Zhang Kui Asks the Way in Investiture of the Gods

The curtain of the central command tent was lifted, and Wen Zhong came out.

This once powerful Grand Tutor of the Shang Dynasty looked haggard at this moment. His originally jet-black temples had a few strands of white hair, and his straight back was slightly hunched.

He stood with his hands behind his back before the tent, gazing up at the waning moon on the horizon, silent for a long time. Moonlight shone on his weathered face, reflecting deep weariness and resentment.

Zhang Kui watched his figure from afar, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

To be honest, this Grand Tutor of the Shang Dynasty truly worked tirelessly day and night to preserve the empire. A veteran of three reigns, a trusted minister entrusted with the care of the young emperor, he single-handedly supported the last pillar of the Shang Dynasty.

But fate is what it is, and human effort cannot defy it.

Zhang Kui sighed inwardly: In this world, nothing can be accomplished simply by having the will. As the ancients said, "The will of Heaven cannot be defied," and "Do your best and leave the rest to fate." Wen Zhong has already done enough.

After gathering his thoughts, Zhang Kui stepped forward and bowed, saying, "This humble general, Zhang Kui, greets the Grand Tutor."

This sound pulled Wen Zhong back from his thoughts. He turned around and saw Zhang Kui. A hint of joy immediately appeared on his haggard face: "Zhang Kui, you're back! I was very worried when you suddenly left. What happened?"

Zhang Kui did not hide anything and recounted his whereabouts after leaving. From following the White Crane Boy, to taking the opportunity to rescue Fairy Yunxiao, to joining forces with Yunxiao to fight against Daoist Ran Deng, and finally forcing Ran Deng to retreat, while Yunxiao returned to the Three Immortal Islands to go into seclusion.

Of course, the matter of Zhao Gongming's resurrection was a major issue with far-reaching implications, so Zhang Kui ultimately chose to keep it a secret.

It wasn't that he didn't trust Wen Zhong, but if this matter were leaked, not only would Zhao Gongming's life be in danger, but the origins of innate spiritual treasures like the Falling Treasure Coin and the Sea-Stabilizing Pearl would also be exposed.

Upon hearing this, Wen Zhong's eyes flashed with a sharp light: "You saved Uncle Yunxiao?" He paused for a moment, then straightened his clothes and bowed deeply to Zhang Kui.

Zhang Kui was shocked and quickly stepped aside, reaching out to support Wen Zhong: "Grand Tutor, what are you doing? This humble general cannot accept such kindness!"

Wen Zhong insisted on bowing, saying in a deep voice, "Zhang Kui, this bow is not as Grand Tutor, but as a disciple of the Jie Sect. Martial Aunt Yunxiao is one of the few exceptionally talented individuals in our Jie Sect. Your act of rescuing her from her predicament is a great favor to our Jie Sect. You deserve this bow."

Seeing his earnest words, Zhang Kui could no longer forcefully stop him, so he could only turn aside and accept half of the offer, saying with a wry smile, "Grand Tutor, you flatter me. Senior Zhao Gongming has been kind to me by teaching me martial arts, and my saving of Fairy Yunxiao is to repay that favor."

Wen Zhong nodded and then asked, "That Daoist Ran Deng... you and Junior Sister Yunxiao joined forces and were actually able to force him to retreat?"

Zhang Kui thought to himself: This matter is half true and half false, so I'm not afraid of Wen Zhong asking me questions. He then said, "At that time, Fairy Yunxiao had already touched the threshold of Quasi-Saint, and her combat power had greatly increased. In addition, the Chaos Golden Cauldron of Burning Lamp originally belonged to Fairy Yunxiao, and she used a secret technique to counter it, which is why she suffered a great loss."

"Good! Good!" Wen Zhong uttered two "good"s in succession, a rare, hearty smile finally appearing on his face. "That scoundrel Randeng has repeatedly thwarted the important affairs of our Jie Sect. This time, his humiliation is truly gratifying!"

Seeing him laugh heartily, Zhang Kui felt a pang of unease. He knew that on the battlefield of Xiqi, the Jie Sect's high-level combat force had been almost completely wiped out, and the battles to come would likely be even more brutal. And Wen Zhong, the last pillar of the Yin Shang dynasty, was also nearing his end.

