Zhang Kui Asks the Way in Investiture of the Gods

Inside the main tent of the Shang army, the atmosphere was heavy as lead.

The news of Qin Wan's death was like a boulder thrown into still water, stirring not ripples, but a raging torrent. The other nine Heavenly Lords turned ashen-faced, their magical power surging, making the candlelight in the tent flicker precariously.

"Fellow Daoist Wen Zhong!" Zhao Jiang stepped forward, clasped his hands in a fist and said in a deep voice, "The methods of the Chan Sect are despicable and their victory is not honorable. I request to fight and make sure that the disciples of the Chan Sect perish in the formation."

Yuan Jiao, Bai Li, and others also stepped forward, their calls for battle rising and falling.

Wen Zhong sat in the main seat, his gaze sweeping over the faces of the Heavenly Lords. These men were of strong character and valued their reputation the most. Forcibly stopping them would only make things worse.

After a moment's hesitation, Wen Zhong finally nodded: "We'll be fighting tomorrow, fellow Daoist, please be careful."

"I understand!" Zhao Jiang was indeed very confident in his Earthly Fiery Formation.

This formation is based on the numbers of the earth, containing a solid and dense structure within, and displaying a vibrant and dynamic appearance without, drawing in heavenly thunder above and igniting divine fire below.

After the military affairs were arranged, the celestial lords gradually withdrew.

Zhang Kui remained seated at the end of the table, silent, until Zhao Jiang was about to step out of the tent...

"Fellow Daoist Zhao, please wait a moment." Zhang Kui suddenly spoke up, "I have some questions about cultivation that I would like to ask you."

Without giving it much thought, Zhao Jiang bowed to his fellow Daoists, bid them farewell, and returned to his tent.

"Please dismiss your attendants, Grand Tutor." Zhang Kui stood up and bowed to Wen Zhong.

Wen Zhong raised an eyebrow, gave Zhang Kui a deep look, and then waved his hand: "Everyone present may leave now. Ji Li and Yu Qing, you two guard the main tent strictly; no one is allowed to approach."

"Yes, Grand Tutor!"

Ji Li and Yu Qing accepted the order and filed out with the other generals.

Zhang Kui raised his hand, his five fingers pressing down, and an invisible wave of magical power spread out, instantly setting up a restriction within the tent.

Upon seeing this, Zhao Jiang's expression changed slightly: "What are you doing, fellow Daoist?"

Zhang Kui did not answer immediately, but first invited Wen Zhong and Zhao Jiang to sit down before slowly speaking: "Regarding what happened in the Heavenly Annihilation Formation today, you all only know that Fellow Daoist Qin Wan died in battle, but you do not know how he died."

He recounted everything he had seen in the battle. Qin Wan initially had the upper hand, but then countless gray threads appeared, and he was defeated.

"Qin Wan's condition at that time," Zhang Kui said with a solemn expression, "was as if his hands and feet had been cut off and his mouth and nose had been sealed. He had magical power, but he was unable to use it."

"What?!"

Wen Zhong suddenly stood up. Although he was well-informed, he had never heard of such a bizarre method.

Zhao Jiang looked even more anxious, "Fellow Daoist, do you know what those gray threads are?"

If this matter is not clarified, I fear that if I set up my own formation tomorrow, I will end up like Qin Wan.

Zhang Kui didn't keep them in suspense: "I don't know what this silk thread is. But I'm certain I haven't misjudged the Dao of Nirvana it contains."

"The Path of Nirvana!" Wen Zhong frowned, clearly knowing nothing about this path.

Zhao Jiang seemed to be deep in thought, and after a moment, he said with certainty, "It's Ran Deng!"

"Fellow Daoist Zhao, why is it Ran Deng?" Wen Zhong pressed.

Zhao Jiang took a deep breath and gathered his thoughts: "Fellow Daoist, you may not know this. This Daoist Ran Deng was originally a senior who listened to the Dao in Zixiao Palace. In terms of seniority, he is our senior. Later, in order to avoid the great calamity of the witch and demon, he joined the Chan Sect and became its vice leader."

He paused, then continued, "I once heard Senior Brother Duobao mention that before joining the Chan Sect, Randeng was famous for a supreme method called the 'Path of Nirvana.' This method is adept at controlling the soul, manipulating life and death between decay and prosperity, and is quite unpredictable. It is said that during the war between the Lich King and the Demon King, he used this method to force back a great sage of the demon race."

"That's it!" A flash of inspiration struck Zhang Kui, and many details instantly connected.

No wonder Qin Wan was in such an abnormal state at the time—his soul was clearly being controlled, and he was not in control of his own body. Those gray threads must be the Daoist aura of annihilation emanating from the Burning Lamp.

"If that's the case, how should we break this deadlock?" Wen Zhong frowned.

Zhao Jiang opened his mouth, but had no words to reply.

A deathly silence fell over the tent.

After a moment, Zhang Kui suddenly spoke up: "I have a method."

