Zhang Kui Asks the Way in Investiture of the Gods

Late-ripening rice says: Read this book!

The atmosphere in the Shang army camp was as heavy as a mountain.

Wen Zhong sat upright in the main seat, his twin whips resting across his knees. His three eyes held a restrained brilliance, yet exuded an imposing aura without anger. The ten Heavenly Kings stood to his left and right, each with a solemn expression, but their eyes burned with intense fighting spirit.

"The Ten Deadly Formations are complete," Wen Zhong stroked his beard with one hand, his eyes wide open, looking at the ten Heavenly Lords present. "Do you fellow Daoists have the confidence to compete with those immortals of the Chan Sect?"

Qin Wan stepped forward without hesitation and declared loudly, "Fellow Daoist Wen, rest assured! My Ten Deadly Formations were personally taught by my master, and they are in harmony with the mysteries of heaven and earth, the principles of Yin and Yang and the Five Elements, with endless variations. Let alone the Twelve Golden Immortals, even if Ran Deng himself came, he would not escape unscathed!"

The Golden Light Mother also sneered: "We have devoted ourselves to cultivating arrays for hundreds of years, and we are just waiting to test our strength today."

The other Heavenly Lords nodded in agreement, their momentum unstoppable.

Seeing this, Wen Zhong felt somewhat relieved and immediately took out paper and pen to write a letter on the spot.

After writing it down, he glanced at everyone and finally his gaze fell on Zhang Kui, who had been silent all along. "I would like to ask you, fellow Daoist, to make a personal trip and deliver this challenge."

Upon receiving the challenge, Zhang Kui replied without hesitation, "This subordinate obeys!"

He turned and left the tent, striding towards the camp gate.

Outside the tent, the Bixi had been waiting for a long time. When it saw its master come out, it let out a low growl and its four hooves moved with the wind. Zhang Kui flipped onto it and gently patted its neck. The Bixi understood and soared into the air, transforming into a streak of black light and heading straight for Xiqi.

……

Xiqi City, West Gate

Zhang Kui rode alone to the city walls, reined in his horse, and looked up at the city walls. He saw banners fluttering on the city towers, soldiers in gleaming armor, and archers lined up behind the crenellations, their arrows gleaming coldly in the sunlight.

He announced loudly, "My name is Zhang Kui. Those guarding the city, please come forward and speak with me!"

A commotion broke out on the city wall.

A moment later, a figure rose into the air riding on his Wind and Fire Wheels—it was Nezha. He wore the Universe Ring, held the Fire-Tipped Spear, had the Universe Ring on his wrist, and the Nine Dragons Divine Fire Cover on his shoulder. Flames swirled around him, and he exuded a powerful and heroic aura.

Upon seeing Zhang Kui, Nezha's face initially lit up with a hint of joy, but he quickly realized the inappropriateness of the occasion and composed himself, saying with a stern face, "Zhang...Zhang Kui, what brings you here?"

Thankfully, I didn't say it out loud.

Nezha secretly rejoiced, realizing he had almost blurted out "Brother Zhang" earlier. If his senior brothers and uncles in the city had heard him, it would have been difficult to explain.

Seeing his demeanor, Zhang Kui's eyes flashed with a hint of amusement, but his face remained impassive. He sat up straight and announced loudly, "By order of Grand Tutor Wen Zhong of the Yin Shang Dynasty, I have come to deliver a challenge!"

Having said that, he waved his hand, and the challenge letter transformed into a streak of light, heading straight for Nezha.

Nezha caught it and instinctively unrolled the scroll. On it was written:

"Under the whole heaven, all land belongs to the king! You have raised an army without cause, and you will surely be condemned by the world, your crimes unforgivable. Today, I hereby issue this challenge, setting up the Ten Deadly Formations at the southern foot of Mount Qi. The decisive battle will take place in three days. If you dare not accept the challenge, surrender immediately to avoid further bloodshed!"

The signature was clearly stamped with Wen Zhong's seal.

After Nezha finished reading, he looked up at Zhang Kui. Zhang Kui had already turned his Bi'an around, cupped his hands in greeting, and then said nothing more, transforming into a streak of light and returning to the Shang army camp.

Watching that departing figure, Nezha felt a mix of emotions.

"That's enough!"

Nezha sighed softly, turned around and flew back into the city, heading straight for the Prime Minister's residence.

……

In the Prime Minister's residence, Jiang Ziya was discussing military affairs with everyone.

Nezha strode in and presented the challenge.

