Zhang Kui Asks the Way in Investiture of the Gods

The three-day period arrived in the blink of an eye.

At the foot of Mount Qi, the banners of the Shang army camp fluttered in the wind, their murderous aura soaring to the sky. Wen Zhong stood outside the central command tent, holding a pair of whips, his third eye slightly closed, his divine sense sweeping over the chilling immortal light atop the city walls of Xiqi, a slight smile appearing on his lips.

"Jili, Yuqing!"

Wen Zhong said in a deep voice, "Send the order: the army marches out of the camp and defeats the enemy!"

The sound of horns tore through the morning mist.

One hundred thousand elite Shang soldiers marched out in formation, their swords and spears like a forest, their iron armor gleaming cold. At the front of the formation, Wen Zhong rode a black Qilin in the center, Zhang Kui rode a Bi'an on the left, and Zhang Shao rode a crane on the right.

Zhang Kui sat upright on the back of the Bixie, his left hand gently stroking the hilt of the Dragon Sparrow Sword, while his right hand secretly held the Qiankun Diagram.

His gaze swept over the members of the Chan Sect who were emerging one by one from the reeds opposite, and he thought to himself, "The Nine-Bend Yellow River Formation, the Primordial Golden Cauldron... the Chan Sect is probably going to suffer a great loss this time."

Zhang Kui nodded slightly but did not reply. His divine sense quietly probed out, lightly sweeping the edge of the Nine-Bend Yellow River Formation before quickly withdrawing. The vast aura emanating from the depths of the formation caused his primordial spirit to tremble slightly.

Inside the reed-covered pavilion, Jiang Ziya sat upright in the center, the illusory shadows of apricot-yellow banners appearing and disappearing around him. To his left and right, the Twelve Golden Immortals each sat on a prayer mat, while the Daoist Ran Deng sat alone in the highest position.

A guard rushed inside and reported, "Reporting to the Prime Minister, the Shang army has already formed ranks at the front."

Jiang Ziya opened his eyes, a complex expression flashing within them. He slowly rose, raising his sleeves: "Fellow Daoists, please follow me to meet the enemy."

The twelve Golden Immortals filed out. Guang Chengzi's face was solemn, his red eyes flashing, while only the Daoist Ran Deng remained calm and composed, as if everything was under control.

Before the two armies, Yunxiao and four other fairy maidens gracefully arrived, standing a hundred feet away from the reed hut. Yunxiao's black hair cascaded down like a waterfall, her face was serene and aloof, and her moon-white Taoist robe fluttered lightly in the wind.

"Jiang Ziya," Yunxiao spoke, her clear voice overpowering the clamor of the 100,000-strong army, "Today I have set up a formation called the 'Nine Bends Yellow River Formation.' If you can break it, my sisters and I will willingly surrender; if you cannot..."

She paused slightly, a cold glint flashing in her eyes: "Then your life ends here."

Zhang Kui heard everything clearly at the front lines, a slight smile playing on his lips. While Yunxiao Niangniang's words seemed directed at Jiang Ziya, they were in fact a veiled warning to the Twelve Golden Immortals of the Chan Sect.

"Senior Yunxiao," Yang Jian suddenly stepped forward, cupped his hands in greeting, "we wish to come forward and observe the battle, but we hope that you will not use magic weapons or spells to harm us."

Yang Jian's Eight-Nine Arcane Arts had reached a state of perfection; he wielded a three-pointed, double-edged sword, and the light of his Heavenly Eye flickered on his forehead.

Yunxiao sneered, "You're Yang Jian, Yu Ding's disciple, right? For your master's sake, I'll agree."

Yang Jian bowed again, then turned around and, together with Jinzha and Muzha, escorted Jiang Ziya, slowly walking towards the Nine-Bend Yellow River Formation.

Zhang Kui rode on the back of the Bixie, his gaze following the figures of the four. He thought to himself, this Nine-Bend Yellow River Formation conforms to the principle of the cycle of heaven and earth, and contains the meaning of reincarnation. If Yang Jian and the other two enter the formation to observe it, they will probably suffer.

