Zhang Kui Asks the Way in Investiture of the Gods

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After a hasty half-day march, Wen Zhong's troops were exhausted.

The setting sun, like blood, dyed the winding mountain path a dark red. Numerous wounded soldiers dragged their weary steps, their armor stained with dust and blood, their banners askew, their morale utterly low.

Wen Zhong rode on the black Qilin, his white hair at his temples disheveled in the wind. He glanced back at this once battle-hardened elite force, now reduced to this state, and a wave of sorrow welled up in his heart.

"Grand Tutor, the terrain ahead is treacherous; there may be an ambush." ​​Wu Wenhua rode forward, his eyes wary, his rugged face full of exhaustion.

Wen Zhong looked up and saw that the mountains on both sides were steep and densely forested, indeed a good place for an ambush. He was about to order the army to rest on the spot and send scouts to explore when suddenly…

Dark shadows flickered between the mountains on both sides, and several figures appeared out of thin air.

"Be on guard!" Wu Wenhua roared. Although the remaining soldiers were exhausted, they instinctively formed a circular formation, raising their swords and spears.

Wen Zhong's pupils contracted sharply. When the figures became clear, his heart sank completely.

Yang Jian, wielding a three-pointed double-edged sword, stood atop a rock on the left, his third eye slightly open, its divine light restrained, his aura as deep as an abyss. Nezha rode on his Wind-Fire Wheels, his Fire-Tipped Spear pointing diagonally at the ground, the Universe Ring spinning rapidly on his wrist, and the Hun Tian Ling moving without wind.

The brothers Jinzha and Muzha stood side by side, each wielding their respective treasures: the Dragon-Binding Stake and the Wu Hook Twin Swords. Huang Tianhua carried his twin hammers on his shoulders, eager to try. Lei Zhenzi, with his Wind and Thunder Wings half-spread, stood behind the group, his youthful face displaying a hint of boyish curiosity.

The six people took their positions, subtly surrounding Wen Zhong.

"How could this be?" Jili's expression changed drastically, and he exclaimed in surprise, his hand holding the sword trembling slightly.

Yu Qingqiang tried to remain calm, but his Adam's apple bobbed as he said with difficulty to Wen Zhong, "Master, you must evacuate. We will cover your retreat."

Wen Zhong did not answer. His gaze swept over Yang Jian and the others, then looked at the emaciated soldiers behind him, whose armor was tattered and pale. He remained silent for a long time.

Seeing that Wen Zhong was still hesitating, Ji Li couldn't help but step forward, his voice trembling with tears: "Master, we can't delay any longer. As long as you have a chance to escape, your disciples are willing to fight to the death."

"shut up!"

Wen Zhong suddenly turned around, a hint of anger appearing on his aged face. "Ji Li, you've followed me in cultivating the Dao for so many years, and this is how you cultivate your mind? Making your disciple die for his master? Do you think I, Wen Zhong, am a coward who clings to life?"

Jili was stunned, and tears welled up in her eyes.

Wen Zhong turned around and looked at the setting sun that was about to sink below the horizon. Suddenly he recited: "Looking back at the desolate place I came from, I'm afraid I won't be able to return today."

"It seems today is the day we are buried." Wen Zhong withdrew his gaze, the sorrow in his eyes gone, replaced by an unwavering determination. "All generals, listen to my command! Hold your ground and fight to the death!"

"Fight to the death, never retreat!"

The remaining soldiers shouted in unison, their voices echoing through the mountains and fields.

Wen Zhong brandished his twin whips, male and female, their golden light shimmering. He looked at Ji Li and Yu Qing, and asked, "Ji Li, Yu Qing, are you willing to follow your master into the face of national crisis?"

Jili wiped away his tears, his eyes filled with a terrifying determination: "Master, you walk ahead, and I will do my best to keep up. Even if we reach the Yellow Springs, I will pave the way for you."

"Hahaha!" Wen Zhong laughed loudly, his laughter filled with relief and nonchalance. "Death is death, so what? If that's how it is, then so be it."

He gripped the black Qilin tightly, and the divine beast let out a long roar, its four hooves leaping into the air, charging towards the enemy formation like a black lightning bolt.