Jiang Ziya took it, read it carefully, and respectfully handed it to Daoist Ran Deng: "Master Ran Deng, please take a look."

Ran Deng didn't open or read the document; he simply placed it on the table and smiled faintly, "A three-day deadline suits me perfectly. Issue the order: break the formation in three days!"

Everyone bowed in unison: "We will obey the decree."

Jiang Ziya hesitated for a moment before asking, "Teacher Ran Deng, the Ten Deadly Formations are infamous. Do you have a strategy to break them?"

Ran Deng shook his head slightly: "Although the Ten Deadly Formations are profound, they are nothing more than unorthodox methods. There will be corresponding countermeasures when the time comes."

His gaze swept over the crowd, finally settling on Guang Chengzi, and he said gently, "Fellow Daoist Guang Chengzi, have you ever seen this formation before?"

Guang Chengzi cupped his hands and said, "Teacher, I have not witnessed it myself. However, according to the records, the Ten Deadly Formations were passed down by the Tongtian Sect Master. Each formation contains profound mysteries of heaven and earth, and is incomparable to ordinary formations."

Ran Deng nodded: "Exactly. That's why, when breaking the formation, we need a fellow Daoist to test it out and explore its changes."

Upon hearing this, everyone's expressions varied.

Guang Chengzi frowned slightly, about to speak, but Randeng continued, "Please rest assured, everyone, I know what I'm doing."

Upon hearing this, everyone's expressions softened slightly.

Jiang Ziya sighed inwardly and could only silently pray that this time, breaking the formation would not result in too many casualties.

……

Three days later.

As dawn broke, the Shang army camp resounded with the thunderous beat of drums and the cries of battle. One hundred thousand soldiers arrayed themselves outside the camp gate, their banners obscuring the sun and their spears and halberds forming a forest.

Wen Zhong personally led the army, standing in the center. He was clad in golden armor, wore a seven-jeweled golden crown, held twin whips, and had three eyes that shone brightly. His aura was as vast as the sea.

Zhang Kui sat to his right, with a Bixi (a mythical beast) between his legs, a Dragon Sparrow Sword hanging at his waist, and the Qiankun Bow on his back, his face as calm as still water.

Deng Zhong, Xin Huan, Zhang Jie, and Tao Rong stood on either side, each holding a weapon, their expressions solemn.

As for the Ten Heavenly Lords, they had already hidden themselves in their respective formations, faithfully guarding their positions.

On the Xiqi side, banners were flying high and auspicious clouds surrounded them.

The Taoist Master Ran Deng stood at the forefront. He wore a gray Taoist robe, held prayer beads in his hand, had a gaunt face, and deep, unfathomable eyes.

The Twelve Golden Immortals of the Chan Sect are arranged in order: Guang Chengzi, Chi... Huanglong Zhenren, Julusun, Taiyi Zhenren, Lingbao Dafashi, Wenshu Guangfa Tianzun, Puxian Zhenren, Cihang Daoren, Yuding Zhenren, Daoxing Tianzun, Qingxu Daode Zhenjun.

Each of the twelve individuals possessed a unique aura; their surroundings were either vast, sharp, peaceful, or fiery, yet all were unfathomable.

Following them were Jiang Ziya, Yang Jian, Nezha, Jinzha, Muzha, Lei Zhenzi, and other disciples of the third generation of the Chan Sect, as well as Xiqi generals such as Huang Feihu and his son Huang Tianhua. The group stood in formation, their imposing presence overwhelming.

Just then, the bell tolled within the Heavenly Annihilation Formation, mist swirled, and the formation gates opened wide.

A Taoist priest riding a yellow-spotted deer, holding a four-sided golden mace, slowly walked out of the formation. He wore a longevity golden headband, a crimson gauze white robe, hair as red as cinnabar, and a face as red as a jujube. Lightning flashed around him. He was none other than Qin Wan, the master of the Heavenly Annihilation Formation.

Qin Wan reined in the yellow-spotted deer, pointed his golden mace at the group from Xiqi, and said coldly, "Qin Wan of the Jie Sect, who dares to step forward and break the formation?"

His voice was like a booming bell, echoing throughout the surrounding area and making everyone's eardrums buzz.

The people of Xiqi looked at each other, but no one responded.

The Taoist Ran Deng remained calm, as if he had expected this. He turned around and called out, "Where is Deng Hua?"

"Disciple is here!"

