Zhang Kui Asks the Way in Investiture of the Gods

On the high platform where Qin Wan stood, the three banners moved without wind. As his hand gestures changed, the space around the platform suddenly distorted, the pure air rose and the turbid air sank, and a mysterious and profound aura, as if it were the chaos before the creation of heaven and earth, spread out and instantly enveloped the entire platform.

From the outside, all that could be seen was a hazy gray mist, within which flashes of lightning flickered, and a deep rumbling sound, like the panting of a primordial beast, was awe-inspiring.

"Fellow Daoist Zhang, please!" Qin Wan's voice came from within the formation, calm yet carrying an undeniable air of authority.

Wen Zhong and the other Nine Heavenly Lords retreated to the sidelines, holding their breath and concentrating.

Wen Zhong knew that Zhang Kui's cultivation had reached the Golden Immortal level, but the Ten Deadly Formations were a secret of the Intercepting Sect, and even he himself did not know how powerful they were.

Zhang Kui's expression was calm as water. He activated the Great Yin-Yang Void-Piercing True Eye, and the Yin and Yang energies circulated endlessly within his eyes.

"The formation has three layers, containing the Three Powers." Zhang Kui quickly deduced in his mind, "This formation simulates the scene at the beginning of heaven and earth, using chaotic energy to imprison space, innate thunderous sounds to shake the soul, and finally the Three Powers combine to destroy the foundation of one's Dao. What a name 'Heavenly Annihilation'! It truly has the power to sever the life force."

He took a deep breath, and his golden core slowly circulated within his body, his blood and qi flowing like a river.

"The way of formations lies in change. Yet, the essence remains the same despite all the changes. Since chaos is used to trap people, I will break it with yin and yang." A glint flashed in Zhang Kui's eyes, and he had already made up his mind.

With a swift movement, Zhang Kui's feet created clouds beneath his feet, transforming into a beam of clear light that plunged directly into the hazy array gate.

"They've gone in!" A Heavenly Lord dressed in a red robe with a face as red as a jujube exclaimed in a low voice. He was none other than Bai Li, the master of the "Blazing Flame Array".

"What courage!" Yuan Jiao, another Heavenly Lord who controlled the "Frost Array," stroked his beard and nodded, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes. "Knowing it was a killing array, he still dared to enter so calmly. This young man has extraordinary bearing."

The crowd outside the formation watched intently, with Wen Zhong being particularly focused, his third eye on his forehead faintly opening as he tried to see through the formation's illusions.

……

From the outside, this formation appears to be no more than a high platform, but inside it seems to be a small world of its own, vast and boundless, with chaos and obscurity in all directions.

There was no solid ground beneath one's feet, no sun or moon overhead, only the endless churning of a hazy, swirling air.

Even more dangerously, three faint but deadly auras locked onto Zhang Kui's three elements of Heaven, Earth, and Man, surging with the chaotic energy, poised to strike.

Zhang Kui stood amidst the chaos, his figure as steady as a mountain. He slowly moved his hands in front of his chest, and the vast magical power within his body circulated accordingly, with streams of extremely pure Yin and Yang energy emanating from the pores of his body.

These yin and yang energies, like agile fish, actively merged into the surrounding chaotic airflow.

Zhang Kui closed his eyes and concentrated, using the internal vision method of the Great Yin-Yang Void-Piercing True Eye, combined with his profound understanding of the Yin-Yang Great Dao, to carefully perceive and analyze the operating mechanism of this "Heavenly Annihilation Formation".

"Chaos is the state before Yin and Yang are separated." Zhang Kui's mind raced. "The Tao Te Ching says: 'The Tao gives birth to One, One gives birth to Two, Two gives birth to Three, Three gives birth to all things.' This formation reverses this principle, returning all things to Three, Three to Two, Two to One, and back to Chaos. Fellow Daoist Qin Wan is indeed well-versed in the profound principles of formations."

