Zhang Kui Asks the Way in Investiture of the Gods

Within the Soul-Sinking Formation, the malevolent energy still surged like a tide, and the towering pillar of light still swayed gracefully in the night sky, as if nothing had ever happened.

But Zhang Kui knew things were different now.

He stood atop the altar, his Great Yin-Yang Void-Piercing True Eye quietly activating, his black and white gaze sweeping across every inch of the array. Those vengeful spirits that once filled the space, those who had died violently and been imprisoned by Yao Bin's evil arts for thousands of years, had now all returned to the cycle of reincarnation.

The formation was still the same, and the malevolent aura was still the same, but it lacked that chilling, venomous intent.

"That's interesting."

Zhang Kui muttered to himself, his gaze fixed on the still-operating array patterns. Without the support of the Yin spirits, the Soul-Sinking Array presented a different appearance—those originally twisted and strange array patterns now revealed a mysterious Daoist charm, Yin but not evil, malevolent but not poisonous, actually the glorious righteous path, awe-inspiring.

A clear mind illuminates the universe; letting go of all worldly attachments reveals one's true nature.

Yao Bin used evil magic to control the formation, deviating from its original purpose and thus falling into a lower category. Now that the vengeful spirits have all departed, this Soul-Losing Formation has returned to its original form, becoming a pure "Soul-Losing" formation—it traps people's greed, anger, ignorance, pride, and doubt.

"If Yao Bin can understand this, he might actually be able to prove his Dao through this formation."

Zhang Kui withdrew his gaze and looked down at Yao Bin, who lay unconscious on the altar. This one of the Ten Heavenly Kings of the Jie Sect was now deathly pale, his breath weak, yet he still gripped the peach wood sword tightly, refusing to let go even in his unconscious state.

Zhang Kui sighed softly, placed him on the altar, and then took out a healing pill and put it into his mouth. The pill melted instantly upon entering his mouth, and its gentle medicinal power slowly nourished Yao Bin's parched meridians.

"If the mind is empty, it can contain all things; if the body is like withered wood, it can guard the true nature." Zhang Kui said softly, "Fellow Daoist, take care of yourself."

Having said that, he flickered and transformed into a phantom, disappearing into the Soul-Slaying Formation.

……

After an unknown amount of time, Yao Bin slowly woke up.

He sat bolt upright, instinctively gripping his peach wood sword, his eyes scanning his surroundings warily. The array still churned with malevolent energy, and a chilling wind howled, but…

Yao Bin was stunned.

Where are those vengeful spirits? Where are those resentful spirits from the netherworld sands he painstakingly refined over hundreds of years? How come they've all vanished?

He staggered to his feet, took a few unsteady steps within the formation, and stretched out his divine sense to its fullest extent, searching inch by inch. Nothing, nothing at all, as if those ghostly spirits had never existed.

"This...how is this possible?"

Yao Bin muttered to himself, his face filled with disbelief. He suddenly remembered the scene before he lost consciousness—Chi Qi swung his sword at him, he closed his eyes and waited for death, and then…and then he couldn’t remember anything else.

Who saved him?

What about those ghosts?

He sat cross-legged and closed his eyes to sense his surroundings. After a moment, he opened his eyes, a complex expression flashing within them.

He sensed it; those wandering spirits had actually... entered the cycle of reincarnation.

Yao Bin had practiced the Soul-Capturing Formation for hundreds of years, imprisoning spirits for his own use, never imagining that these spirits would one day be free.

Now that the evil spirits had all departed, he suddenly discovered that the previously twisted and eerie array patterns within the formation had become much clearer. The feeling... was as if a heavy weight had been lifted from his heart, making him feel lighter overall.

"this……"

Yao Bin stared blankly at his hands, suddenly recalling what his master had said when he passed on this formation to him: "The Ten Deadly Formations are the true teachings of our Jie Sect. Each formation contains hidden mysteries of heaven and earth. If you can comprehend their true meaning, you can attain enlightenment and transcendence; if you are obsessed with the superficial aspects of the techniques, you will find it difficult to achieve great things."

Now, he seems to understand a little bit.

Taking a deep breath, Yao Bin bowed deeply to the void: "I don't know which fellow Daoist lent a helping hand, but I will remember it forever. If there is an opportunity in the future, I will definitely repay him handsomely."

Having said that, he composed himself, quickly left the Soul-Slaying Formation, and headed towards the Shang army camp.

……

In the central command tent of the Shang army camp.

Wen Zhongzheng was discussing military affairs with Deng Jiugong, Zhang Guifang, and others when suddenly a commotion broke out outside the tent. A moment later, Yao Bin staggered in, his face pale, but his eyes held a complex and indescribable look.

"Fellow Daoist Yao? What is this...?" Wen Zhong suddenly stood up and quickly stepped forward to greet him.

Yao Bin waved his hand, sat down in the chair, and recounted what had happened in the Soul-Losing Formation.

Chi probed the formation again and used his magic weapon to break it. He was rescued by a mysterious person. After waking up, all the evil spirits in the formation disappeared and he was put into reincarnation.

