Zhang Kui Asks the Way in Investiture of the Gods

The candlelight flickered, casting two long shadows on the tent wall, like two swords thrust diagonally.

After Deng Jiugong sat back down at his desk, his aged fingers slowly traced the edge of the desk.

Zhang Kui stood with his hands behind his back, looking calm and composed. Even in front of Daoist Ran Deng, he dared to put up a fight. A mere central command tent was nothing for Zhang Kui to fear.

He is waiting.

Let's wait for Deng Jiugong to make the first move and see what this old general is really planning.

Deng Jiugong, however, did not beat around the bush.

His first words caused Zhang Kui's expression to change drastically.

"General Zhang, I have only one question for you." Deng Jiugong stared into Zhang Kui's eyes, enunciating each word clearly, "Is the Investiture of the Gods real?"

Zhang Kui's pupils suddenly contracted.

The atmosphere in the tent suddenly froze. Zhang Kui's gaze was sharp as a knife, fixed on Deng Jiugong's face. After a few breaths of silence, he slowly spoke.

"How did you know?"

The words had barely left his mouth when a thought flashed through his mind. Before Deng Jiugong could answer, he sneered, "No, it was Daoist Ran Deng who told you?"

This time, it was Deng Jiugong's turn to be stunned.

He never expected that Zhang Kui would so readily reveal the connection between him and Ran Deng.

After a brief moment of distraction, he readily nodded and admitted, "That's right, it is the Daoist Ran Deng you mentioned. He told me that those who make the list can be granted a divine title and enjoy the offerings of incense in the mortal world."

At this point, Deng Jiugong paused slightly, and his Adam's apple bobbed.

"He promised that all three of us, father and daughters of the Deng family, could become gods."

Zhang Kui sneered inwardly.

As expected, it was that old fox Ran Deng's trick. He used the Investiture of the Gods as bait and threatened Deng Jiugong with life and death to force him to work for him.

"What he said is true." Zhang Kui said bluntly, "The Investiture of the Gods is indeed a historical record. Those who died in battle, whose true spirits were listed on the list, could indeed be granted a divine title."

Deng Jiugong's expression shifted slightly, and a glint of light appeared in his cloudy old eyes.

"but."

Zhang Kui's tone suddenly sharpened, each word seemingly spat out from between his teeth: "He didn't tell you that to become a god on the list, one must first die before being granted the title. The soul and the divine position become one, and from then on, one is subject to the control of the Heavenly Court and the constraints of the Investiture of the Gods, and cannot be free."

He stared into Deng Jiugong's eyes and said, word by word, "That's not the carefree path of immortality, that's an eternal prison."

Deng Jiugong was startled.

It felt as if an invisible hammer had struck his chest; he froze behind the desk, the color draining from his face.

The candle flame crackled and exploded into a spark.

Deng Jiugong slowly closed his eyes, and after a long while, he murmured four words.

"I see."

Looking at him, Zhang Kui suddenly felt a sense of admiration.

Most people, upon hearing that they had been tricked in this way, would be furious and jump up in anger. But Deng Jiugong was able to regain his composure so quickly; his ability to remain calm was truly remarkable.

However, the next moment, Deng Jiugong's actions completely stunned Zhang Kui.

The general of Sanshan Pass suddenly stood up, left his desk, and walked to Zhang Kui. He clasped his hands together, bowed deeply to the ground, his white hair falling almost to his knees.

"General Deng, what are you doing..." Zhang Kui subconsciously turned to the side, refusing to accept the bow.

Deng Jiugong straightened up and looked at him intently: "General Zhang, I agree to this marriage."

Zhang Kui raised an eyebrow slightly.

What is this guy doing?

"However," Deng Jiugong changed the subject, "I have one condition."

"Speaking."

Deng Jiugong took a deep breath and said, word by word, "I hope Zhang Shan will take Chanyu and leave Xiqi immediately. They should hide their identities, go far away, and never get involved in this great war again."

Zhang Kui was stunned.

He never expected that Deng Jiugong would propose such a condition.

"You..." Zhang Kui hesitated for a moment, "How can you be sure I can do this?"

Deng Jiugong suddenly laughed, his laughter echoing in the tent, carrying a hint of desolation and a touch of enlightenment.

"I don't know if you can do it," he said frankly, then stared intently at Zhang Kui. "But there's one thing I see very clearly."

"What is it?"

