Zhang Kui Asks the Way in Investiture of the Gods

"Zhang Kui Asks the Way in the Investiture of the Gods," a late-blooming masterpiece by Dao, is available to read now!

Golden light filled the sky, and a murderous aura permeated the air.

The Taoist Ran Deng stood in the void, the Hunyuan Golden Cauldron in his hand shining brightly, the golden pillar of light like a pillar supporting the sky.

"Want to leave? Not so easy!"

Ran Deng snorted coldly, and the Hunyuan Golden Cauldron spun again, the golden light transforming into a giant hand that grabbed Zhang Kui back.

Zhang Kui felt an irresistible force pull him back, causing him to fall heavily to the ground.

Ran Deng looked down at the two struggling figures, a cruel smile playing on his lips, his eyes like those of someone looking at prey that had fallen into a trap.

He slowly stroked his long beard, his tone tinged with mockery:

"Don't be hasty, this is where you two will meet your end. To die under this Primordial Golden Cauldron is your good fortune."

That golden power pressed down on Zhang Kui like an invisible mountain, squeezing every inch of his meridians and every acupoint, making his magical power almost impossible to circulate.

"So this is the true power of the Primordial Golden Cauldron...?"

Zhang Kui gritted his teeth, veins bulging on his forehead. The feeling was like being cut by a dull knife, unbearable.

Fortunately, Randeng had only recently obtained the Hunyuan Golden Bucket and had only begun its initial refinement; the true power of the magic weapon had not yet been fully revealed.

Even so, the situation is extremely bad.

Zhang Kui could only barely activate his Spirit Witch True Body, using the brute force of his physical body to resist the erosion of the golden light. The bloodline of the Witch Clan boiled within him, his bones made a "crackling" sound, his muscles tensed like iron, and ancient witch patterns appeared on his skin.

Unlike him, Yunxiao was, after all, a direct disciple of the Jie Sect, and had spent countless days with this Hunyuan Golden Cauldron, possessing an intimate knowledge of its power and characteristics. Relying on this familiarity, coupled with her even greater magical power after her breakthrough, she could temporarily barely resist the erosion of the golden light.

The fatal flaw was that she had been seriously injured while saving Zhang Kui. At this moment, her white robes were stained with blood, and her face was as pale as paper, yet she still gritted her teeth and desperately circulated her magic power to resist.

"Senior, I've dragged you into this." Zhang Kui said in a hoarse voice, forcing a bitter smile.

"Fellow Daoist, what are you saying?"

Yunxiao's voice was calm. "Fellow Daoist, there is no need to blame yourself. Life and death are predestined. If it weren't for your risky rescue, I would have been imprisoned on Kunlun Mountain long ago. Even if I die today, it is better than becoming a prisoner."

Zhang Kui admired this magnanimity.

He looked up at the clouds. This fairy of the Jie Sect was now dressed in white with blood, but she remained calm and composed, without a trace of fear in her eyes.

"good!"

Zhang Kui laughed loudly, "To be able to fight alongside my senior, I have no regrets even if I die."

The bloodline of the Witch Clan within him surged once more, and he pushed the power of his Spirit Witch True Body to its limit. With the Dragon Sparrow Blade in hand, the Great Five Elements Extinction Divine Light, though dimmed, still flowed across the blade.

"He does have some backbone."

As the Taoist Ran Deng watched this scene, a disdainful sneer flashed in his eyes. He once again activated the Hunyuan Golden Cauldron, and the golden beam of light suddenly contracted, increasing the pressure.

He shook his head, his tone as indifferent as ice: "Unfortunately, it's all in vain. I'd like to see how long you can hold out."

hum!

A faint yet clear buzzing sound suddenly rang out in the void.

Zhang Kui's heart skipped a beat; he knew that voice all too well—it was the Falling Treasure Coin.

He quickly probed it with his divine sense, only to discover...

I can't get in.

The treasure coin seemed to be sealed by an invisible force, and his divine sense was unable to enter it.

buzzing...

The buzzing became more frequent and higher in frequency, transforming from a subtle vibration into a sharp ringing sound.

The attention of all three people present was drawn to it...

The Luobao Coin stood suspended in mid-air, its ancient surface rippling with golden waves. Within those ripples, twenty-four dazzling pearls shone brightly, their light intertwining.

"This is... the Sea-Stabilizing Pearl!"

The Taoist Ran Deng's pupils suddenly contracted, and he cried out in alarm.

Zhang Kui was also greatly shocked.

After Zhao Gongming died, the twenty-four Sea-Stabilizing Pearls disappeared without a trace.

Unexpectedly, they had been hidden among the treasure coins all along.

"Big brother...is that you?"

Yunxiao's voice trembled, and through teary eyes he gazed at the Sea-Stabilizing Pearl, murmuring to himself.

The Dinghai Pearl suddenly shone brightly, transforming into twenty-four dazzling pillars of light that surrounded Zhang Kui and Yunxiao, protecting them within them.

