entourage to settle in the camp, prepare food and drink, and do not neglect them."

"Rest assured, Madam!" Wu Wenhua accepted the order and left. Although he was a rough man, he could tell that Wen Zhong's visit was unusual, as he had traveled lightly with only a hundred or so personal guards.

Wen Zhong casually waved his hand, and the black Qilin transformed into a stream of light and disappeared into his sleeve. The three of them entered the city side by side, walking on the streets of Mianchi.

It was afternoon, and the streets were bustling but not noisy. The people in the city lived and worked in peace and contentment, a scene of joy and happiness.

"Under your rule, fellow Daoist, it is truly a paradise on earth," Wen Zhong exclaimed, his tone complex. "If Chaoge had even a fraction of the grandeur of Mianchi, it wouldn't be in such a state."

Zhang Kui said calmly, "It's nothing more than ensuring that the people have food to eat, clothes to wear, and are not bullied. I don't understand the art of governing a country, but there should always be fairness."

Wen Zhong remained silent.

The three arrived at the backyard of Jishan Hall. Gao Lanying personally brewed a pot of Yunwu tea, its aroma refreshing and invigorating. After pouring the tea, she made an excuse to leave.

The door was slightly ajar, and only the aroma of tea lingered in the room.

Zhang Kui filled Wen Zhong's cup to the brim before speaking, "Even if you hadn't come, I was planning to go find you anyway."

He paused, his expression solemn: "Regarding the matter of the four fellow Daoists from Kowloon Island, I truly... feel ashamed. If it weren't for me, fellow Daoists Wang Mo, Yang Sen, Gao Youqian, and Li Xingba might not have perished."

Wen Zhong raised his hand to stop Zhang Kui from speaking, his expression somber. "The matter concerning fellow Daoists Wang Mo, Yang Sen, and the other three is not your fault. If we're really talking about it, it's my fault. If I hadn't insisted on inviting them to come out of seclusion, they would probably still be enjoying their blessings on Kowloon Island right now, instead of suffering this calamity."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Kui felt somewhat relieved.

"Fellow Daoist Wen, what are your plans next?" Zhang Kui changed the subject, leading the conversation to a deeper level. "Given the current situation, it's inevitable that the Golden Immortals of the Chan Sect will personally intervene. With Manjushri, Samantabhadra, Julusun, and Cihang joining forces, if it weren't for the timely arrival of the three Holy Mothers, Jinling, Guiling, and Wudang, I'm afraid I wouldn't have been able to escape either."

He looked directly at Wen Zhong and said, word by word, "The intensity of this war will undoubtedly far exceed that of ordinary wars. Xiqi has Jiang Ziya in charge, and behind it is the Kunlun Jade Void Palace. On the Yin Shang side, you will inevitably have to rely on the disciples of the Jie Sect to deal with it. This is no longer a struggle between human dynasties, but a struggle for the orthodoxy of the Chan and Jie sects, isn't it?"

Wen Zhong's grip on the teacup tightened slightly.

silence.

The aroma of tea flowed slowly through the quiet room, while the faint sounds of people from the distant city outside the window further accentuated the tranquility of the room.

Zhang Kui didn't urge him, but slowly sipped his tea, waiting for Wen Zhong's reply.

This Grand Tutor of the Yin Shang Dynasty, who was both a disciple of the Jie Sect and a benefactor of the Yin Shang state, was now caught in a dilemma.

Continuing the fight would inevitably draw more disciples of the Jie Sect into the calamity; stopping now would be a betrayal of the late king's trust, and an inability to stand idly by and watch the Shang dynasty collapse.

The silence lasted for a long time.

The water in the kettle had boiled three times, and the tea flavor had weakened.

Finally, Wen Zhong put down his teacup, looked up at Zhang Kui, and suddenly asked, "I have heard that you once enlightened Fellow Daoist Lü Yue with a single sentence on Kowloon Island, and everyone present praised you highly. Is this true?"

Zhang Kui's heart skipped a beat.

He vaguely guessed why Wen Zhong had asked that question.

"That is indeed true," Zhang Kui said frankly, "but it's not that exaggerated. At that time, Fellow Daoist Lü Yue successfully transcended his tribulation, and everyone was discussing the Dao. I just happened to be there and spoke out of turn."

He stood up, walked to the window, and looked at the old tree in the courtyard.

"As for the future," Wen Zhong's voice carried a detached air of worldly wisdom, "we'll talk about it later. We'll go with the flow and not anticipate the future."

Zhang Kui was deeply shaken upon hearing this.

Wen Zhong has let go of his obsession and stopped forcing things, which is tantamount to admitting that the Yin Shang dynasty is nearing its end.

"Fellow Daoist, have you figured it out?" Zhang Kui asked softly.

Wen Zhong turned around, a relieved smile on his face: "I've figured it out. I, Wen Zhong, am a disciple of the Jie Sect and also the Grand Tutor of the Yin Shang Dynasty. The Jie Sect's doctrine emphasizes education for all and securing a chance for survival for all beings. The responsibility of the Grand Tutor of the Yin Shang Dynasty is to protect the country and its people and uphold the state. As long as I live, I will fulfill my duty. When the calamity comes, I will depart to face it."

He took out a scroll of gold and silk imperial edict from his sleeve and handed it to Zhang Kui.

"What's this?" Zhang Kui asked, taking the document.

"By imperial decree, the King has appointed you as the deputy commander of the western expedition, to assist me," Wen Zhong said calmly.