"Since even someone as powerful as Daoist Ran Deng has to go to such lengths to deal with you..." A glint of light flashed in Deng Jiugong's eyes, "that means you've already made him wary. Someone who can inspire such fear in someone must be capable of what I desire. Isn't that right?"

What a remarkable Deng Jiugong!

Even when facing dire straits and barely able to save himself, he was able to glean the truth from the slightest clues, demonstrating meticulous thinking and unwavering resolve—truly remarkable.

"Brilliant, absolutely brilliant."

Zhang Kui sincerely praised her and said solemnly, "General Deng, I admire you. Now that Miss Chanyu has entered the Zhang family, she is our daughter-in-law. Her life is guaranteed by the Zhang family, and General Deng can rest assured on that point."

Upon hearing this, Deng Jiugong's tense nerves relaxed a little.

Zhang Kui then asked, "General Deng, there is another matter I do not understand."

"Please speak."

"Why do you only plead for Chanyu, but not for your son Deng Xiu?"

Deng Jiugong smiled but did not answer.

He countered with a question: "General Zhang, I also have a question for you."

"Speaking."

"You…" Deng Jiugong's voice was low and hoarse as he asked, "Is there any way to kill Daoist Ran Deng?"

Those aged yet sharp eyes were filled with a long-suppressed hatred.

It turned out to be the case.

Zhang Kui understood. The Taoist Ran Deng was using the lives of the entire Deng family as leverage, relentlessly pressuring Deng Jiugong and putting him in a precarious position. The old general outwardly complied, but inwardly he harbored deep hatred. It seemed Deng Jiugong had made up his mind to use himself as bait and fight Ran Deng to the death.

Zhang Kui remained silent for a moment, then slowly said, "I'm not confident. But if I were to join forces with a few fellow Daoists, we should have a better chance of winning."

Deng Jiugong's eyes flashed with a sharp light: "Good!"

He suddenly clasped his hands in a fist salute and solemnly said, "I will try to stall Randeng for a few days. I will keep track of the late-ripening rice, the cola novel, and every update of 'Zhang Kui Asks the Way in the Investiture of the Gods.' General Zhang can take this opportunity to quickly contact reinforcements. When the time is right, you and I will join forces to kill this fiend!"

Zhang Kui gave him a deep look and nodded.

It's a deal.

Deng Jiugong immediately sent someone to summon Deng Xiu, Deng Chanyu, and Zhang Shan.

The three entered the tent and saw that Deng Jiugong and Zhang Kui both looked normal, so they couldn't figure out what had just happened. Only Deng Chanyu keenly noticed that her father's eyes seemed a little red.

Deng Jiugong's gaze swept across the three faces, and he went straight to the point: "I approve of the marriage between Zhang Shan and Chanyu."

Zhang Shan and Deng Chanyu looked up at the same time, both surprised and delighted. Two blushes rose on Deng Chanyu's cheeks, and she subconsciously lowered her head.

Deng Xiu was also taken aback and looked at her father. Her father's face was unreadable, as calm as a deep pool of water.

There was a moment of silence in the tent.

Deng Jiugong stopped speaking and simply turned his gaze to Zhang Kui.

Zhang Kui cursed inwardly. None of these old guys were easy to deal with. One after another, they were always trying to take advantage of him, a young man in the prime of his life.

He coughed and had no choice but to say, "Marriage is a serious matter and should not be taken lightly. Zhang Shan, you and your sister-in-law should set off immediately to return to Mianchi to pay your respects to Mother and make her happy."

Zhang Shan's face lit up with joy, and he turned to look at Deng Chanyu.

Deng Chanyu, however, was somewhat worried and said softly, "Father, is it the war..."

"The war will be handled by your father and your brother."

Deng Jiugong interrupted her, his tone leaving no room for argument.

"Now that you are a member of the Zhang family, it is only right for you to go to Mianchi to pay respects to your elders."

Deng Chanyu opened her mouth but didn't speak. She felt that there was something hidden in her father's words.

Zhang Kui spoke up at the right moment, looking at Deng Xiu: "Deng Xiu, you are from your family, so come along."

Deng Xiu was startled and subconsciously looked at her father.

Deng Jiugong nodded and said, "You should personally escort Chanyu there."

Deng Xiu's lips moved as if she wanted to say something, but in the end she simply clasped her hands and said, "Yes."

The three packed their belongings quickly and parted ways outside the camp.

