Zhang Kui Asks the Way in Investiture of the Gods

Having made up his mind, Zhang Kui no longer hesitated.

"Grand Tutor!"

Zhang Kui whispered, "This subordinate... will be right back."

Wen Zhong was taken aback: "Where are you going?"

Zhang Kui did not answer, but simply shook his head slightly, indicating to Wen Zhongmo not to ask any more questions.

Immediately, he used the technique of flying and leaving a trail.

Frost has no fixed form; this is the true meaning of flying and leaving traces that he has come to understand.

Frost possesses both the ever-changing nature of clouds and the formless nature of wind, adapting to whatever it takes and following its own will. When unleashed now, his form is like frost meeting the sun, slowly fading away without leaving a trace.

Everyone present, including Wen Zhong, felt that Zhang Kui's aura had suddenly vanished, as if he had never existed.

Wen Zhong frowned, but remained silent. He vaguely guessed what Zhang Kui was going to do, and felt both surprised and admiring, as well as slightly worried.

This kid... he's got some nerve.

Zhang Kui used his flying movements to conceal his figure and silently followed the White Crane Boy away.

He dared not get too close. Although the White Crane Boy was merely a servant boy before a sage, he was a true Taiyi Golden Immortal.

If you are not careful, they will discover you.

Taking advantage of the cover of clouds and celestial phenomena, Zhang Kui followed from a distance, gradually approaching.

The white crane flew extremely fast, heading west, crossing towering mountains and surging rivers.

Zhang Kui stared at the white figure ahead, quickly calculating in his mind.

Yunxiao was imprisoned at Qilin Cliff, which was located within the Daoist temple of Yuanshi Tianzun. With his current cultivation level, forcing his way into Kunlun Mountain would be tantamount to suicide.

Therefore, he had to intercept the White Crane Boy before he could take Yunxiao to Qilin Cliff.

This is the only chance.

A glint of light flashed in Zhang Kui's eyes, and he increased his speed by another three points.

……

Shouyang Mountain, Bajing Palace

Grand Master Xuandu was sitting cross-legged, contemplating the Dao of Heaven.

His body was enveloped in the swirling energy of Yin and Yang, surrounded by the five elements, and his Daoist aura flowed, resonating with heaven and earth. As the only direct disciple of the Taiqing Sage, Xuandu's cultivation had already reached the Quasi-Sage realm.

Suddenly, Xuan Du opened his eyes, a hint of surprise flashing in them.

"Why? The Qiankun Diagram is protecting its owner on its own..."

He frowned slightly and tried to calculate with his fingers. But the secrets of heaven were in utter chaos, like a tangled mess, and he couldn't figure anything out.

"Who exactly did this unfilial disciple offend?"

Xuan Du muttered to himself, a faint worry creeping into his heart. Although his disciple had only recently joined the sect, his temperament, aptitude, and comprehension were all top-notch.

"Forget it, I'd better go find my master."

Xuandu stood up, preparing to walk towards the main hall. He had only taken a few steps when he heard Laozi's voice.

"Disciple, prepare yourself and come down the mountain with me. Oh, and bring a gourd of Nine-Turn Golden Elixir."

Xuan Du was slightly taken aback, then cupped his hands in agreement, "Yes, Master!"

His doubts deepened. Was his master going down the mountain personally? And bringing the Nine-Turn Golden Elixir with him?

In this world, it is rare for the Sage Taiqing to personally descend from the mountain.

……

outside Xiqi City

Yuanshi Tianzun looked at his eleven disciples, whose three flowers on their heads had been cut off and whose five vital energies in their chests had been sealed, and for a moment he did not know what to do.

Although he is a saint, he must still respect the will of Heaven. This calamity is a hardship that all disciples should endure, and they should bear the consequences themselves.

This is destiny, and also calamity.

But now... ten thousand years of cultivation have vanished into thin air, how will he overcome the great tribulations to come?

Guangchengzi, Chi Taiyi Zhenren and the other eleven fell to the ground, their faces deathly pale and their breaths weak. They looked at Yuanshi Tianzun, their eyes filled with shame, resentment, and a hint of bewilderment…

Ten thousand years of cultivation, all lost in a single day.

This feeling is worse than death.

"Master..." Guang Chengzi began, his voice hoarse, "This disciple is incompetent."

The Primordial Celestial Venerable waved his hand: "No need to say more. This is a calamity, not your fault."

As he pondered a solution, he suddenly felt something and looked up towards the east.

On the eastern horizon, a blue ox rode the clouds. A Taoist sat atop the ox, with white hair and a youthful face, holding a whisk. His aura was harmonious and unhindered, as if he were one with heaven and earth.

The Supreme Sage, Lao Tzu.

Grand Master Xuandu attended him on either side, holding a whisk, his expression serene.

"Junior brother, how have you been?" Laozi slowly descended on his green ox, his face as calm as a still well.

Yuanshi Tianzun's face lit up with joy: "Senior Brother, what brings you here?"