Wen Zhong and Zhao Jiang looked up at the same time, their eyes fixed intently on him.

Zhang Kui did not speak immediately, but hesitated and said, "However, this method is extremely risky, and I cannot guarantee that it will be effective."

"Fellow Daoist, please speak!" Zhao Jiang waved his hand.

Zhang Kui nodded slightly, organized his thoughts, and asked, "Why do you two think that Randeng first sent Deng Hua, a disciple of the Chan Sect, into the formation to die, before arranging for Manjushri to break the formation?"

Zhao Jiang was stunned, not yet able to come to his senses.

Wen Zhong, however, seemed to be deep in thought: "You mean... this matter is related to breaking the formation?"

"Besides that, I really can't think of any other reason why Ran Deng would do this," Zhang Kui shrugged, a hint of amusement in his voice. "It's not like he intentionally targeted Deng Hua, determined to kill him, is it?"

Zhao Jiang gradually realized what was going on: "Fellow Daoist, you mean that Deng Hua entering the formation means..."

"Send something into the formation." Zhang Kui took over, his eyes gleaming. "If that gray silk thread is truly the method of the Lamp Burner, it certainly cannot be used through the formation. Someone needs to bring it into the formation."

He paused, then continued, "When Fellow Daoist Qin Wan activates the formation, that thing will take effect and sever his connection with the formation."

"What a ruthless scheme!" Zhao Jiang gasped.

One human life for a great formation.

Wen Zhong's expression was also solemn: "If that's the case, when Fellow Daoist Zhao goes into battle tomorrow, the opponent will definitely use the same old trick. They'll first send someone to die in the formation, and after that person dies, they'll send the real person to break the formation."

"Exactly." Zhang Kui nodded. "Therefore, my method is very simple."

He leaned forward slightly and lowered his voice: "If the other side sends someone to their death first tomorrow, I urge Fellow Daoist Zhao to temporarily quell your anger, capture this person first, but spare their life. Afterwards, use the great formation to suppress anyone who tries to break through it."

"Great idea!" Zhao Jiang's eyes lit up.

Wen Zhong nodded secretly, inwardly approving.

Zhang Kui's expression remained grim. He slowly said, "Fellow Daoist, there's a premise to all of this. If I'm mistaken, and Randeng's methods aren't as I suspect, then..."

He didn't finish his sentence, but his meaning was clear.

If he guesses wrong, Zhao Jiang will face a near-death experience.

Zhao Jiang glanced at Zhang Kui, then at Wen Zhong, and suddenly burst into laughter.

"Rest assured, fellow Daoists!" He laughed heartily, the latest chapter is ready! Book lovers, return quickly. The seals within the tent trembled slightly. "I, Zhao Jiang, have cultivated for ten thousand years, what storms haven't I weathered? If it truly comes to my death..."

He suppressed his smile, his gaze calm, and slowly uttered six words:

"If that's how it is, then so be it."

Zhang Kui solemnly stood up and bowed deeply to Zhao Jiang.

Zhao Jiang nodded and strode away.

……

The next day at dawn, as the sky began to lighten, a chilling atmosphere enveloped the entire battlefield.

On the Xiqi side, Daoist Ran Deng, along with the Twelve Golden Immortals and his three generations of disciples, had already lined up in formation, ready to fight.

Zhao Jiang rode a sika deer slowly forward, his sword pointing towards the city walls of Xiqi, his voice booming like a bell:

"Burning Lamp, who will break through my fierce earth formation today? Come forth and face your death!"

On the city wall, the Taoist Ran Deng's expression changed slightly.

His gaze fell on Zhao Jiang, a faint unease rising in his heart. Suppressing his doubts, he turned and called out, "Han Dulong, go and break this Earthly Fiery Formation."

Upon hearing this, Han Dulong remained expressionless and bowed respectfully to his master, Dao Xing Tianzun.

Dao Xing Tianzun remained expressionless and nodded slightly. However, his hands, which had been outstretched and hidden in his sleeves, gradually clenched, his knuckles turning white.

"Stop your arrogance, I, Han, will deal with you!" Han Dulong leaped out, his long sword transforming into a cold light as he aimed straight at Zhao Jiang.

Zhao Jiang laughed heartily, swung his four-sided golden mace, and engaged Han Dulong in battle.

The two swords clashed, their light flashing in all directions. Han Dulong's foundation was ultimately shallow, and after only ten rounds, he was already at a disadvantage, struggling to defend himself.

Zhao Jiang seized the opportunity and suddenly activated his magic power, triggering the Earth Fiery Array that he had already set up.

In an instant, the world changed color.

The ground suddenly cracked open, and endless turbid energy from the earth's veins surged out, turning into a thousand-foot-high yellow dust that engulfed Han Dulong. Those outside the formation only saw a blur before their eyes, and the figure completely vanished, its aura also isolated by the formation, making it impossible to sense him again.

In the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, the gate opened again.