Zhang Shan led over the one-horned black smoke beast, and Deng Chanyu mounted her chestnut horse. Sitting on its back, she glanced back at her father, her eyes suddenly reddening.

"Take care, Father."

Deng Jiugong waved his hand, turned around and walked back to his tent.

From beginning to end, he never looked back.

Zhang Kui watched the three men depart until their figures disappeared at the end of the official road before turning his gaze away. He turned to Deng Jiugong, clasped his hands in a fist salute, and said, "General Deng, I will also take my leave. I will surely receive a reply within a few days."

Deng Jiugong nodded: "I await good news."

Zhang Kui said no more, and with a flicker, he transformed into a five-colored rainbow and soared into the sky. The streak of light pierced the heavens, heading straight for the East China Sea.

The tent fell silent again.

Deng Jiugong sat alone behind his desk, his eyes closed, seemingly resting. The candlelight cast his shadow on the tent wall; he remained motionless, like a stone sculpture.

After an unknown amount of time, the curtain was lifted again. A figure walked in.

Deng Jiugong opened his eyes.

He looked at his son who had returned, his face showing no surprise, but something deep in his eyes trembled slightly.

"Do you know what staying means?"

Deng Xiu smiled.

The young man, who was always respectful in front of his father, now had an unprecedented gleam in his eyes. He sat down opposite his father, picked up the teapot on the table, and poured a cup for each of them.

The tea is still warm.

He picked up the teacup and drank it all in one gulp, as if he were drinking a glass of strong liquor.

"I don't know," Deng Xiu said frankly, putting down her teacup, a smile still playing on her lips. "But my son thinks that at times like this, father and son should be of one mind."

He paused, his voice slightly strained, but he was still smiling.

"To advance and retreat together."

He looked at his father with a hint of stubbornness and determination in his eyes.

"Right, Dad?"

Deng Jiugong looked at his son and remained silent for a moment, then two, then three.

Then he suddenly burst into laughter.

His laughter was old yet loud, making the candlelight in the tent flicker wildly. Then he grabbed the cold tea in front of him, tilted his head back and gulped it down, swallowing the entire cup of icy, bitter tea as his Adam's apple bobbed.

With a thud, the teacup landed heavily on the table.

"good!"

Deng Jiugong's eyes flashed like lightning, and his voice boomed like a bell: "This is my son."

The father and son looked at each other and smiled.

The laughter was full of generosity, without a trace of fear.

……

Thousands of miles away.

Zhang Kui soared across the sky, a sea of ​​clouds surging behind him, and a picturesque landscape unfolding beneath his feet. A five-colored rainbow sliced ​​through layers of mist, and the howling wind filled his robes.

He gazed eastward, pondering how to persuade Zhao Gongming and Yunxiao to take action on his journey to the Three Immortal Islands.

The Daoist Ran Deng had been famous for a long time, and his cultivation was unfathomable. Even if he joined forces with Zhao Gongming and Yunxiao, it would be no easy task to kill him.

Moreover, the entire Chan Sect stands behind Dipankara, and it even has intricate connections with the Western Sect.

It must be a single, decisive strike.

The Three Immortal Islands are now within sight.

……

At the summit of Qishan Mountain.

The Taoist Ran Deng sat cross-legged, holding a string of prayer beads in his hand, his gaze fixed intently on the direction of the Shang army camp.

Tu Xingsun's aura completely disappeared.

Ran Deng frowned slightly. Although Tu Xingsun's cultivation was insignificant, his talent was extraordinary, and his earth-walking technique was unparalleled. Underground, there were very few people in the world who could kill him.

who is it?

"Zhang Kui..." Ran Deng murmured the name, a dark glint in his eyes, "Is it you?"

This game is getting increasingly tricky.

He slowly stood up, looked towards the horizon, and saw the last rays of sunset disappear into the mountains, like a drop of blood falling into an ink pool.

I'm currently reading Chapter 213 of the novel "The Old Ginger is Spicier," completely engrossed in it.

The Three Immortal Islands are now within sight.

……

At the summit of Qishan Mountain.

The Taoist Ran Deng sat cross-legged, holding a string of prayer beads in his hand, his gaze fixed intently on the direction of the Shang army camp.

Tu Xingsun's aura completely disappeared.

Ran Deng frowned slightly. Although Tu Xingsun's cultivation was insignificant, his talent was extraordinary, and his earth-walking technique was unparalleled. Underground, there were very few people in the world who could kill him.

who is it?