Lao Tzu smiled slightly: "I knew you would come here, so I came to see you."

His gaze swept over the eleven figures that had fallen to the ground, and he frowned slightly: "The three flowers have been severed, and the five energies have dissipated. These injuries are not minor."

Yuanshi Tianzun smiled wryly: "Indeed, I also don't know what to do for a moment."

Laozi pondered for a moment, then nodded to Xuandu beside him. Xuandu then took out a purple-gold gourd from his sleeve, uncorked it, and poured out nine golden pills.

The golden elixir was entirely golden, with nine flowing patterns on its surface, faintly emitting the sounds of dragons roaring and phoenixes singing. Its fragrance was intoxicating, instantly refreshing the mind and spirit, and stirring the magical power within the body.

"This is the Nine-Turn Golden Elixir," Lao Tzu said calmly. "Taking it will instantly grant you the status of a Great Luo Golden Immortal."

The Primordial Celestial Venerable was overjoyed: "Senior Brother, you've actually been willing to part with such a treasure?"

Lao Tzu laughed and said, "Between you and me, there's no need for formalities."

He handed the nine golden pills to Yuanshi Tianzun: "There are only nine pills. How you distribute them is up to you."

Yuanshi Tianzun accepted the golden elixir, his gaze sweeping over his eleven disciples, and he pondered for a long time.

Ultimately, he bestowed the eight golden pills upon Guang Chengzi and Chi... Huanglong Zhenren, Taiyi Zhenren, Lingbao Dafashi, Yuding Zhenren, Daoxing Tianzun, Qingxu Daode Zhenjun.

"You eight are the most seriously injured. Take the Golden Elixir first to restore your cultivation," said Yuanshi Tianzun.

The eight people received the golden pills, their eyes filled with gratitude: "Thank you, Master! Thank you, Grandmaster!"

They immediately swallowed the golden pills, sat cross-legged, and began to refine them. In a short while, eight golden lights shone, and the eight people's auras recovered at a speed visible to the naked eye.

In a short while, the eight golden pills each found their owners, leaving only one remaining.

Manjushri, Samantabhadra, and Cihang Daoist gazed intently at this last hope. Although their injuries were not as severe as those of Guangchengzi and the others, their Three Flowers and Five Qi had been diminished, and their millennia of cultivation had been completely lost. Without the aid of the Golden Elixir, it was unknown how many years of arduous cultivation it would take to recover.

The last golden elixir was not bestowed by the Primordial Celestial Venerable.

He put away the golden core and said to everyone, "Today's events are all due to fate, and cannot be forced. You should all return to your caves to heal and recover, and continue to assist Ziya when you leave the mountain in the future. Do not make any mistakes."

"Yes, I will obey the decree!"

Apart from Manjushri, Samantabhadra, and Cihang, the other eight immortals either rode on clouds or fled away. After consuming the golden elixir, their cultivation was fully restored, even surpassing their former level, so they were naturally eager to return to their caves to consolidate their realm.

"Master, we..." Manjushri was about to speak when he was interrupted by Yuanshi Tianzun.

"No need for further words. I will take care of the injuries of the three of you. Let's return to our cave first."

As soon as he finished speaking, Yuanshi Tianzun used magic to send the three away.

The moment the three were sent away, the resentment on their faces was hard to hide.

How could they not complain?

Of the eleven disciples, eight obtained golden cores and restored their cultivation, but the other three were excluded.

What is this? Is this discrimination?

Laozi, who had witnessed the entire process, frowned slightly: "Junior brother, your actions this time seem..."

"Senior brother, I will have to settle things with that person in the West regarding these three." Yuanshi Tianzun looked westward and sneered.

Upon hearing this, Laozi immediately understood. He gave Yuanshi Tianzun a deep look and slowly nodded: "It's good that you understand. Now that this matter is settled, I will return to the mountain."

Having said that, Laozi rode away slowly on his green ox.

After bowing to the Primordial Celestial Venerable, Grand Master Xuandu departed. However, a question lingered in his mind: he had faintly sensed the aura of the Qiankun Diagram earlier.

Although Xuandu was puzzled, he did not ask any further questions. He quickened his pace and caught up with Laozi's green ox.

"Xuan Du," Laozi suddenly spoke.

"Disciple is here."

"That little monkey you got is very clever!"

Xuandu was taken aback, momentarily speechless: "Master, what do you mean? I didn't see Zhang Kui just now!"

Lao Tzu stroked his long beard and laughed heartily: "This little fellow's 'flying and carrying' technique is quite skillful; even you didn't notice it. Hahaha... Not bad, not bad!"

Xuan Du then realized what was happening, his heart filled with shock and doubt. Did his master mean… Zhang Kui was also present? And that he had concealed himself by leaping into the air?

But he clearly didn't notice anything.

"Master, what about Zhang Kui...?" Xuandu hesitated, unable to finish his sentence.

Lao Tzu waved his hand, saying meaningfully, "Don't ask any more questions! You and I... can just observe from the sidelines."