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

Ji Li and Yu Qing exchanged a glance, each holding a sword, and followed closely behind.

Seeing Wen Zhong and his two disciples rushing forward, Yang Jian and the others had different expressions.

Yang Jian's third eye closed slightly between his brows, and he sighed inwardly: Wen Zhong's loyalty and righteousness are known throughout the world. Today's battle is not for personal grudges, but is truly the will of Heaven. Such a loyal and righteous man deserves our respect.

Nezha's eyes were filled with complex emotions, but he could not disobey his master's orders, so he could only grip the Fire-Tipped Spear tightly and suppress his hesitation.

Jinzha and Muzha remained expressionless, only wanting to end the battle as soon as possible to avoid any unforeseen complications.

Sparks flew as Huang Tianhua clashed his hammers together, his eyes gleaming with excitement. He was a novice, eager to make a name for himself and achieve great things.

As for Lei Zhenzi, he was only thirteen or fourteen years old. He held a golden staff and his wind and thunder wings fluttered slightly, as if he had come to join in the fun.

"Attack!" Yang Jian gave the order, and the six men moved in unison.

Wen Zhong, however, took the initiative and directly activated the secret technique of the Jie Sect.

His body suddenly radiated spiritual light, his blood energy soared to the sky, and he forcibly raised his cultivation level from the Golden Immortal level to the Taiyi Golden Immortal level at the cost of burning his divine soul.

"A dragon emerges from the sea!"

Wen Zhong swept his golden whip horizontally with his left hand, and a golden dragon phantom roared out, heading straight for Yang Jian's face. His right golden whip cleaved downwards, transforming into a thousand-pound force that smashed towards Nezha. At the same time, the black Qilin spewed out a bolt of lightning, striking Huang Tianhua directly.

One man on horseback attacked three people simultaneously.

Yang Jian blocked with his three-pointed double-edged sword, but was knocked back three steps, his arm going numb. Nezha's Fire-Tipped Spear rose, using the power of his Wind-Fire Wheels to deflect the force, but he too staggered backward. Huang Tianhua blocked the lightning with his twin hammers, but was struck by the electric shock and nearly fell off his horse.

"Good!" Huang Tianhua was not afraid at all. On the contrary, his fighting spirit was even stronger. He swung his double hammers like the wind and rushed forward.

"Little brat, the battlefield is not child's play!" Wen Zhong shouted coldly, but his gaze did not linger on Lei Zhenzi. Instead, it was fixed on Yang Jian and Nezha.

Yang Jian and Nezha exchanged a glance and attacked simultaneously. Their three-pointed double-edged swords gleamed like snow, while their fire-tipped spears moved like dragons, flanking Wen Zhong from the left and right. Wen Zhong wielded his double whips with impenetrable speed, the clanging of metal against metal ringing out incessantly, managing to hold his own against two opponents.

Taking advantage of the opportunity, Huang Tianhua circled around behind Wen Zhong and struck him hard on the back with his double hammers.

Sensing the danger, Wen Zhong and Mo Qilin leaped forward three steps to avoid the hammer blow, then turned around and lashed out with their whips, striking Huang Tianhua squarely in the face.

"what!"

Huang Tianhua screamed in agony, his face a bloody mess, and he collapsed from the jade unicorn, lifeless.

One fatal blow!

Yang Jian's expression changed slightly.

Nezha's eyes narrowed, and he seized the opportunity to thrust out his Fire-Tipped Spear, striking Wen Zhong squarely in the abdomen.

puff...

The spear tip pierced three inches into the flesh, and blood spurted out.

Wen Zhong grunted, his left hand sweeping his golden whip to force Nezha back, while his right hand used the same whip to protect his wound. However, the magical power he had gained by burning his divine soul began to fluctuate, and his movements slowed down somewhat.

Meanwhile, changes also occurred in Jili and Yuqing's areas.

The brothers Jinzha and Muzha had trained together since childhood and had excellent teamwork. Faced with Jili and Yuqing's close-quarters combat, the two were indeed a bit flustered at first.

Ji Li's swordsmanship was cunning, and Yu Qing's swordsmanship was fierce. The two had worked together for many years, and for a time they forced Jin Zha and Mu Zha to retreat repeatedly.