"Zhang Kui..." Ran Deng murmured the name, a dark glint in his eyes, "Is it you?"

This game is getting increasingly tricky.

He slowly stood up, looked towards the horizon, and saw the last rays of sunset disappear into the mountains, like a drop of blood falling into an ink pool.

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The Three Immortal Islands are now within sight.

……

At the summit of Qishan Mountain.

The Taoist Ran Deng sat cross-legged, holding a string of prayer beads in his hand, his gaze fixed intently on the direction of the Shang army camp.

Tu Xingsun's aura completely disappeared.

Ran Deng frowned slightly. Although Tu Xingsun's cultivation was insignificant, his talent was extraordinary, and his earth-walking technique was unparalleled. Underground, there were very few people in the world who could kill him.

who is it?

"Zhang Kui..." Ran Deng murmured the name, a dark glint in his eyes, "Is it you?"

This game is getting increasingly tricky.

He slowly stood up, looked towards the horizon, and saw the last rays of sunset disappear into the mountains, like a drop of blood falling into an ink pool.

The Three Immortal Islands are now within sight.

……

At the summit of Qishan Mountain.

The Taoist Ran Deng sat cross-legged, holding a string of prayer beads in his hand, his gaze fixed intently on the direction of the Shang army camp.

Tu Xingsun's aura completely disappeared.

Ran Deng frowned slightly. Although Tu Xingsun's cultivation was insignificant, his talent was extraordinary, and his earth-walking technique was unparalleled. Underground, there were very few people in the world who could kill him.

who is it?

"Zhang Kui..." Ran Deng murmured the name, a dark glint in his eyes, "Is it you?"

This game is getting increasingly tricky.

He slowly stood up, looked towards the horizon, and saw the last rays of sunset disappear into the mountains, like a drop of blood falling into an ink pool.

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We must not give him the chance to escape and seek help.

Deep within Zhang Kui's pupils, the yin and yang energies surged like a tide. His Great Yin-Yang Void-Penetrating True Eye, operating at its peak, pierced through layers of clouds, gazing upon the vast expanse of blue waves of the East China Sea.

The Three Immortal Islands are now within sight.

……

At the summit of Qishan Mountain.

The Taoist Ran Deng sat cross-legged, holding a string of prayer beads in his hand, his gaze fixed intently on the direction of the Shang army camp.

Tu Xingsun's aura completely disappeared.

Ran Deng frowned slightly. Although Tu Xingsun's cultivation was insignificant, his talent was extraordinary, and his earth-walking technique was unparalleled. Underground, there were very few people in the world who could kill him.

who is it?

"Zhang Kui..." Ran Deng murmured the name, a dark glint in his eyes, "Is it you?"

This game is getting increasingly tricky.

He slowly stood up, looked towards the horizon, and saw the last rays of sunset disappear into the mountains, like a drop of blood falling into an ink pool.

Moreover, the entire Chan Sect stands behind Dipankara, and it even has intricate connections with the Western Sect.

It must be a single, decisive strike.

We must not give him the chance to escape and seek help.

Deep within Zhang Kui's pupils, the yin and yang energies surged like a tide. His Great Yin-Yang Void-Penetrating True Eye, operating at its peak, pierced through layers of clouds, gazing upon the vast expanse of blue waves of the East China Sea.

The Three Immortal Islands are now within sight.

……

At the summit of Qishan Mountain.

The Taoist Ran Deng sat cross-legged, holding a string of prayer beads in his hand, his gaze fixed intently on the direction of the Shang army camp.

Tu Xingsun's aura completely disappeared.

Ran Deng frowned slightly. Although Tu Xingsun's cultivation was insignificant, his talent was extraordinary, and his earth-walking technique was unparalleled. Underground, there were very few people in the world who could kill him.

who is it?

"Zhang Kui..." Ran Deng murmured the name, a dark glint in his eyes, "Is it you?"

This game is getting increasingly tricky.

He slowly stood up, looked towards the horizon, and saw the last rays of sunset disappear into the mountains, like a drop of blood falling into an ink pool.

We must not give him the chance to escape and seek help.

Deep within Zhang Kui's pupils, the yin and yang energies surged like a tide. His Great Yin-Yang Void-Penetrating True Eye, operating at its peak, pierced through layers of clouds, gazing upon the vast expanse of blue waves of the East China Sea.

The Three Immortal Islands are now within sight.

……

At the summit of Qishan Mountain.