Zhang Kui unfolded the edict and glanced at it. Sure enough, it was an official troop mobilization document from the Yin Shang Dynasty, stamped with the imperial seal.

He placed the imperial edict on the table and said, "Now that the Golden Immortal of the Chan Sect has entered the fray, I'm afraid even more powerful figures will be drawn in. My meager cultivation is nothing more than a slightly larger pawn in this kind of struggle."

"A chess piece?" Wen Zhong gave Zhang Kui a meaningful look. "Fellow Daoist is being too modest. To escape unscathed from four Golden Immortals of the Chan Sect is a feat that not everyone can achieve."

Zhang Kui's heart skipped a beat.

This is truly a case of "people fear becoming famous, just as pigs fear growing fat!"

"It was just a coincidence," Zhang Kui said vaguely, unwilling to delve into the matter. "But you, fellow Daoist, now that you've seen through it all, what are your plans next? Are you still going to the front lines in Xiqi?"

"Go," Wen Zhong answered without hesitation. "I've already sent a message to Jin'ao Island, asking Master to keep my disciples in check and prevent them from easily entering the calamity. If any hot-tempered individuals do descend the mountain, I'll be on the front lines and can at least provide timely support. After all, this conflict between the two sects must be fought honorably!"

Zhang Kui was filled with respect. To be able to do this showed that Wen Zhong had truly let go.

"Fellow Daoist, you are truly righteous," Zhang Kui said, cupping his hands in greeting. "If you need anything, please don't hesitate to ask. Although my cultivation is shallow, I am willing to lend a helping hand."

Wen Zhong gave Zhang Kui a deep look, then suddenly smiled and said, "Actually, besides conveying the king's order, I have another request to make."

"Speaking."

"If the battle turns against me and I perish on the list, I beg you, fellow Daoist... to take care of my two good-for-nothing disciples, Ji Li and Yu Qing." Wen Zhong felt a pang of pity. "Their cultivation is still shallow, and their hearts are pure. They should not be drawn into this great calamity. If things become unbearable, please take them away to find a quiet place."

Zhang Kui's heart sank. "Fellow Daoist, what makes you say that? With your cultivation level..."

"No matter how high one's cultivation level is, it cannot surpass the will of Heaven." Wen Zhong interrupted, "I, Wen Zhong, have assisted the Yin Shang dynasty for three generations, committing countless killings and becoming entangled in karma. This tribulation is the time for me to settle my karma. Becoming a deity and being listed on the list may be my best destiny."

He waved his hand, stopping Zhang Kui from saying anything more: "This matter is settled. In addition, there is one more thing I need to give to you, fellow Daoist."

Wen Zhong then took out a jade slip from his sleeve. The jade was warm and smooth, with thunder patterns flowing on its surface.

"This is..." Zhang Kui took it, probed it with his divine sense, and was immediately moved.

The jade slip contained the method for the seventh stage of the "Golden Elixir Great Dao," which directly leads to the Golden Immortal Dao Fruit. Moreover, it contained Wen Zhong's cultivation insights over several hundred years, with profound explanations of thunder magic, array magic, and military strategy.

"Fellow Daoist, this is too precious!" Zhang Kui said solemnly.

"Take it," Wen Zhong said with a smile. "This cultivation method is originally from the orthodox Xuanmen school, created by the Sage Taiqing. It shouldn't be tarnished in my hands. Fellow Daoist, you are on the path of the Golden Core Great Dao and have already reached the sixth stage of perfection. You need the subsequent methods. Besides..."

His expression turned serious: "After this calamity, whether the Chan Sect or the Jie Sect wins, the Xuanmen lineage will suffer a severe blow. If you can pass on this path, it will be a meritorious deed."

Zhang Kui no longer declined, put away the jade slip, stood up and bowed deeply to Wen Zhong: "Fellow Daoist, your generous gift will be forever remembered by Zhang Kui."

Wen Zhong accepted the greeting readily, then stood up and said, "Alright, now that this matter is settled, I should return to the front lines in Xiqi. Fellow Daoist, please come as soon as you are settled."

"Alright, I'll see you off first, fellow Daoist."

The two stepped out of the meditation room, where Gao Lanying was already waiting in the courtyard. Seeing them come out, she stepped forward and said, "Senior Brother, are you leaving already? Why don't you rest for the night and continue your journey tomorrow?"

"The war is urgent and cannot be delayed." Wen Zhong shook his head. "Junior sister, you two are blessed with good fortune, please take good care of yourselves."

Gao Lanying said solemnly, "I will remember your teachings, Senior Brother."

The three walked out of Jishan Hall and arrived outside the city gate. Wen Zhong summoned the black Qilin and leaped onto it. More than a hundred guards were already fully armed and ready to go, their banners fluttering in the wind.

"Fellow Daoist, please wait." Wen Zhong cupped his hands on the back of the Qilin. "Wen Zhong will be waiting for you ahead."

"Take care, fellow Daoist," Zhang Kui returned the greeting.

Wen Zhong laughed loudly, and the black Qilin rose into the air, its four hooves creating clouds. The personal guards followed closely behind, disappearing into the southeastern horizon in the blink of an eye.

Zhang Kui gazed at the sky, remaining silent for a long time.

Gao Lanying walked to his side and whispered, "Senior Brother Wen Zhong, has... come to terms with it?"

Zhang Kui sighed, "I've come to terms with it, and I've let it go."

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