He released his divine sense, allowing the chaotic energy to envelop him, carefully comprehending its mysteries, treating it as a rare opportunity for enlightenment.

At the main banner within the formation, Qin Wan remained calm, his hands moving in various hand seals to manipulate the banner and gradually increase the pressure within the formation. The chaotic air currents began to rotate faster, the thunderous sounds grew louder, and the three locked-on killing intents became increasingly apparent, like three swords hanging overhead, ready to strike at any moment.

Qin Wan frowned slightly. He sensed that Zhang Kui's aura within the formation had not weakened or become disordered under the thunderous sound; on the contrary, it had become even more profound and harmonious. When the chaotic energy flow and innate thunderous sound he controlled impacted the three feet around the opponent, they were like mud oxen entering the sea, their power largely dissipated by an invisible and harmonious force field, and the remaining force was insufficient to shake his fundamental nature.

"Huh?" Qin Wan was utterly shocked. "This boy seems to be comprehending a formation? Not only is he unaffected by the erosion of chaos, but he can even use the chaotic energy to temper himself?"

This discovery both surprised and impressed Qin Wan, and also ignited a strong competitive spirit within him. How could the Heavenly Annihilation Formation, which he had painstakingly studied for hundreds of years, be so easily deciphered?

"Fellow Daoist, you have a skillful hand. Let's see how this unfolds!" Qin Wan shouted in a low voice, and suddenly shook the central banner.

In an instant, the hazy, chaotic color within the formation was abruptly replaced by blinding white light. The endless innate thunderous sounds no longer dispersed, but converged into three visible, incomparably bright pillars of lightning, which burst forth from the three illusory banners, tearing through the chaos and striking down towards Zhang Kui with a chilling, all-destroying heavenly might.

These three bolts of lightning were not ordinary worldly lightning, but contained a trace of innate lightning intent from the beginning of creation, specifically designed to counter the primordial spirit of immortals and destroy the foundation of human cultivation.

Everyone outside the formation was startled. Wen Zhong couldn't help but take a step forward, his third eye on his forehead fully open, shooting out three feet of divine light, trying to see the situation inside the formation.

The other Heavenly Lords also held their breath, staring intently at the spot in the formation that had been engulfed by three terrifying bolts of lightning.

However, just as the lightning struck...

Zhang Kui made a move.

"Thunder is the clash of Yin and Yang." Zhang Kui realized this clearly. "Since it is born of Yin and Yang, it can be resolved by Yin and Yang."

Instead of retreating, he advanced, and the yin and yang energies around his body suddenly surged, transforming into two dragons, one black and one white, which circled around him.

"Master the Five Thunders!" Zhang Kuiqing shouted.

He made a grasping motion with both hands, and five-colored lightning danced between his fingers—golden Geng metal divine lightning, cyan Yi wood divine lightning, black Gui water divine lightning, red Bing fire divine lightning, and yellow Wu earth divine lightning, the five elements of divine lightning intertwined and changed in his palms.

Use thunder to control thunder, use the Tao to break the Tao!

When the three bolts of innate lightning struck Zhang Kui about ten feet in front of him, their speed suddenly stopped. The Five Elements Divine Lightning in Zhang Kui's palm transformed into a vast net, gently "wrapping" the three bolts of lightning.

The moment the five-colored lightning and the blazing white lightning came into contact, they began to transform and dissolve into each other!

"How is this possible?" Qin Wan's pupils shrank suddenly at the center of the formation.

After the thunder, the intense light gradually faded.

Within the formation, Zhang Kui remained standing, but his body was enveloped in a layer of solid, eggshell-like black and white light. Above this light, however, was not a GG (game over), but a recommendation for the treasure book "Zhang Kui's Quest for the Gods".

The yin-yang symbol rotated slowly, exuding a profound Taoist charm.