A middle-aged man, wielding a halberd and dressed in a tight-fitting outfit, leaped forward and bowed respectfully. This man was Deng Hua, a disciple of the Chan Sect, who had been cultivating Taoism in Kunlun Mountain for many years and was quite accomplished.

Deng Hua declared loudly, "This disciple is willing to break the Heaven-Shattering Formation!"

Ran Deng nodded slightly, a barely perceptible glint in his eyes. He secretly flicked his finger, and a jade talisman, gleaming faintly, silently disappeared into Deng Hua's abdomen. The jade talisman was no bigger than a fingernail, its radiance restrained; not only others, but even Deng Hua himself did not notice it.

"Go," Ran Deng said gently, "but be careful."

Deng Hua bowed respectfully, then turned and strode towards the Heavenly Annihilation Formation.

Seeing this, Qin Wan sneered, "Please!"

Having said that, he turned the yellow-spotted deer around and disappeared into the formation.

Deng Hua followed closely behind, stepping into the Heavenly Annihilation Formation. In an instant, the scene before him changed drastically. All around was chaotic mist, indistinguishable from top to bottom and left to right. Thunder rumbled faintly overhead, as if countless heavenly thunderbolts were gathering strength to unleash.

Deng Hua felt a chill run down his spine, gripped his halberd tightly, and unleashed his full divine sense to search for Qin Wan's whereabouts.

Suddenly, the fog ahead surged, and a figure appeared. It was Qin Wan.

Without hesitation, Deng Hua thrust his halberd straight forward. The halberd transformed into a streak of cold light, tearing through the mist and heading straight for Qin Wan's throat.

Qin Wan neither dodged nor evaded, but swept his four-sided golden mace horizontally. The halberd and mace clashed, sparks flew, and both men retreated several steps.

Deng Hua felt a numbness in his hand and was secretly shocked; this person had tremendous strength.

Qin Wan sneered, "Nothing special!"

He swayed and attacked again. The two exchanged blows, fighting for over thirty rounds in the blink of an eye, and for a time, it was difficult to determine who was the stronger opponent.

Qin Wan seized an opening, his golden mace violently deflecting the halberd, and then leaped onto the altar in the center of the formation. He grabbed the banner on the altar, swung it around several times while chanting incantations.

Suddenly, thunder roared!

Countless bolts of lightning struck down from the chaos, their purple light dazzling and their power astonishing.

Deng Hua was shocked and hurriedly activated his protective immortal light, but how could he withstand it? Thunder roared down, and he felt dizzy and unable to stand up. After struggling a few times, he collapsed to the ground, unconscious.

Qin Wan sneered and stepped forward to take Deng Hua's head.

He was completely unaware that with Deng Hua's death, a faint light flickered from his corpse and vanished into the void. The entire Heavenly Annihilation Formation froze for a moment, as if touched by something, before returning to normal as if nothing had happened.

……

Outside the formation, the people of Xiqi were watching intently.

Suddenly, the mist of the Heavenly Annihilation Formation surged, and the formation gates swung open. Qin Wan, riding a yellow-spotted deer and carrying Deng Hua's severed head, slowly emerged. He held the head high and coldly asked, "Who else dares to attempt to break this formation?"

Upon seeing this, the people of Xiqi were filled with righteous indignation and volunteered to fight.

"This disciple is willing to go!"

"Let me go!"

The Taoist Ran Deng raised his hand to stop the crowd, his face calm as still water. His gaze swept over everyone, finally settling on Manjushri, the Heavenly Venerable of Vast Dharma.

"Manjushri, go ahead."

Manjushri was slightly taken aback, then nodded: "Disciple obeys."

Samantabhadra and Cihang looked worried and were about to speak to dissuade him, but Manjushri waved his hand to stop them. He gave them a look, indicating that they didn't need to say anything more.

In Manjushri's view, he was closely connected with his teacher, Ran Deng, and his teacher would never stand by and watch him go into danger. Moreover, if anything happened to him before the matter was exposed, his master would definitely not let it go.

Would Ran Deng dare to let himself get into trouble?

Manjushri felt reassured. He straightened his Taoist robe, held his whisk, and gracefully landed on auspicious clouds before the Heavenly Annihilation Formation.

"Manjushri, the Heavenly Venerable of Vast Dharma, a disciple of the Jade Void Sect, has come to break the formation."

A hint of seriousness flashed in Qin Wan's eyes, but he still sneered, "Please!"

Manjushri nodded slightly and stepped into the Heavenly Annihilation Formation.