Under the impact of the Sea-Stabilizing Pearl, the golden light of the Hunyuan Golden Cauldron actually showed signs of loosening.

"Zhao Gongming!" Daoist Ran Deng was shocked, a deep sense of dread flashing in his eyes.

The Sea-Stabilizing Pearl was a supreme innate treasure that even he coveted, and he had long experienced its power. If it weren't for Lu Ya Daoist's intervention, using the Seven Arrows of Nailhead to ambush Zhao Gongming, the outcome would have been uncertain.

The Sea-Stabilizing Pearl suddenly appeared at this moment. Could it be that Zhao Gongming is not dead?

How could this not alarm Ran Deng?

"Senior Yunxiao!"

Zhang Kui shouted, waking Yunxiao from his reverie.

Having cultivated Taoism for many years, Yunxiao possessed a resilient mind and immediately understood Zhang Kui's meaning upon regaining his senses.

When it comes to understanding the Hunyuan Golden Bucket, who can match her?

This...is the opportunity!

Yunxiao leaned forward, her jade hand waving lightly, her figure moving like a fleeting shadow. With the flow of her magic power, she outlined a profound array in the air.

The Yellow River Array with its Nine Bends.

"Now!"

Yunxiao let out a low shout, and the Shangqing Immortal Light erupted with all its might, transforming into a pillar of light that shot straight towards the Hunyuan Golden Cauldron.

Ran Deng was shocked and hurriedly activated the Hunyuan Golden Bucket to defend himself.

However, the constant fluctuations of magical power emitted by the Sea-Stabilizing Pearl disrupted the void, making it impossible for his divine sense to accurately control the Primordial Golden Cauldron.

At this moment, a tiny crack appeared in the golden light of the Hunyuan Golden Cauldron. Although it was only a hair's breadth away, it was enough to be fatal.

Zhang Kui seized the opportunity and unleashed the full power of his Dragon Sparrow Blade. The Great Five Elements Extinction Divine Light transformed into a five-colored blade aura, piercing through the gap in the golden light with unstoppable force, and slashing straight at Ran Deng's face.

Ran Deng had to distract himself from the attack, so he sent out his purple-gold alms bowl to block the attack. The bowl emitted a purple light and collided with the five-colored blade energy, producing a loud "boom".

This distraction caused Hunyuan Jindou's control to loosen further.

Taking advantage of the situation, Yunxiao's immortal light transformed into countless threads, which coiled around the Hunyuan Golden Cauldron like serpents, attempting to regain control.

"Don't even think about it!"

The lamp roared furiously, urging the Hunyuan Golden Cauldron with all its might.

Neither of them was willing to back down an inch.

Zhang Kui watched anxiously from the side.

He knew this stalemate wouldn't last long. Once Randeng adapted to the interference of the Sea-Stabilizing Pearl and consolidated his control over the Hunyuan Golden Cauldron, the situation would reverse again.

"We have to find a way..."

Just then, a flash of inspiration struck Zhang Kui.

Falling Treasure Coins!

What if we could sever the spiritual connection between the lamp and the Hunyuan Golden Cauldron?

"senior!"

Zhang Kui telepathically told Yunxiao about his plan.

Yunxiao pondered for a moment, then nodded.

"Fellow Daoist, go ahead and do your thing. Yunxiao will buy you some time."

Having said that, Yunxiao burned his essence blood, and the Shangqing Immortal Light surged again, doing its best to distract Randeng.

Zhang Kui dared not delay. He forcibly gathered his magical power, which was almost unable to function due to the suppression of the golden light, and used his mind to drive the Qiankun Diagram to protect himself.

The Qiankun Diagram transformed into a black and white ray of light, enveloping him and shielding him from some of the golden light's erosion.

At the same time, he secretly used his divine sense to awaken the still trembling treasure-dropping gold coins.

This time, Luobao Jinqian answered his call.

buzzing...

The falling coin emitted a rapid buzzing sound, and the golden ripples on the surface of the coin became increasingly violent.

"go!"

Zhang Kui let out a low shout, pouring all his divine sense into it, and fully activating the Falling Treasure Coin.

The Falling Treasure Coin transformed into an invisible beam of light, moving at a speed too fast for the naked eye to perceive, and precisely struck the Primordial Golden Cauldron.

"what!"

Randeng felt a sharp pain in his mind, as if an invisible blade had severed his spiritual connection with the Hunyuan Golden Bucket.

Although it was only for a brief moment, it was enough.

Seizing this opportunity, Yunxiao unleashed the Shangqing Immortal Light like a giant dragon, crashing into the Hunyuan Golden Bucket with lightning speed, attempting to forcibly seize control from Randeng.

"impossible!"

Ran Deng was filled with shock and rage, a glint of madness flashing in his eyes. He never imagined that he, the dignified Vice Leader of the Chan Sect, would be forced to such a state.