Sure enough, the moment the array gate opened, a vast and ancient aura rushed out. Jiang Ziya felt a blur before his eyes and found himself in a chaotic void. All around was a hazy gray expanse, with no sky, no earth, no east, no west. In the void, faint traces of light, winding and twisting, could be seen, like a sleeping ancient dragon.

"This is... the Nine-Bend Yellow River Formation?" Jiang Ziya murmured to himself, his mind slightly shaken.

Yang Jian opened his third eye on his forehead, and golden light shone in all directions. He saw that deep within the nine-curved light trail lay countless restrictions, each restriction like a giant maw, ready to devour anyone who entered the formation. Even more terrifying was that the formation was slowly rotating, and with each rotation, the restrictions deepened by one layer.

"Uncle-Master, this formation is dangerous; we cannot linger here," Yang Jian said in a low voice. "I have observed with my Heavenly Eye that this Nine-Bend Yellow River Formation aligns with the principles of the cycle of heaven and earth, and contains the meaning of reincarnation. Once trapped, our three souls and seven spirits will be gradually annihilated."

Jiang Ziya nodded and was about to leave when a sharp shout came from the gate of the formation: "Trying to leave? Not so easy!"

Bixiao's figure suddenly appeared, the golden dragon scissors in her hand gleaming coldly. She had been guarding the gate of the formation for a long time, waiting for this moment.

Jiang Ziya was greatly alarmed. The Central Wuji Apricot Yellow Banner automatically protected its master, and ten thousand golden lotuses bloomed out of thin air. Bixiao snorted coldly, and the Golden Dragon Scissors transformed into two golden beams, aiming straight for Jiang Ziya's head.

Yang Jian stepped forward, his three-pointed, double-edged sword slashing horizontally. The blade light collided with the golden light, unleashing a deafening roar. The two exchanged more than ten blows in an instant. Yang Jian activated his Eight-Nine Arcane Arts, his physical body becoming incomparably strong, each strike possessing the power to split mountains and shatter rocks. Although Bi Xiao was at the peak of the Profound Immortal realm, she gradually began to falter.

"Sister, help me!" Bixiao cried out sweetly.

Upon hearing the sound, Qiongxiao moved, her Azure Phoenix Sword transforming into a hundred-foot-long sword aura, slashing down from the sky. Seeing this, Jinzha shouted, "Witch, stop your madness!" The Dragon-Binding Stake flew out of his hand, and three golden rings met the sword aura head-on, blocking it.

In an instant, celestial light burst forth from the array gate, and magical treasures flew about. Jiang Ziya, protected within by the apricot-yellow banner, was pale-faced.

Zhang Kui, observing clearly from outside the formation, thought to himself: Bixiao and Qiongxiao have already made their moves; Lady Yunxiao is probably about to use the Hunyuan Golden Cauldron.

As expected, Yunxiao stood in the center of the formation, coldly observing everything. She raised her right hand and gently clenched her five fingers.

The Hunyuan Golden Bucket soared into the sky.

The golden bucket was no bigger than the palm of his hand, entirely golden, with a golden light emanating from its opening. This treasure was a primordial spiritual artifact, containing primordial energy, capable of containing all things and confining the heavens. Yunxiao merely tossed it lightly, and the Primordial Golden Bucket transformed into a beam of golden light, heading straight for Yang Jian.

Yang Jian sensed the danger and retreated hastily. But the Hunyuan Golden Cauldron was even faster; with a flash of golden light, it enveloped Yang Jian's head. Yang Jian felt an irresistible suction force, and he was involuntarily drawn into the cauldron.

"Senior Brother Yang Jian!" Jin Zha exclaimed in surprise. He quickly turned the Dragon-Binding Stake around, and the three golden rings flew toward the Hunyuan Golden Bucket.

Yunxiao sneered, and with a turn of the Hunyuan Golden Bucket, golden light flashed again, and Jinzha fell into the bucket.

"Big brother!"

Seeing his brother captured, Mu Zha brandished his twin Wu hook swords, their light flashing like rainbows. The Hunyuan Golden Cauldron shone for the third time, and Mu Zha was also captured.

All three third-generation disciples of the Chan Sect were captured.