"How could this be?" Wen Zhong looked surprised, his eyes filled with disbelief.

He had cultivated for thousands of years and knew the profound mysteries of the cycle of reincarnation. To be able to guide countless souls into the cycle of reincarnation was no ordinary feat. The person who made the move was at least a Great Luo Golden Immortal.

Who could it be?

The other disciples of the Jie Sect looked at each other in bewilderment, speechless for a moment.

Qin Wan frowned and said, "Able to guide wandering souls into reincarnation... Could this person be related to the underworld?"

"The Underworld?" the Golden Light Mother exclaimed. "Isn't the Underworld the legendary embodiment of the Ancestral Witch Houtu, who has always been peaceful and uncontested? How could it be interfering in the Investiture of the Gods?"

The crowd discussed it animatedly, but couldn't grasp the point.

Only Wen Zhong's eyes narrowed slightly, his gaze inadvertently sweeping over Zhang Kui, who was standing calmly with his head bowed at the back of the crowd. Zhang Kui had just returned to the main tent.

But Wen Zhong always felt that this matter was inextricably linked to him.

Zhang Kui sensed Wen Zhong's gaze, raised his head slightly, and their eyes met briefly in the air before parting.

Wen Zhong withdrew his gaze, thinking to himself: If it really was Zhang Kui's doing... then his cultivation level is probably far more than it appears on the surface.

……

Xiqi City, Prime Minister's Residence

After several days of recuperation, Jiang Ziya had recovered. On this day, he summoned everyone to discuss strategies for breaking the formation.

"Gentlemen," Jiang Ziya said in a deep voice, "the Ten Deadly Formations block our path, preventing our army from advancing an inch." He looked around at the crowd and asked, "What good strategies do you have?"

Chi pondered for a moment before speaking, "Although this Ten Deadly Formations belongs to unorthodox methods, it is also extremely profound. I explored the formation twice before; the first time I was almost trapped, and the second time..."

He paused, then didn't continue.

The second time, he brought the Tai Chi diagram into the formation, thinking it was foolproof. However, the Tai Chi diagram inexplicably fell, and he fled back in a sorry state. He had always held a grudge about this incident, but he couldn't say it openly.

Just then, Yang Jian entered from outside the hall to report, his face beaming with joy: "Your Excellency, I have received orders from my sect that my senior uncles and masters will soon arrive in Xiqi to discuss how to break the formation."

"Oh?" Red's eyes lit up. "Who are they?"

Yang Jian said, "I have received the message that Guang Chengzi, Huanglong Zhenren, Julusun, Taiyi Zhenren, Lingbao Dafashi, Manjushri Guangfa Tianzun, Puxian Zhenren, Cihang Daoren, Yuding Zhenren, Daoxing Tianzun, Qingxu Daode Zhenjun... have all agreed to come."

These words shocked everyone in the room.

Jiang Ziya abruptly stood up, his face beaming with barely suppressed joy: "Excellent! Excellent! With all twelve Golden Immortals present, what are the mere Ten Deadly Formations worth!"

Nezha jumped up excitedly: "Great! Now let's see how arrogant those disciples of the Jie Sect can be!"

Jinzha and Muzha also showed joy on their faces and nodded repeatedly.

Ji Fa rose and bowed deeply to Jiang Ziya: "Prime Minister, this is Heaven's blessing upon Xiqi! With the assistance of all the immortals, what worries do we have about the Shang army's defeat, or the stability of the world!"

Everyone present nodded in agreement, and morale was greatly boosted.

Jiang Ziya calmed his excited emotions and pondered, "My fellow disciples have come from afar. In my opinion, we should set up a thatched pavilion outside the west gate, decorated with colorful banners and flowers, to express our respect."

"The Prime Minister is absolutely right," San Yisheng chimed in. "This matter concerns the reputation of Xiqi and requires the proper arrangement of someone to take charge."

Jiang Ziya nodded, his gaze sweeping over everyone before finally settling on Wu Ji: "Wu Ji, you will be in charge of this matter. You must choose an open space to build a thatched pavilion, ensuring it is solemn and elegant, without the slightest carelessness."

Wu Ji bowed and accepted the order: "Your disciple obeys."

Jiang Ziya then said, "Yang Jian, you will assist Wu Ji from the side as a backup. If necessary, mobilize the craftsmen and laborers in the city to ensure that the reed shed is built before your fellow disciples arrive."

Yang Jian nodded: "This disciple understands."

Seeing this, Chi said, "Junior Brother Ziya, why don't we wait until the reed shelter is built before discussing a strategy to break the formation? At that time, all of you fellow disciples will be present, and by pooling your wisdom, we will have a greater chance of winning."

Jiang Ziya hesitated for a moment, then readily agreed: "What you say is absolutely right, senior brother. Then we will do as you say."

After discussing a few more details, everyone dispersed.

……

Outside Xiqi City, the Shang army camp.

Upon receiving a report from his soldiers that a large-scale construction project was underway west of Xiqi City, Wen Zhong immediately summoned his generals and the Ten Heavenly Kings to discuss the matter.