Zhao Jiang rode out leisurely on a sika deer and said loudly, "Fellow Daoists, what is the reason for sending such shallow-founded juniors to their deaths one after another? Why not send someone with real cultivation forward?"

These words caused an uproar in the Xiqi camp.

"Master Ran Deng, please leave this formation to me!"

Julusun strode forward. Having witnessed Manjushri successfully break through the formation and avert his own calamity yesterday, he was already eager to try it himself.

Ran Deng opened his mouth, as if to stop him.

But looking at Ju Liusun's determined expression, and thinking about the backup plan he had left for Han Dulong, he thought to himself, "In short, the advantage is in my hands."

After a moment's hesitation, he finally nodded slightly: "Go, but be careful."

Ju Liusun accepted the order, stepped forward, flicked his whisk, and pointed it at Zhao Jiang: "Zhao Jiang, you harbor evil intentions and your Taoist skills are weak. Today, I will let you die as you deserve to die."

Enraged upon hearing this, Zhao Jiang brandished his sword and activated the Earthly Fiery Array, trapping Ju Liusun within it. He then leaped onto the central platform, waving the five-directional banners and fully activating the array.

Within the Earthly Fiery Array, a world of its own was formed, connecting with the heavens above and the earth below. Endless turbid energy from the earth's veins surged forth, transforming into a thousand-foot-high yellow dust; above the nine heavens, thunder roared, and streaks of purple lightning struck down, intertwining with the earth's fire to form a net of thunder and fire.

Ju Liusun's expression turned solemn, and he dared not advance rashly. Auspicious clouds appeared above his head, transforming into ten thousand golden lotuses to protect him. Thunder and fire struck the golden lotuses, scattering light in all directions, but they could not harm him in the slightest for the time being.

"Zhao Jiang, prepare to die!"

Ju Liusun let out a low shout, made a hand seal, and a golden light flew out from his sleeve. It was the innate spiritual treasure he had refined for tens of thousands of years, the Immortal Binding Rope.

This treasure contains thirty-six divine restrictions; once bound, even a Great Luo Golden Immortal would find it difficult to break free. Ju Liusun used this treasure to capture countless opponents without ever failing.

A golden light flashed like lightning, instantly traversing a distance of a thousand feet, heading straight for Zhao Jiang.

The Immortal Binding Rope was about to touch Zhao Jiang...

Suddenly, a copper coin appeared out of thin air.

The copper coin was round on the outside and square on the inside, with wings on both sides. It was ancient and simple, and engraved with innate inscriptions.

When it lightly touched the Immortal Binding Rope, the rope seemed to disappear into thin air, instantly losing all its luster. It was carried away by the copper coin, slid into the void, and vanished without a trace.

"My secret weapon!"

Ju Liusun was horrified. His soul connection with the Immortal Binding Rope was completely severed in that instant.

On the high platform, Zhang Kui's figure flashed by.

His face was slightly pale, and cold sweat beaded on his forehead. Although the Falling Treasure Coin was domineering, severing the connection between a primordial spiritual treasure and its master consumed an astonishing amount of luck. With just this one strike, he lost nearly 20% of the humanistic luck he had accumulated over a long period.

"Fellow Daoist Zhao, why haven't you made your move yet!"

Zhang Kui's low shout reached Zhao Jiang's ears.

Zhao Jiang suddenly awoke from his daze and, without hesitation, unleashed his magical power into the Earthly Fiery Array. Endless heavenly thunder, divine fire, and turbid earth energy surged towards the stunned Ju Liusun like a monstrous wave.

When struck by lightning, Ju Liusun finally came to his senses.

But at this moment, his mind was in great turmoil, and the protective aura around him could not be sustained, with his Taoist robe becoming increasingly charred.

"Teacher Ran Deng, help!"

Ju Liusun finally panicked and shouted desperately.

Outside the formation, when Daoist Ran Deng heard the cry for help, his expression changed drastically. He quickly made a hand seal, trying to activate the jade talisman on Han Dulong's body.

"How could that be?"

The jade talisman did not react at all.

Not only that, he also sensed a fact that sent chills down his spine—Han Dulong seemed to be alive.

In that instant, countless thoughts flashed through Ran Deng's mind.

Just then...

A bloodcurdling scream echoed from within the Earthly Fiery Formation, a sound so mournful and filled with despair and resentment.

Manjushri, the Heavenly Venerable of Vast Dharma, suddenly looked up, his eyes flashing with disbelief. How could it be him?

Then, everyone saw a true spirit float out from the Earthly Fiery Array, illusory and hazy, yet its appearance could still be vaguely discerned.

The spirit paused slightly in mid-air, as if still unable to believe its fate, before transforming into a streak of light and flying straight toward the high platform where the Investiture of the Gods was located.

At this moment, everyone on both sides recognized the owner of this true spirit—Ju Liusun, one of the Twelve Golden Immortals of the Chan Sect, from Feiyun Cave on Jialong Mountain.