Zhang Kui's face paled slightly for a moment, then regained its rosy hue. He opened his eyes, his gaze gleaming, and cupped his hands towards the main banner, his voice clearly carrying beyond the formation: "Fellow Daoist Qin's formation is exquisite; I have learned much from it."

Qin Wan was a magnanimous person, and seeing that Zhang Kui not only possessed profound Taoist skills but also had a magnanimous demeanor, he couldn't help but feel a sense of mutual appreciation.

"Hahaha!" Qin Wan laughed three times, and waved the array banner in his hand again. The chaos and lightning in the sky receded like a tide in an instant, restoring the high platform to its original appearance. "Fellow Daoist Zhang is too modest! To be so calm in my Heavenly Annihilation Array, and even to use the Dao of Thunder to counter the thunder, such methods are unprecedented in my life."

He leaped down and stood before Zhang Kui, bowing respectfully: "Fellow Daoist's Daoist arts are profound, truly an eye-opener for me. Even an ordinary Golden Immortal would suffer within my Heavenly Absolute Formation, yet you resolved it so easily. I am truly impressed!"

Wen Zhong also breathed a sigh of relief, a smile appearing on his face, and stepped forward: "Fellow Daoist Qin's array formation is truly awe-inspiring."

Zhang Kui returned the greeting, saying, "Fellow Daoists, you flatter me. I was merely using a clever trick."

Upon hearing this, Qin Wan's evaluation of Zhang Kui rose even higher. Calm and composed, astute and discerning, this young man not only possesses profound cultivation but also remarkable character.

"Fellow Daoist Zhang, there's no need for such modesty." Qin Wan warmly took Zhang Kui's arm and said to Wen Zhong and the other Heavenly Lords, "Fellow Daoist Wen, fellow disciples, it is truly a fortunate occasion to meet Fellow Daoist Zhang Kui today. Come, come, let's go to my cave and have a proper discussion about the Dao."

"That is indeed my wish, but I dare not ask," Zhang Kui replied with a smile.

……

Qin Wan's cave dwelling is located on a cliff overlooking the sea on the east side of Bailu Island. The cave dwelling is not large, but it is decorated in an elegant and unique style.

The guests and hosts took their seats, and a young Taoist boy served them spiritual tea and immortal fruits.

"Fellow Daoist Zhang," Qin Wan spoke first, his eyes filled with eager curiosity, "Just now in the formation, you used the Five Elements Divine Thunder to neutralize my Innate Thunder Sound. I have been pondering the mystery behind it for a long time. The thunder in my Heavenly Annihilation Formation simulates the innate thunder intent at the beginning of creation, specifically designed to counter acquired cultivation. Although your Five Elements Divine Thunder is wondrous, it belongs to the acquired realm. How could you possibly contend with it?"

This question hit the nail on the head, and the other heavenly rulers also listened attentively.

Zhang Kui put down his teacup, pondered for a moment, and slowly said, "Fellow Daoist Qin's words touch upon the fundamentals of cultivation. The distinction between innate and acquired is relative. The Book of Changes says, 'That which is above form is called the Dao, and that which is below form is called the instrument.' The innate thunder intent is the manifestation of the Dao; the Five Elements Divine Thunder is the application of the instrument. However, the Dao and the instrument are originally one. If one can understand the principle of transformation between them, the acquired can also return to the innate."

He paused, then continued, "Thunder is born from the clash of Yin and Yang. Since it is born of Yin and Yang, its momentum can be guided and its power dispersed using the principles of Yin and Yang. I use the Five Elements to evolve Yin and Yang, and use Yin and Yang to encompass thunder, which is actually using the opponent's strength against them, and going with the flow."

"I see!" Qin Wan exclaimed in sudden realization. "Fellow Daoist, you use yourself as a pivot to channel the power of thunder into the cycle of heaven and earth? Brilliant, brilliant!"