Yunxiao gently raised her hand, and the Hunyuan Golden Bucket tilted, causing three figures to fall from the opening of the bucket and crash straight into the depths of the Nine-Bend Yellow River Formation.

Zhang Kui's pupils contracted slightly. While others only saw the power of the Hunyuan Golden Cauldron, he noticed something else: the trajectories of the three figures falling into the formation landed precisely at the bends of the nine-curve, eighteen-turn section.

That wasn't a random toss; it was intentional. The primordial spirits of Yang Jian and the other two were used to nurture the great formation.

"Outrageous!" Nezha's eyes turned bloodshot, and he rode on his Wind Fire Wheels, ready to rush in.

"Nezha, no!"

With the protection of the apricot-yellow flag, Jiang Ziya grabbed Nezha's arm with such force that Nezha was slightly startled. He turned around and saw that Jiang Ziya's face was ashen and he was shaking his head slightly.

"Uncle-Master!" Nezha exclaimed anxiously.

"Going there will only lead to your death," Jiang Ziya said in a deep voice. The central Wuji Apricot Yellow Banner shone brightly, with thousands of golden lotuses layered upon each other, protecting him and Nezha within.

Yunxiao raised an eyebrow and summoned the Hunyuan Golden Cauldron once more, its golden light aimed directly at Jiang Ziya. Jiang Ziya gritted his teeth and activated the Apricot Yellow Banner with all his might. The golden lotus collided with the golden light, unleashing a deafening roar.

The two innate spiritual treasures tumbled and fought fiercely, and for a time it was difficult to determine which was superior.

Standing on the back of the Bixie, Zhang Kui watched as each vibration of the Hunyuan Golden Bucket triggered the power of the Nine-Bend Yellow River Formation.

"This Nine-Bend Yellow River Formation actually coincides with the Dao of Reincarnation? No, it's the Primordial Golden Cauldron. The Primordial Qi contained within this treasure has something in common with the laws of reincarnation." Zhang Kui didn't continue thinking about it because Yunxiao suddenly put away the Primordial Golden Cauldron.

"Jiang Ziya!"

She said coldly, "That's enough for today. You will come back to break the formation at dawn tomorrow. If you don't come, I will refine the three souls and seven spirits of Yang Jian and the other two into the formation."

Having said that, she turned and left, followed closely by Qiongxiao, Bixiao, Hanzhixian, and Caiyun Fairy. The five beams of immortal light disappeared into the Shang army camp, leaving behind only a mess and the solemn faces of the Chan Sect members.

Zhang Kui watched the pale figure disappear into the camp, a smile appearing on his lips. This Lady Yunxiao... truly deserves to be called one of the best among the second-generation disciples of the Jie Sect.

……

As night fell, the city of Xiqi was brightly lit.

Inside the Prime Minister's residence, Jiang Ziya and the Twelve Golden Immortals stood on either side, while the Taoist Ran Deng sat alone in the highest position.

"What are your thoughts on breaking the formation tomorrow, fellow Daoists?" Jiang Ziya asked, his brow furrowed with worry.

Guang Chengzi pondered and said, "The Nine-Bend Yellow River Formation has a notorious reputation, and the Hunyuan Golden Cauldron is one of the best among innate spiritual treasures. In my opinion, when we enter the formation tomorrow, we should use the Fantian Seal to break it head-on."

Chi shook his head: "Although the Heaven-Turning Seal is powerful, the Primordial Golden Cauldron can contain all things. If the attack misses, Fellow Daoist Guang Chengzi may suffer some mishap."

"Then what do you think should be done?" Guang Chengzi asked in return.

Red language blockade.

Silence fell over the crowd, all eyes turning to Daoist Ran Deng. Daoist Ran Deng slowly opened his eyes, a glint of ethereal light flashing within them, and said in a deep voice, "I have heard of the Nine-Bend Yellow River Formation. This formation uses the Hunyuan Golden Cauldron as its core, and its nine bends and eighteen turns subtly align with the principles of the cycle of heaven and earth."

Upon hearing this, everyone's expressions grew even more solemn.

