Zhang Kui Asks the Way in Investiture of the Gods

When Zhang Kui returned to his home in Mianchi, it was noon.

Sunlight filtered through the branches of the old locust tree in the courtyard, casting dappled patterns of light. Mother Wang Yunniang sat on a small stool in the yard, head down, picking vegetables in her hands, preparing to cook. Her younger brother, Zhang Shan, clumsily tried to help, occasionally receiving a few disapproving scoldings from their mother.

"Mother, Shanzi, I'm back." Zhang Kui pushed open the half-closed courtyard gate, a gentle smile on his face.

"Shitou!" Wang Yunniang looked up at the sound of his voice and saw her eldest son, who looked travel-worn but full of energy. Her eyes lit up with surprise, and she forgot to put down the vegetables in her hands. "Why did you suddenly come back?"

Zhang Kui walked to his mother's side, took the vegetable basket from her hand, and said with a smile, "I missed Mom's cooking so much, I was really craving it, so I rushed back!"

"You silly child!" Wang Yunniang laughed from ear to ear, her wrinkles smoothing out. She quickly stood up. "Shanzi, what are you standing there for? Go and pour your brother a bowl of water. Look at how you've picked the vegetables, it's a mess, you're just making things worse. Go away."

Zhang Shan innocently touched his nose and complained to Zhang Kui, "Brother, look at me, I'm home all day long, and nobody likes me."

Zhang Kui ignored his banter, downed his water in one gulp, and beckoned Zhang Shan to sit at the stone table under the locust tree. His expression turned slightly serious as he said, "Shanzi, I only returned this time after being relieved of my military post."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Shan's eyes lit up immediately: "Really? That's great, brother! We brothers can finally fight side by side. When brothers are of one mind, their strength can break metal."

"What are you thinking about?" Zhang Kui glanced at him and poured cold water on his enthusiasm. "I have been relieved of all my military posts and am now a commoner. However, the garrison troops under my command in Youli have been ordered to be transferred to your command as the General of Mianchi, and will be at your disposal. This is the military order." With that, he handed over the transfer order.

Zhang Shan took the document, quickly glanced through it, a mischievous smile appearing on his face. He lowered his voice and said, "Brother, tell me honestly, have you gotten yourself into some big trouble again? Otherwise, why would the court pull this stunt? A promotion in name only, a demotion in reality... no, you didn't even get a promotion, you were completely stripped of your title."

Zhang Kui rolled his eyes at him, then said in a flat tone, "It's nothing serious. He just disobeyed the King's orders and, all by himself, persuaded Yin Pobai and Lei Kai's three thousand cavalry to retreat at Lintong Pass. What, you have a problem with that?"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Shan showed no concern whatsoever. Instead, he slapped his thigh and burst into loud laughter, his voice booming, "Hahaha! Well done! That's my brother for you—fearless, capable of causing trouble, but even more unafraid of it. I've had my eye on those two guys for a long time now. That was satisfying!"

Zhang Kui waited until he had finished laughing before raising his hand to interrupt: "Alright, stop laughing and get down to business."

Zhang Shan suppressed his smile and sat up straight, knowing that his elder brother must have something important to make.

"From now on, I will focus on my own cultivation and seek breakthroughs. The defense of Mianchi and the training and management of the army will all be entrusted to you." Zhang Kui looked at his younger brother seriously. "Shanzi, this is not child's play. This army, and this city of Mianchi, are the foundation for us brothers to survive in this chaotic world and even advance further. You must be fully focused and cannot slack off in the slightest."

Sensing the weight of his brother's words, Zhang Shan dropped his joking tone and solemnly replied, "Brother, don't worry, I understand the importance of this matter and will definitely manage Mianchi as well as an impregnable fortress."

"Hmm." Zhang Kui nodded, he was confident in his younger brother's abilities. Then, he took out two items from his storage bag.

One was the Wolf Fang Wind-Breaking Blade, restored to its original state and gleaming with cold light; the other was the Dragon Scale Armor that had accompanied him in his conquest of the North Sea, providing astonishing defense. The moment these two treasures appeared, they emitted a faint aura of malevolence and spiritual light, causing Zhang Shan's eyes to widen and his breathing to quicken.

"Brother, this..." Zhang Shan was somewhat incredulous.

"Here you go." Zhang Kui pushed the sword and armor in front of his younger brother. "You are now a general commanding a large army. How can you manage without proper armor? This sword and armor have been with me for many years, drinking countless dropes of blood. Their murderous aura protects their master, and they are perfect for you. Practice your martial arts diligently and don't slack off in your training."

Zhang Shan excitedly accepted the armor, stroking the cool armor plates and heavy blade, and nodded emphatically: "Thank you, brother! I will definitely not let this precious armor and sword down."

Immediately afterward, Zhang Kui formed a hand seal, and a leather pouch at his waist flashed with light. Accompanied by a joyful neigh, the magnificent unicorn-like Black Smoke Beast appeared in the courtyard. The Black Smoke Beast affectionately nuzzled Zhang Kui with its large head, and wisps of black smoke swirled around it as it trod.

