Zhang Kui Asks the Way in Investiture of the Gods

On the walls of Chaoge, the black bird banner fluttered in the wind, but compared to it, the glaring white banners in the city stood out.

Wen Zhong rode a black Qilin back from the North Sea. Lightning flickered around him, and although the divine eye on his forehead was not open, the soldiers guarding the city already felt an immense pressure.

As soon as he entered the city gate, he smelled the scent of incense carried on the wind. Looking up, he saw the soul-summoning banner swaying mournfully in the cold wind.

"Whose sacrificial banner is that?" Wen Zhong's voice was deep and resonant, like a muffled thunderclap. The murderous aura he had accumulated from the battle in the North Sea had not yet dissipated. Upon hearing this question, all the attendants around him felt their souls tremble.

Those around him dared not conceal the truth, and bowed tremblingly, replying, "Grand Tutor... it was Prime Minister Bi Gan. His Majesty... His Majesty said that Prime Minister Bi Gan harbored treacherous intentions and had his heart cut out as a sacrifice to Heaven."

"What!" Wen Zhong's aura exploded, and the auspicious clouds beneath the black Qilin's feet instantly turned into dark clouds, accompanied by thunder.

Bi Gan, the chief minister of the Shang Dynasty and a close relative of the royal family, was protected by the royal family's fortune, yet he ended up in such a state.

He suppressed his rage, his divine eyes slightly opening, and an invisible white light swept across the entire city. From the direction of the royal palace, a demonic aura mixed with decadent bloodlust soared into the sky, hovering atop a towering pavilion. The Deer Pavilion soared into the clouds, its glazed tiles reflecting an eerie light.

"What a formidable prodigy!" Wen Zhong felt an even greater chill in his heart. Without saying another word, he patted the black Qilin and charged straight towards the Nine Palaces.

Upon seeing the Grand Tutor's return, the officials felt as if they had found their pillar of support and lined up to welcome him. Huang Feihu took the lead, clasped his hands in greeting, and said, "Grand Tutor, if you hadn't returned, the Shang dynasty would have been hollowed out by demons."

Inside the Nine-Room Hall, the solemn and dignified atmosphere of the past has vanished. Dust accumulates on the dragon throne, and the sacred artifacts symbolizing the nation's fate are dull and lifeless. Even more shocking are the bronze pillars on the east side of the hall that reach all the way to the roof. Twisted runes are engraved on the pillars, and countless tormented souls seem to be struggling and wailing on their yellowish surfaces, emitting a nauseating stench of burnt flesh and resentment.

"What is this?" Wen Zhong asked, pointing at the bronze pillar, his voice icy.

The palace official, his face ashen, knelt down with a thud: "Reporting to the Grand Tutor, this is a new torture method His Majesty devised, based on Consort Su's suggestion, called 'The Burning Torture.' Those who offend the Emperor are bound to it and roasted with the poisonous fire of the earth's veins..."

Wen Zhong's beard and hair stood on end. "Such cruel torture, wouldn't it sever a person's will to live?"

After listening to Huang Feihu and others' tearful accusations, Wen Zhong could no longer suppress the raging fire in his chest.

"Sound the bells and beat the drums! Please invite His Majesty to the palace." Wen Zhong's voice was like thunder from the heavens, making the entire Nine-Room Palace resound.

The palace officials scrambled to their deaths, and moments later, the sounds of bells and drums resounded throughout Chaoge.

……

Meanwhile, in Mianchi, a hundred miles away from Chaoge.

In the backyard of a pharmacy called "Jishantang" in the city, a man dressed in a tight-fitting outfit with a resolute face sat cross-legged in the center of the courtyard with his eyes closed, his pores opening and closing, absorbing the spiritual energy of heaven and earth.

This person was Zhang Kui.

Suddenly, he frowned slightly, and the speed at which he absorbed spiritual energy slowed down.

Zhang Kui opened his eyes. "From the direction of Chaoge... has Grand Tutor Wen returned?"

"So be it. What's meant to be will be." Zhang Kui closed his eyes again and continued his cultivation.

In the Nine-Room Palace, King Zhou, surrounded by his guards, lazily sat on the dragon throne, a hint of barely perceptible guilt in his eyes. Daji was not with him, but her faint, alluring fragrance still lingered around him.

"Grand Tutor, you have made great contributions in pacifying the North Sea. Why are you in such a hurry to see me instead of resting in your residence?" King Zhou asked, his voice slightly ethereal.

Wen Zhong suppressed the urge to use his divine eyes to expose demons, first bowed, and then asked directly: "Your Majesty, I have heard that Jiang Huanchu and E Chongyu were executed for treason. Is there any conclusive evidence? They were both regional lords, carrying the weight of destiny; how can they be so easily killed?"

King Zhou was speechless for a moment, and stammered, "This...this matter has already been settled, Grand Tutor, there is no need to discuss it further."