Just as Jiang Ziya was about to speak, footsteps sounded outside the door. Nezha and Lei Zhenzi entered side by side. Nezha cupped his hands and said, "Uncle-Master Ziya, Lei Zhenzi and I intend to infiltrate the Shang camp at night and find a way to rescue Yang Jian and the other two."

Jiang Ziya frowned: "Nonsense! The merchant camp is full of experts; you'll only be sending yourselves to your deaths."

Nezha replied, "Don't worry, Uncle-Master. I have the Wind and Fire Wheels, and Lei Zhenzi has the Wind and Thunder Wings. Even if we can't win, we can escape."

Taiyi Zhenren looked at Nezha, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes. He knew his disciple's temperament well; once he made up his mind, nothing could change it.

"Very well," said Master Taiyi. "You two may go, but remember not to linger in battle. If things become unfavorable, retreat immediately."

Nezha was overjoyed, but Lei Zhenzi was somewhat uneasy. He secretly looked at his master, Yun Zhongzi.

Yun Zhongzi nodded slightly, signaling him to proceed with caution.

……

Meanwhile, deep within the Shang army camp, in Zhang Kui's tent.

Zhang Kui sat cross-legged, with the Qiankun Diagram lying across his lap. The scroll was half-unfurled, and the clear and turbid energies flowed slowly, casting flickering light on his face.

A deep voice came from outside the tent: "General, two little guys are sneaking over there."

A slight smile appeared on Zhang Kui's lips as he stood up and quietly left the tent...

The Hunyuan Golden Bucket soared into the sky.

The golden bucket was no bigger than the palm of his hand, entirely golden, with a golden light emanating from its opening. This treasure was a primordial spiritual artifact, containing primordial energy, capable of containing all things and confining the heavens. Yunxiao merely tossed it lightly, and the Primordial Golden Bucket transformed into a beam of golden light, heading straight for Yang Jian.

Yang Jian sensed the danger and retreated hastily. But the Hunyuan Golden Cauldron was even faster; with a flash of golden light, it enveloped Yang Jian's head. Yang Jian felt an irresistible suction force, and he was involuntarily drawn into the cauldron.

"Senior Brother Yang Jian!" Jin Zha exclaimed in surprise. He quickly turned the Dragon-Binding Stake around, and the three golden rings flew toward the Hunyuan Golden Bucket.

Yunxiao sneered, and with a turn of the Hunyuan Golden Bucket, golden light flashed again, and Jinzha fell into the bucket.

"Big brother!"

Seeing his brother captured, Mu Zha brandished his twin Wu hook swords, their light flashing like rainbows. The Hunyuan Golden Cauldron shone for the third time, and Mu Zha was also captured.

All three third-generation disciples of the Chan Sect were captured.

Yunxiao gently raised her hand, and the Hunyuan Golden Bucket tilted, causing three figures to fall from the opening of the bucket and crash straight into the depths of the Nine-Bend Yellow River Formation.

Zhang Kui's pupils contracted slightly. While others only saw the power of the Hunyuan Golden Cauldron, he noticed something else: the trajectories of the three figures falling into the formation landed precisely at the bends of the nine-curve, eighteen-turn section.

That wasn't a random toss; it was intentional. The primordial spirits of Yang Jian and the other two were used to nurture the great formation.

"Outrageous!" Nezha's eyes turned bloodshot, and he rode on his Wind Fire Wheels, ready to rush in.

"Nezha, no!"

With the protection of the apricot-yellow flag, Jiang Ziya grabbed Nezha's arm with such force that Nezha was slightly startled. He turned around and saw that Jiang Ziya's face was ashen and he was shaking his head slightly.

"Uncle-Master!" Nezha exclaimed anxiously.

"Going there will only lead to your death," Jiang Ziya said in a deep voice. The central Wuji Apricot Yellow Banner shone brightly, with thousands of golden lotuses layered upon each other, protecting him and Nezha within.

Yunxiao raised an eyebrow and summoned the Hunyuan Golden Cauldron once more, its golden light aimed directly at Jiang Ziya. Jiang Ziya gritted his teeth and activated the Apricot Yellow Banner with all his might. The golden lotus collided with the golden light, unleashing a deafening roar.