"Grand Tutor!" Zhang Kui hesitated for a moment before asking, "Given the current situation, what are your plans?"

The smile on Wen Zhong's face gradually faded. After a long silence, he slowly said, "I have already asked Chaoge for help. If we can hold out until reinforcements arrive, there may still be a chance."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Kui's heart skipped a beat. Was it Deng Jiugong? It seemed his younger brother, Zhang Shan, was also coming with the army. He had a vague feeling that something was amiss, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it.

Just then, hurried footsteps sounded outside the tent. A scout rushed in, knelt on one knee, and panted as he reported, "Grand Tutor, something terrible has happened! The entire army of Xiqi has come out and is heading straight for our forces; they are less than five li away!"

Upon hearing this, Wen Zhong was furious, his eyes flashing with a sharp light: "Perfect timing!" He turned abruptly and strode toward the central command tent, loudly ordering: "Ji Li, Yu Qing, immediately organize the defense according to plan. Deng Zhong, Xin Huan, Zhang Jie, Tao Rong, the four of you will accompany me to lead the army to meet the enemy."

"Yes, sir!" the generals roared in response and went off to carry out their orders.

Wen Zhong walked to the front of the tent, then suddenly stopped and turned to look at Zhang Kui. His lips moved as if he wanted to say something, but he hesitated.

Zhang Kui saw through his thoughts and, before he could speak, said, "Grand Tutor, this humble general is willing to follow you to fight the enemy."

Wen Zhong's expression flickered slightly as he looked at Zhang Kui with a complex expression.

"You..." Wen Zhong wanted to say something, but was interrupted by Zhang Kui.

"Grand Tutor, there's no need for further words," Zhang Kui said calmly. "Grand Tutor has shown me great kindness and imparted his knowledge to me. Now that a formidable enemy is at hand, if I, Zhang Kui, were to abandon you, how would I be any different from a beast? A drop of kindness should be repaid with a spring of gratitude. Since you think highly of me, I, Zhang Kui, cannot be an ungrateful person."

These words were frank and open, and Zhang Kui truly believed what he was thinking. Regardless of Wen Zhong's true intentions, Wen Zhong had indeed treated him well over the years, and he couldn't leave that kindness unreturned.

Wen Zhong stared blankly at Zhang Kui, his eyes slightly reddening. After a long while, he slowly said:

"good!"

This single word carries immense weight.

……

At the foot of Qishan Mountain, the two armies faced off.

The candlelight, like blood, dyed the earth a dark red. The autumn wind was bleak, whipping up clouds of yellow sand and making the banners flutter loudly.

Wen Zhong rode on a black Qilin, wielding a pair of whips, one male and one female. Behind him were four generals: Deng Zhong, Xin Huan, Zhang Jie, and Tao Rong, along with 30,000 remnants of the Yin Shang army. Although these soldiers were not in high spirits, they gripped their weapons tightly, their eyes filled with a determination to die.

Opposite them, Jiang Ziya sat astride a mythical creature, with Yang Jian, Nezha, Huang Tianhua, Huang Feihu, Nangong Shi, and other generals from Xiqi behind him, along with a vast and imposing Zhou army. Banners blotted out the sky, armor gleamed coldly, and their imposing presence was overwhelming.

Wen Zhong sneered, spurred his horse forward, and shouted loudly, "Jiang Shang, you are nothing but a down-on-his-luck Taoist priest, yet you dare to be my enemy? Today I will show you what true cultivation is."

Jiang Ziya remained calm and said indifferently, "Grand Tutor, you are mistaken. The fate of the Shang Dynasty has run its course, and the mandate of heaven has returned to the Zhou Dynasty. Why must you remain so stubborn? If you are willing to surrender, you may still be able to save your life."

"Shut up!" Wen Zhong roared. "My Shang dynasty has stood for six hundred years. Do you think you can destroy it so easily? Jiang Shang, stop talking and give up your life!"

Before he could finish speaking, Wen Zhong had already activated the Black Qilin, wielding its whips to attack. The twin whips, one yin and one yang, one hard and one soft, transformed into two dragons, rushing straight at Jiang Ziya.