Zhang Kui patted its neck and pointed at Zhang Shan, saying, "Old buddy, from today onwards, you'll follow my brother Zhang Shan. He's the garrison commander of Mianchi, and he often needs to patrol and fight. If you follow him, you'll not only be able to stay outside for long periods of time, but you'll also have countless opportunities to charge into battle. It's much better than following me, an idle person, keeping you cooped up in a bag."

The unicorn-like beast was highly intelligent. Upon hearing this, it blinked its large, bell-like eyes, looked at Zhang Kui, and then at Zhang Shan, who was dressed in military uniform and exuded a fierce aura. It was naturally active and longed for the battlefield. Finally, it hissed softly, walked over to Zhang Shan, and nuzzled his arm to show its approval.

"Brother, even the Black Smoke Beast..." Zhang Shan stroked the Black Smoke Beast's smooth fur, his surprise and delight palpable.

"I've given it all to you," Zhang Kui said calmly, then added, "I'm leaving after I finish my meal."

"Huh? So soon?" Zhang Shan's joy froze instantly. "Brother, you just got back, where are you going again?"

Zhang Kui explained, "I plan to go to Chentang Pass first. My itinerary after that is still undecided; it could take anywhere from six months to a year before I return."

"Chentang Pass?" Zhang Shan asked, puzzled, wondering what his brother was doing at that pass on the coast of the East China Sea.

Zhang Kui didn't explain in detail. His purpose for this trip was twofold. First, he wanted to see if he could come across the legendary treasures of Chen Tang Pass—the Qiankun Bow and the Zhentian Arrow. Obtaining such divine artifacts would greatly enhance his strength. Second, he also wanted to take the opportunity to see the extraordinary Nezha, the future Great God of the Three Altars and Seas.

Just then, their mother, Wang Yunniang, called her two sons to eat. A simple yet heartwarming home-cooked meal was served, and the three of them sat around the table, enjoying each other's company. Wang Yunniang kept putting food on Zhang Kui's plate, her eyes filled with love and reluctance, but she didn't say a word to stop her son from leaving. She knew that her son was no longer someone to be trifled with; there was a wider world for him to explore.

After the meal, Zhang Kui got up to leave. He once again instructed Zhang Shan: "Take good care of the home, lead the troops well, and keep up the good work."

Zhang Shan nodded emphatically: "Brother, don't worry."

Zhang Kui then took out two scrolls from his storage bag and handed them to Zhang Shan, saying, "Keep these two things safe as well."

Zhang Shan took the scrolls and opened them. One scroll contained the essence of the Wu Clan's Qi and Blood Condensation Method and Earth Travel Technique. The other scroll contained a collection of Dharma Image Visualization Diagrams that Zhang Kui had compiled through his connection with Huang Feihu.

Zhang Kui's gaze was deep and his voice was like the clanging of metal and stone: "Your blood and qi have already condensed into a pillar of smoke that soars into the sky. You have now achieved the Wolf Smoke Realm."

A dark gold animal hide scroll slid out from his sleeve, faintly exuding a primal aura. "Next, I will knock on the door to the Dharma Aspect Realm."

Zhang Kui lightly tapped the scroll with his fingertip. "This realm requires you to condense your own unique 'Martial Dao Dharma Image.' This visualization manual, obtained from King Wu Cheng Huang Feihu, records four ancient visualization diagrams: The Great Sun Traversing the Sky, The Bright Moon in the Sky, A Galaxy of Stars, and The Divine Mountain Suppressing the Prison. You can refer to them. But remember—"

His voice suddenly became more serious: "You need to comprehend your own 'intention' from it, and the Dharma form that is ultimately formed should be unique in the world, a concrete manifestation of your martial will."

Seeing that Zhang Shan seemed to understand, Zhang Kui continued, "As for the 'Divine Power Realm' above the Dharma Aspect... that is beyond the reach of mere martial arts accumulation. The dormant power of the Witch Clan deep within our bloodlines is the key to opening that door."

He raised his hand and placed it lightly on Zhang Shan's chest: "I can feel that the witch blood flowing in your body has not yet fully awakened. When your Dharma form is perfected, the witch bloodline should guide you to touch the gates of supernatural powers."

"Remember, anything external is merely a boat to cross the river. Only by integrating everything into yourself and transforming it into unshakeable strength can you have the only foundation you can rely on in this magnificent world."

Hearing his elder brother's solemn instructions, Zhang Shan gripped the scroll tightly, his gaze resolute: "Brother, I've remembered it. I will definitely work hard to cultivate."

Zhang Kui patted his younger brother's shoulder with relief and said no more. He turned to his mother and bowed deeply: "Mother, I'm leaving now. Please take good care of yourself."

Wang Yunniang's eyes were filled with tears, but she held them back and waved her hand, saying, "Go, Shitou, be careful out there and come back soon."

Zhang Kui nodded, and with a flicker, he disappeared outside the courtyard gate, seemingly merging into the afternoon breeze and sunlight, embarking on a new journey towards Chentang Pass in the east.

The world depicted by the late-blooming Dao is fully revealed in "Zhang Kui Asks the Way in the Investiture of the Gods".