The Taoist Ran Deng sat cross-legged, holding a string of prayer beads in his hand, his gaze fixed intently on the direction of the Shang army camp.

Tu Xingsun's aura completely disappeared.

Ran Deng frowned slightly. Although Tu Xingsun's cultivation was insignificant, his talent was extraordinary, and his earth-walking technique was unparalleled. Underground, there were very few people in the world who could kill him.

who is it?

"Zhang Kui..." Ran Deng murmured the name, a dark glint in his eyes, "Is it you?"

This game is getting increasingly tricky.

He slowly stood up, looked towards the horizon, and saw the last rays of sunset disappear into the mountains, like a drop of blood falling into an ink pool.

The Three Immortal Islands are now within sight.

……

At the summit of Qishan Mountain.

The Taoist Ran Deng sat cross-legged, holding a string of prayer beads in his hand, his gaze fixed intently on the direction of the Shang army camp.

Tu Xingsun's aura completely disappeared.

Ran Deng frowned slightly. Although Tu Xingsun's cultivation was insignificant, his talent was extraordinary, and his earth-walking technique was unparalleled. Underground, there were very few people in the world who could kill him.

who is it?

"Zhang Kui..." Ran Deng murmured the name, a dark glint in his eyes, "Is it you?"

This game is getting increasingly tricky.

He slowly stood up, looked towards the horizon, and saw the last rays of sunset disappear into the mountains, like a drop of blood falling into an ink pool.

Deep within Zhang Kui's pupils, the yin and yang energies surged like a tide. His Great Yin-Yang Void-Penetrating True Eye, operating at its peak, pierced through layers of clouds, gazing upon the vast expanse of blue waves of the East China Sea.

The Three Immortal Islands are now within sight.

……

At the summit of Qishan Mountain.

The Taoist Ran Deng sat cross-legged, holding a string of prayer beads in his hand, his gaze fixed intently on the direction of the Shang army camp.

Tu Xingsun's aura completely disappeared.

Ran Deng frowned slightly. Although Tu Xingsun's cultivation was insignificant, his talent was extraordinary, and his earth-walking technique was unparalleled. Underground, there were very few people in the world who could kill him.

who is it?

"Zhang Kui..." Ran Deng murmured the name, a dark glint in his eyes, "Is it you?"

This game is getting increasingly tricky.

He slowly stood up, looked towards the horizon, and saw the last rays of sunset disappear into the mountains, like a drop of blood falling into an ink pool.

The Three Immortal Islands are now within sight.

……

At the summit of Qishan Mountain.

The Taoist Ran Deng sat cross-legged, holding a string of prayer beads in his hand, his gaze fixed intently on the direction of the Shang army camp.

Tu Xingsun's aura completely disappeared.

Ran Deng frowned slightly. Although Tu Xingsun's cultivation was insignificant, his talent was extraordinary, and his earth-walking technique was unparalleled. Underground, there were very few people in the world who could kill him.

who is it?

"Zhang Kui..." Ran Deng murmured the name, a dark glint in his eyes, "Is it you?"

This game is getting increasingly tricky.

He slowly stood up, looked towards the horizon, and saw the last rays of sunset disappear into the mountains, like a drop of blood falling into an ink pool.

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Moreover, the entire Chan Sect stands behind Dipankara, and it even has intricate connections with the Western Sect.

It must be a single, decisive strike.

We must not give him the chance to escape and seek help.

Deep within Zhang Kui's pupils, the yin and yang energies surged like a tide. His Great Yin-Yang Void-Penetrating True Eye, operating at its peak, pierced through layers of clouds, gazing upon the vast expanse of blue waves of the East China Sea.

The Three Immortal Islands are now within sight.

……

At the summit of Qishan Mountain.

The Taoist Ran Deng sat cross-legged, holding a string of prayer beads in his hand, his gaze fixed intently on the direction of the Shang army camp.

Tu Xingsun's aura completely disappeared.

Ran Deng frowned slightly. Although Tu Xingsun's cultivation was insignificant, his talent was extraordinary, and his earth-walking technique was unparalleled. Underground, there were very few people in the world who could kill him.

who is it?

"Zhang Kui..." Ran Deng murmured the name, a dark glint in his eyes, "Is it you?"

This game is getting increasingly tricky.

He slowly stood up, looked towards the horizon, and saw the last rays of sunset disappear into the mountains, like a drop of blood falling into an ink pool.