Jiang Ziya, however, did not engage in battle. Instead, he turned the Qilin back. At the same time, Yang Jian and Nezha charged out, wielding their three-pointed double-edged sword and fire-tipped spear, blocking Wen Zhong's double whips.

"when!"

A clang of metal clashed, sparks flying. Wen Zhong fought two opponents, holding his own. The female whip transformed into a flurry of whip shadows, while the male whip pressed down like Mount Tai, each strike deadly. Yang Jian unleashed his Eight-Nine Arcane Arts, his movements unpredictable, each strike aimed precisely at Wen Zhong's vitals. Nezha, riding his Wind-Fire Wheels, wielded his Fire-Tipped Spear like a dragon emerging from the sea, each thrust aimed directly at Wen Zhong's face.

The three fought for more than thirty rounds, and were evenly matched.

Zhang Kui watched the battle from within the formation, secretly praising Wen Zhong: "Wen Zhong truly lives up to his reputation. Although he's only a Golden Immortal, his combat skills have been honed to perfection. His twin whips work in perfect coordination, combining offense and defense, allowing him to hold his own against two experts of equal strength. It's just a pity..."

Zhang Kui's gaze swept across the entire battlefield, and he shook his head inwardly. On the Yin Shang side, apart from Wen Zhong and himself, there were few capable fighters left. On the Xi Qi side, Yang Jian, Nezha, Huang Tianhua, Jinzha, Muzha, Lei Zhenzi... the third-generation disciples were all stronger than the last, not to mention the presence of a Great Luo Golden Immortal like the Antarctic Immortal secretly overseeing things.

This battle is likely to end badly.

Just then, a golden light flew out from the Xiqi formation, heading straight for Wen Zhong's back. Zhang Kui, with his sharp eyes, immediately recognized it as Huang Tianhua, wielding two silver hammers, attempting a sneak attack.

"mean!"

Zhang Kui snorted coldly, and in a flash, he blocked Huang Tianhua's path. He held the Qiankun Ruler horizontally, blocking Huang Tianhua's double hammers.

when!

A deafening roar erupted, sparks flying. Huang Tianhua felt an immense force surge through the hammer, his arms went numb, and he was forced back several steps. Looking up, he saw a young general clad in black armor and was taken aback: "Who are you?"

Zhang Kui said calmly, "Zhang Kui."

A glint flashed in Huang Tianhua's eyes: "So it's you! I've heard my father mention you before; I'd like to see what you're capable of today."

Having said that, he brandished his twin hammers and charged again. These two silver hammers were bestowed upon him by the Pure Void Moral True Lord; each weighed a thousand catties, and when the two hammers struck together, their power was astonishing.

Zhang Kui remained calm and composed. The Qiankun Ruler in his hand was an innate spiritual treasure. Although he had only refined twelve of its restrictions, it was more than enough to fight his enemies. The Qiankun Ruler could change length and shape, and in his hand, it transformed into a streak of azure light, sometimes sweeping like a long whip, sometimes thrusting like a sharp sword, and sometimes crashing down like a giant club, its movements unpredictable.

After exchanging blows for more than ten rounds, Huang Tianhua gradually lost ground. Although his double hammers were powerful and heavy, Zhang Kui's Qiankun Ruler was more flexible and unpredictable, always finding a weakness in Huang's hammering technique and forcing him into a flustered state.

While fighting Huang Tianhua, Zhang Kui also kept an eye on the battlefield situation. He saw that Deng Zhong, Xin Huan, Zhang Jie, and Tao Rong were fighting Huang Feihu, Nangong Shi, Wu Ji, and Xin Jia respectively, and the battles were evenly matched.

Deng Zhong's Xuanhua axe swung wildly, its powerful strokes matching Huang Feihu's golden-grip spear. Xin Huan, relying on the strength of his wings, maneuvered in the air against Nangong Shi. Zhang Jie's halberd clashed with Wu Ji's spear; both were seasoned veterans of the battlefield, locked in a fierce and evenly matched battle. Tao Rong's longsword clashed with Xin Jia's longsword, neither able to gain the upper hand.

But Zhang Kui knew this was only temporary. Although the Yin Shang forces were putting up a desperate resistance, they were outnumbered and outmatched in strength, and their defeat was inevitable if the conflict dragged on.

Sure enough, not long after, something unexpected happened on the battlefield.