Xuan Du was full of questions, but he dared not ask any more. He followed behind the green ox, wondering to himself: What exactly is that cheap disciple up to?

……

At this moment, Zhang Kui was preparing to make a big splash.

He followed the White Crane Boy westward, where the majestic Kunlun Mountains were already in sight.

The mountain was steep and rugged, with towering peaks and swirling clouds and mist that vaguely revealed magnificent palaces. The spiritual energy within the mountain was so abundant that it almost solidified, transforming into waterfalls of spiritual energy cascading down from the summit.

This is Kunlun Mountain, the sacred site of the Jade Purity Sage.

Zhang Kui gazed at the sacred mountain in the distance, a sense of awe welling up within him. But he quickly suppressed this emotion, his gaze locking onto the white figure ahead.

The White Crane Boy had slowed down, and his expression gradually relaxed. Clearly... he was nearing his destination.

Zhang Kui knew he had to take action.

If he doesn't act now, he'll have no chance once the White Crane Boy enters the Kunlun Mountain area.

He secretly gathered his energy, and his golden core circulated at full power, causing the Five Elements Dao Fruit to radiate five-colored light.

At the same time, he communicated with the incarnation of the Emperor of Fengdu.

In the Netherworld, the Great Emperor of Fengdu sat in his grand hall, sensing the summons of his true self. He opened his eyes, the laws of reincarnation flowing within them, and the three supreme treasures—the Book of Life and Death, the Pen of Reincarnation, and the Coffin Lamp—trembled simultaneously.

Divine power transcended the realms of Yin and Yang, flowing into Zhang Kui's body.

Zhang Kui's aura surged instantly, climbing from the Golden Immortal realm all the way up to the Great Luo Golden Immortal realm before slowing down.

He gripped the Dragon Sparrow Blade tightly, a fierce glint flashing in his eyes.

It's now!

Zhang Kui suddenly sprang up, his figure appearing behind the White Crane Boy like a ghost.

The Dragon Sparrow Sword was drawn from its sheath.

The blade flashed like frost, carrying the divine light of the Five Elements Annihilation, and slashed towards the neck of the White Crane Boy.

This strike was both incredibly fast and incredibly ruthless.

As a Taiyi Golden Immortal, the White Crane Boy reacted extremely quickly. Sensing the killing intent behind him, he flapped his wings and dodged to the side.

But Zhang Kui's attack was premeditated, so how could it be so easy to dodge?

But Zhang Kui's attack was premeditated, so how could it be so easy to dodge?

A flash of light...

Although the White Crane Child avoided the vital point, his left wing was grazed by the blade. The Great Five Elements Extinction Divine Light invaded the wound, disintegrating the power of the five elements, leaving the wound a bloody mess that was difficult to heal.

"Who goes there!"

The white crane boy was startled and flapped its wings repeatedly, retreating rapidly.

Zhang Kui gave him no chance to catch his breath. He flipped his left hand, and the Qiankun Diagram unfolded. Yin and Yang energies circulated within the diagram, and earth, water, fire, and wind surged, transforming into a large net that enveloped the White Crane Boy.

The White Crane Boy's expression changed drastically. He hurriedly activated his magic power, transforming into a beam of white light to meet the Qiankun Diagram.

boom!

The impact was deafening, shattering the clouds for miles around and causing mountains and rivers to tremble.

The White Crane Boy was thrown backward by the shock, spitting blood. In his hasty defense, he was unable to stop it.

With the divine power of the Fengdu Emperor and the superior innate spiritual treasure Qiankun Diagram, Zhang Kui suffered a great loss in the head-on confrontation with the White Crane Boy.

Zhang Kui pressed his advantage relentlessly, flashing once more and unleashing three consecutive strikes with his Dragon Sparrow Blade.

The three sword lights were faster and more ruthless than the last. Each strike was imbued with the divine light of the Five Elements Annihilation, and the very space itself was cleaved in cracks by the blades' passage.

The White Crane Boy fought desperately, but was still struck in the chest by the third blow. He screamed in agony, spitting out blood, and fell like a kite with a broken string.

Zhang Kui reached out and snatched Yunxiao from the White Crane Boy's mouth.

Yunxiao's cultivation was sealed, leaving her utterly powerless to resist. She stared at Zhang Kui, her eyes filled with shock and confusion: "It's you…"

"Your Majesty, please don't ask any more questions," Zhang Kui said in a low voice. "It's best to leave now."

He enveloped the clouds into the Qiankun Diagram, and then immediately used his flying technique to escape at lightning speed.

The White Crane Boy fell to the ground, struggled to his feet, and stared in the direction Zhang Kui had gone, both shocked and furious. He wanted to give chase, but his injuries were too severe; his left wing was almost severed, and he couldn't fly at all.

"Damn it!"

The White Crane Boy gritted his teeth, "Who on earth dares to be so insolent in the Kunlun Holy Land?"

He struggled to take out a jade talisman, crushed it, and a beam of spiritual light shot into the sky, flying towards Kunlun Mountain.