But as time went on, Jinzha Muzha got used to the rhythm.

"Second brother, cover me." Jinzha blocked Jili's attack, flew backward, and made a hand seal.

"Understood, brother." Mu Zha did not hesitate. He used his Wu Hook swords to attack, the male sword blocking Ji Li and the female sword blocking Yu Qing. He fought against the two of them and kept them tightly entangled.

"Oh no, watch out!" Yu Qing noticed Jin Zha's movements and quickly warned him.

But it was too late.

Jinzha unleashed his magic weapon, the Dragon-Slaying Stake. With a flash of golden light, three golden rings unfolded in the wind, instantly locking Jili's neck, waist, abdomen, and feet.

"Watch out!" Yu Qing's eyes were bloodshot as he rushed towards Jin Zha with all his might, but he was blocked by Mu Zha's Wu Hook Sword.

Jin Zha stepped forward, his longsword flashing with cold light.

The sword fell, the head fell.

Jili's head flew high into the air, his eyes wide open, dying with unresolved grievances. The headless corpse remained stiff for a moment before crashing to the ground.

"Jili!" Wen Zhong heard Yu Qing's scream, turned around and saw Jili's head flying off. His eyes widened in horror.

"Master, you walk ahead, and your disciple will certainly try his best to keep up..."

Jili's words still echoed in my ears, but he was already dead.

Wen Zhong was overcome with grief, spat out a mouthful of blood, and his vision went black.

"Yu Qing, run!" Wen Zhong shouted hoarsely, trying to rush over to help, but was held back by Yang Jian and Nezha.

Jinzha and Muzha dealt with Jili, then joined forces to attack Yu Qing. Although Yu Qing's swordsmanship was excellent, how could he withstand the combined attack of the two?

Before ten rounds were over, Mu Zha pierced Yu Qing's heart with a single sword strike.

"Master...Father..." Blood gushed from Yu Qing's mouth as he looked with difficulty in Wen Zhong's direction before slowly collapsing.

"May you have good fortune!"

Wen Zhong looked up to the sky and roared, his voice like weeping blood. His two disciples had followed him in cultivation for many years, and their relationship was like that of father and son, but now they had both perished before his eyes.

"You brats of the Chan Sect!" Wen Zhong's eyes turned bloodshot, and he burned his divine soul even faster, his magical power surging even higher. "I'll fight you to the death!"

He wielded his double whips wildly, golden light bursting forth, each strike containing his life's cultivation and boundless grief and indignation.

Yang Jian and Nezha were forced back several steps.

But Wen Zhong knew in his heart that this was just a temporary resurgence.

Burning one's soul is already a drain on one's life force, and now he's recklessly accelerating the burning process; he won't be able to sustain it for long.

"Lei Zhenzi, go and collect Huang Tianhua's remains first. Jinzha, Muzha, come with me." Yang Jian calmly gave the order, and at the same time, his three-pointed double-edged sword technique changed from fierce to dense, as he fought with Wen Zhongyou.

Nezha immediately understood and stopped fighting head-on. Instead, he used the agility and speed of his Wind Fire Wheels to move around Wen Zhong and wait for an opportunity to launch a surprise attack.

Jinzha and Muzha also joined the battle, and with the four of them attacking together, even Wen Zhong, who was strong, could hardly hold on.

His wounds multiplied, his left shoulder was slashed open by Yang Jian's blade, revealing a deep gash to the bone, his right leg was pierced by the Jinzha Sword, and his back was slashed with several bloody marks by the Muzha Wugou Sword... Blood stained his robes, and the Mo Qilin was also covered in blood, yet it still roared and fought alongside its master.

After fighting for more than ten rounds, Wen Zhong was already at his limit.

Nezha seized the opportunity and secretly threw out his magic weapon, the Universe Ring.

The golden circle transformed into a beam of golden light, accompanied by a sharp whistling sound, heading straight for Wen Zhong's back.

At this moment, Wen Zhong was locked in a fierce battle with Yang Jian and Jin Zha, with no way to avoid or defend himself.

If this attack hits, Wen Zhong will surely die.

boom!

Just as the Qiankun Ring was about to hit Wen Zhong, it was knocked away by a short, cyan stick that suddenly appeared.

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