Zhang Kui nodded: "That's right. However, this method also has limitations. If the power of the thunder far exceeds my tolerance limit, or if the laws contained within it are too profound, it will be difficult to achieve the desired effect."

Qin Wan was completely convinced, and the other Heavenly Lords also nodded in agreement.

Seeing that the time was ripe, Wen Zhong said, "Fellow Daoists, to be honest, I have come here today with an important matter to ask of you."

He recounted the battles of Xiqi in detail... one by one, the events unfolded, causing the faces of the crowd to darken.

"Now Xiqi is arrogant and domineering. The Chan Sect bullies the weak with its numbers and treats our Jie Sect as nothing." Wen Zhong said in a deep voice, "I know that I am not talented enough to resist. I have come here to earnestly request that you fellow Daoists come out of the mountains to help us. Firstly, to eliminate the traitor for the country, and secondly, to vindicate the Jie Sect."

After hearing this, the Ten Heavenly Kings looked at each other, their eyes filled with anger.

Bai Li was the first to slam his fist on the table and stand up: "Outrageous! The Chan Sect is going too far! Ten thousand immortals from our Jie Sect have come to pay homage; how can we allow them to be so arrogant?"

Yuan Jiao also said coldly, "Fellow Daoist Wen, rest assured, this is our duty. We want those arrogant fellows of the Chan Sect to know that our Jie Sect not only has ten thousand immortals, but also abilities that reach the heavens and the earth."

Qin Tianjun (Qin Wan) pondered for a moment, then looked at Zhang Kui: "Fellow Daoist Zhang, since you are on the front lines in Xiqi, what are your thoughts on this battle?"

This question drew everyone's attention to Zhang Kui.

Zhang Kui said solemnly, "I have three humble opinions for your reference, fellow Daoists."

"Firstly, it is imperative for us to come out of seclusion to assist in the battle. However, we must remain vigilant when we go out to fight and not underestimate our enemies. The Golden Immortals of the Chan Sect are all highly skilled and should not be underestimated."

"Secondly, although the Ten Deadly Formations are powerful, they require coordination. Fellow Daoists, please remember that as long as the formation exists, you must stay; if the formation is broken, you must retreat. Do not act recklessly."

"Thirdly, it is essential to maintain a clear and pure mind. During a great calamity, when death is imminent, it is easiest to lose one's true nature."

These words made the Ten Heavenly Lord nod repeatedly.

Qin Wan stood up and bowed solemnly to Zhang Kui: "I have learned a great deal from your words. Fellow Daoist Zhang, you have great insight. I have learned a great deal from you."

The other heavenly rulers also rose and bowed.

Seeing this, Wen Zhong felt reassured and stood up, cupping his hands in greeting: "I am deeply grateful for the kindness of all of you fellow Daoists. Once we defeat Xiqi, I will certainly report to the Emperor and request credit for you all."

Qin Wan waved his hand and laughed, "Fellow Daoist Wen, you are too kind. We have come down from the mountain for three reasons: first, for the sake of our friendship; second, to uphold the prestige of the Jie Sect; and third, to meet with the eminent figures of the Chan Sect. As for worldly wealth and honor, they are as fleeting as clouds to us cultivators."

"That's right!" all the Heavenly Lords echoed in unison.

Qin Wan glanced at the sky and said to everyone, "The journey from here to Xiqi is long. Why don't we use the Water Escape Technique and borrow the water veins of the East Sea? We can arrive within a day."

All the heavenly rulers had no objection.

Qin Wan took out a small blue flag, waved it in the wind, and the flag unfurled, revealing embroidered wave patterns. He threw the flag into the sea, and instantly the seawater surged, creating a ten-zhang-wide channel that led straight to the depths of the seabed.

"Everyone, please!" Qin Wan stepped into the waterway first.

The ten Heavenly Kings entered one after another, and Wen Zhong and Zhang Kui followed on their mounts. Using the water's current, they traveled a thousand miles away from White Deer Island in the blink of an eye.