The two innate spiritual treasures tumbled and fought fiercely, and for a time it was difficult to determine which was superior.

Standing on the back of the Bixie, Zhang Kui watched as each vibration of the Hunyuan Golden Bucket triggered the power of the Nine-Bend Yellow River Formation.

"This Nine-Bend Yellow River Formation actually coincides with the Dao of Reincarnation? No, it's the Primordial Golden Cauldron. The Primordial Qi contained within this treasure has something in common with the laws of reincarnation." Zhang Kui didn't continue thinking about it because Yunxiao suddenly put away the Primordial Golden Cauldron.

"Jiang Ziya!"

She said coldly, "That's enough for today. You will come back to break the formation at dawn tomorrow. If you don't come, I will refine the three souls and seven spirits of Yang Jian and the other two into the formation."

Having said that, she turned and left, followed closely by Qiongxiao, Bixiao, Hanzhixian, and Caiyun Fairy. The five beams of immortal light disappeared into the Shang army camp, leaving behind only a mess and the solemn faces of the Chan Sect members.

Zhang Kui watched the pale figure disappear into the camp, a smile appearing on his lips. This Lady Yunxiao... truly deserves to be called one of the best among the second-generation disciples of the Jie Sect.

……

As night fell, the city of Xiqi was brightly lit.

Inside the Prime Minister's residence, Jiang Ziya and the Twelve Golden Immortals stood on either side, while the Taoist Ran Deng sat alone in the highest position.

"What are your thoughts on breaking the formation tomorrow, fellow Daoists?" Jiang Ziya asked, his brow furrowed with worry.

Guang Chengzi pondered and said, "The Nine-Bend Yellow River Formation has a notorious reputation, and the Hunyuan Golden Cauldron is one of the best among innate spiritual treasures. In my opinion, when we enter the formation tomorrow, we should use the Fantian Seal to break it head-on."

Chi shook his head: "Although the Heaven-Turning Seal is powerful, the Primordial Golden Cauldron can contain all things. If the attack misses, Fellow Daoist Guang Chengzi may suffer some mishap."

"Then what do you think should be done?" Guang Chengzi asked in return.

Red language blockade.

Silence fell over the crowd, all eyes turning to Daoist Ran Deng. Daoist Ran Deng slowly opened his eyes, a glint of ethereal light flashing within them, and said in a deep voice, "I have heard of the Nine-Bend Yellow River Formation. This formation uses the Hunyuan Golden Cauldron as its core, and its nine bends and eighteen turns subtly align with the principles of the cycle of heaven and earth."

Upon hearing this, everyone's expressions grew even more solemn.

Just as Jiang Ziya was about to speak, footsteps sounded outside the door. Nezha and Lei Zhenzi entered side by side. Nezha cupped his hands and said, "Uncle-Master Ziya, Lei Zhenzi and I intend to infiltrate the Shang camp at night and find a way to rescue Yang Jian and the other two."

Jiang Ziya frowned: "Nonsense! The merchant camp is full of experts; you'll only be sending yourselves to your deaths."

Nezha replied, "Don't worry, Uncle-Master. I have the Wind and Fire Wheels, and Lei Zhenzi has the Wind and Thunder Wings. Even if we can't win, we can escape."

Taiyi Zhenren looked at Nezha, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes. He knew his disciple's temperament well; once he made up his mind, nothing could change it.

"Very well," said Master Taiyi. "You two may go, but remember not to linger in battle. If things become unfavorable, retreat immediately."

Nezha was overjoyed, but Lei Zhenzi was somewhat uneasy. He secretly looked at his master, Yun Zhongzi.

Yun Zhongzi nodded slightly, signaling him to proceed with caution.

……

Meanwhile, deep within the Shang army camp, in Zhang Kui's tent.

Zhang Kui sat cross-legged, with the Qiankun Diagram lying across his lap. The scroll was half-unfurled, and the clear and turbid energies flowed slowly, casting flickering light on his face.

A deep voice came from outside the tent: "General, two little guys are sneaking over there."

A slight smile appeared on Zhang Kui's lips as he stood up and quietly left the tent...