The group stood on a high point in the camp, gazing towards Xiqi. They saw countless craftsmen and laborers busily working in the open area to the west of the city, where a magnificent reed-roofed palace was taking shape, colorful flags fluttering, brocade hanging down, exuding an extraordinary grandeur.

After observing for a while, Qin Wan's expression turned grim, and he said in a deep voice, "Fellow Daoists, judging from this situation, it seems that people from Xiqi are about to arrive."

Yao Bin, whose face was still somewhat pale, said, "The reed-draped pavilion, the colorful decorations and hanging flowers—what a grand display! The ones who could provoke such a reaction must be some of the Twelve Golden Immortals of the Chan Sect."

"I wonder which ones they are?" Zhao Jiang muttered to himself, a hint of unease flashing in his eyes.

The Golden Light Mother snorted coldly, "Who cares who they are? It's good they've come. My Ten Deadly Formations are here; let's see what they can do to me!"

Even so, there was a hint of seriousness in her eyes.

Just as everyone was discussing this, Zhang Kui, who had been standing at the back of the crowd, slowly walked forward. His face was calm, and his gaze was fixed on the majestic reed hut in the direction of Xiqi. His eyes, black and white, seemed to be swirling as if he were deducing something.

"Given the scale of the operation, there must be quite a few people involved," Zhang Kui said slowly. "It's even possible that all twelve Golden Immortals have arrived."

Upon hearing this, everyone was taken aback.

"How could this be..." the Golden Light Mother exclaimed, her face full of disbelief. "The last time all twelve Golden Immortals of the Chan Sect came out was during the ancient Battle of Zhuolu, wasn't it? How could a mere war in Xiqi possibly draw them all out in full force?"

Zhao Jiang also said, "Fellow Daoist Zhang Kui, you are mistaken. The Twelve Golden Immortals each have their own Daoist temples and usually cultivate in seclusion. They rarely come down the mountain. Even if they were to come, at most three to five would come. How could they all come?"

Qin Wan shook his head slightly: "Fellow Daoist, you seem to be overthinking it. Although the Chan Sect and my Jie Sect have a struggle for lineage, it hasn't reached the point of life and death. If all twelve Golden Immortals were to arrive, it would be a fight to the death. Surely Uncle Yuanshi wouldn't want that?"

The others didn't take Zhang Kui's words to heart either, treating them as a joke.

Of the ten Heavenly Kings, only Yao Bin's eyes flickered as he gave Zhang Kui a deep look.

Wen Zhong's eyes narrowed slightly, his mind filled with many thoughts.

He knew Zhang Kui's character well; the man was always cautious and never spoke recklessly. Since he had said this, there must be a reason behind it.

Could it be... that the Twelve Golden Immortals of the Chan Sect will really come out in full force and descend upon this small Xiqi?

Wen Zhong felt a sense of foreboding.

At this moment, Zhang Kui stood before the crowd, his face calm and composed, but inwardly he was bitterly amused.

It wasn't just the twelve Golden Immortals who arrived together.

If he remembered correctly, besides the twelve Golden Immortals, the ancient powerhouse comparable to a Quasi-Saint, Daoist Ran Deng, had also come this time.

This person is the vice leader of the Chan Sect, whose cultivation is unfathomable. He is as famous as Duobao Daoren of the Jie Sect and is the key figure in the Chan Sect's strategy during the Investiture of the Gods war.

At that time, the great immortals of the Chan Sect will gather in great numbers, and golden immortals will rain down upon them.

On the Shang army's side, although the Ten Deadly Formations were profound, their chances of winning against a lineup of twelve Golden Immortals and the Burning Lamp Daoist were almost zero.

Let's take it one step at a time.

Zhang Kui sighed inwardly, but remained outwardly calm.

After discussing it for a while, everyone dispersed.

Wen Zhong left Zhang Kui behind, and the two stood on a high point in the camp, gazing towards Xiqi.

"Zhang Kui, what you just said..." Wen Zhong slowly began, his gaze fixed on Zhang Kui, "Is it true?"

Zhang Kui remained silent for a moment, then said softly, "Grand Tutor, I dare not speak rashly. This time, the Chan Sect's attack is fierce, perhaps even more so than I anticipated."

Wen Zhong frowned: "You mean..."

Zhang Kui shook his head slightly: "I'm just guessing. But Grand Tutor, you might want to consider this: the Ten Deadly Formations were set up under the walls of Xiqi City, Jiang Ziya was trapped and nearly died, and Chi twice attempted to probe the formations but returned empty-handed... In such a situation, would the Chan Sect take it lightly?"

Wen Zhong remained silent.

Zhang Kui continued, "The Investiture of the Gods was a struggle between the Chan and Jie sects for their respective lineages. Now that the Ten Deadly Formations have been deployed, if the Chan sect only sends three or five Golden Immortals, and some of them are lost, the loss would be unbearable for anyone."

He paused, then said softly, "In my opinion, the number of people from the Chan Sect who have come this time will certainly be considerable."

A complex look flashed in Wen Zhong's eyes. After a long silence, he slowly said, "If it's truly as you predict, how should we respond?"