He gritted his teeth and roared, unleashing the Qiankun Ruler, which transformed into a golden beam of light and hurtled towards the sky with all his might. This strike was born of hatred, infused with all his magical power. Wherever the Qiankun Ruler passed, the void shattered inch by inch, its power terrifying beyond measure.

Yunxiao looked at the Qiankun Ruler that was about to hit him, a resolute look flashing in his eyes.

Unmoved, she prepared to withstand the attack and instead focused all her energy on refining the Hunyuan Golden Cauldron.

At the critical moment, just as the Qiankun Ruler was about to strike Yunxiao...

The treasure-dropping coins that were originally stuck to the Hunyuan Golden Bucket suddenly bounced off with a "ding".

"What's going on?" Zhang Kui was dumbfounded.

The Falling Treasure Coin actually escaped his control and crashed into the Qiankun Ruler on its own.

Ding-dong!

A crisp impact echoed through the void.

The ancient copper coin suddenly burst forth with a dazzling golden light, instantly severing the spiritual connection between the Qiankun Ruler and the Burning Lamp.

The treasure-dropping coin stuck tightly to the Qiankun Ruler, like a predatory beast biting its prey, holding it firmly in place, unable to move.

While this saved Yunxiao from the attack of the Qiankun Ruler, it also gave Daoist Ran Deng another opportunity to control the Hunyuan Golden Cauldron.

Seeing this rare opportunity, Randeng certainly wouldn't miss it. He endured the excruciating pain of his divine sense being severed and took the opportunity to recall the Hunyuan Golden Bucket, attempting to re-establish his connection with the magical artifact.

But an even more shocking scene unfolded...

The Falling Treasure Coin, carrying the Universe Ruler, forcefully stuck itself to the Primordial Golden Cauldron.

The three magical treasures—the Treasure-Dropping Coin, the Universe Ruler, and the Primordial Golden Bucket—were strangely stuck together.

The lamp was so angry that he almost fainted.

First, they lost control of the Hunyuan Golden Bucket, and now even the Qiankun Ruler has been "bitten" by the Luobao Golden Coin.

Taking advantage of this brief moment, Yunxiao did not hesitate at all and completely refined the Hunyuan Golden Cauldron.

The lamp was so angry that he almost fainted.

First, they lost control of the Hunyuan Golden Bucket, and now even the Qiankun Ruler has been "bitten" by the Luobao Golden Coin.

Taking advantage of this brief moment, Yunxiao did not hesitate at all and completely refined the Hunyuan Golden Cauldron.

A cold glint flashed in her eyes, and with a wave of her jade hand, the Hunyuan Golden Cauldron suddenly shone with golden light.

"Randeng, your death is nigh!"

Yunxiao let out a cold shout, his tone resolute as he activated the Hunyuan Golden Cauldron, and a golden beam of light suddenly enveloped Randeng.

The ghost of Ran Deng was terrified, and his face turned deathly pale instantly.

At this moment, he no longer cared about the Qiankun Ruler that was being "bitten" by the Falling Treasure Coin. Survival was the priority, so he hurriedly activated the Purple Gold Bowl to protect his body, barely managing to withstand the golden light of the Hunyuan Golden Cauldron.

He then immediately fled without hesitation.

A murderous glint flashed in Yunxiao's eyes, and he was about to activate the Hunyuan Golden Cauldron to pursue.

"Senior, don't pursue a cornered enemy."

Zhang Kui reached out to stop her, shook his head, and said in a deep voice:

"After all, Randeng is the vice leader of the Chan Sect, and..."

He raised his head, looked meaningfully at the sky, and his gaze was deep.

After a moment of silence, Yunxiao slowly put away the Hunyuan Golden Cauldron.

"Fellow Daoist is right."

Yunxiao looked at Zhang Kui, bowed slightly, a hint of gratitude flashing in his eyes, and solemnly said, "I will remember your life-saving grace."

"You're too kind, senior."

Zhang Kui quickly returned the greeting and said sincerely, "If it weren't for your life-risking rescue, I would have already died at the hands of Ran Deng. You needn't worry about it."

Yunxiao smiled slightly, his gaze falling on Zhang Kui, a strange look flashing in his eyes, "Fellow Daoist, your magic weapon is truly miraculous, it can actually restrain innate spiritual treasures time and time again?"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Kui turned to look at the Treasure-Dropping Coin and the Universe Ruler still attached to the Hunyuan Golden Bucket.

For some reason, he felt inexplicably... "ashamed" about the Falling Treasure Coin.

Yes, it's shame.

It was a strange feeling, like someone who had done something wrong and was too ashamed to face anyone.

Having this feeling, he looked at the twenty-four Sea-Stabilizing Pearls around him and became even more certain.

Zhang Kui almost gritted his teeth as he spoke, "Senior, how long do you intend to hide?"