Wen Zhong stepped forward, his body crackling with lightning, his aura imposing: "While I was away on campaign, I heard that Your Majesty has neglected benevolent governance, indulging in wine and women, favoring sycophants, alienating virtuous ministers, and executing loyal officials, causing resentment throughout the land and turmoil across the seas. When the late King was on the throne, all directions paid tribute, and the barbarians submitted. Now Your Majesty has destroyed your own defenses, indulging in evil and cruelty, and slaughtering the living. I am fighting on the frontier, like building a nest on rotten wood; even with the power to hold up the sky, I cannot prevent its collapse. I hope Your Majesty will realize your error and repent."

These words, imbued with thunderous meaning, shook King Zhou to his core, turning his face pale. The loyal ministers, however, were filled with righteous indignation and secretly cheered.

Before King Zhou could refute him, Wen Zhong continued, "Today, I risk my cultivation to speak frankly and offer my advice. I have ten strategies for governing the country and ensuring its peace, which I request Your Majesty to review."

With a flick of his sleeve, a scroll condensed into golden light unfurled, hovering in the air, its words booming like thunder:

Firstly, the Deer Terrace was demolished to sever the demonic veins and disperse the vengeful spirits, thus calming the people's hearts.

Secondly, abolish the torture of branding with hot irons, destroying this heinous punishment that destroys the soul and spirit, so that loyal ministers would dare to offer advice.

Thirdly, fill in the pit of scorpions, cleanse the evil spirits, and settle the harem.

Fourth, abolish the wine pool and meat forest, stop extravagance, and quell the slander from the feudal lords.

Fifth, Daji should be demoted. This woman is shrouded in demonic energy and is by no means a good person. A new empress should be established to purge the inner court.

Sixth, severely punish the treacherous officials Fei Zhong and You Hun. These two brought wolves into the house and corrupted the court; they should be executed.

Seventh, open the granaries and distribute grain, arrange formations to nourish all things, and provide relief to disaster victims.

Eighth, send envoys to pacify the southeast, divide and weaken it, so as to avoid shaking the foundation of the country.

Ninth, seek out wise men who have lived in seclusion in the mountains and invite great men to come out of seclusion and dispel the doubts of the world.

Tenth, broaden channels for communication, accept loyal advice, and gather righteous energy from all over the world.

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King Zhou read through each clause, his expression growing increasingly grim. When he saw the first clause, which called for the demolition of his beloved Deer Terrace, he shook his head: "The Deer Terrace is a collection of rare treasures from across the land, formed by the convergence of spiritual veins, and cost countless sums. How can it be demolished so easily? We'll discuss it later."

Upon seeing the fifth clause advocating for the demotion of Daji, a flash of anger crossed his eyes, and his tone turned cold: "Empress Su is a celestial being incarnate, serving me with utmost devotion and virtue. How can the Grand Tutor listen to rumors and slander the Empress Dowager? This matter will be discussed later."

Upon seeing the sixth clause demanding the execution of Fei Zhong and You Hun, he turned even more furious. "My two beloved ministers, Fei and You, are loyal to the country. How can the Grand Tutor so arbitrarily execute them? These three clauses are absolutely unacceptable. The rest... the rest are permitted."

Just as the emperor and his ministers were locked in a stalemate and the atmosphere was tense, Fei Zhong and You Hun, relying on King Zhou's protection, were so blinded by greed that they stepped forward and rebuked him, saying, "Wen Zhong, as Grand Tutor, how can you force His Majesty like this? You have no respect for the emperor."

These words shocked the entire hall.

"You're courting death!" Wen Zhong laughed in fury, his divine eye on his forehead fully opened, and a blazing white divine light, like a celestial sword being drawn from its sheath, instantly locked onto Fei and You. "Where are the palace guards! Seize these two scoundrels and take them out of the Meridian Gate to be punished according to the law."

He was a seasoned warrior, and his command carried an aura of boundless ruthlessness. The palace guards, who had long harbored deep hatred for the two treacherous officials, pounced on them like tigers and wolves upon hearing the order, and with a flick of the rope, they bound the two men tightly to the ground.

King Zhou was both shocked and furious upon seeing this, but intimidated by Wen Zhong's power, he dared not openly obstruct them. He could only curse the two men in his heart for being stupid, while forcing a smile and saying, "Grand Tutor, please calm down! Although these two men spoke inappropriately, their crimes do not warrant death... It would be better to hand them over to the Ministry of Justice for questioning first, and then discuss the matter again in seven days... Court adjourned."

After saying this, he left hastily under the escort of his guards without waiting for Wen Zhong's response.

Wen Zhong watched King Zhou's retreating figure, then glanced at Fei Zhong and You Hun, whose faces were ashen. He snorted coldly, knowing that this was the end for today. But the fierce look in his eyes had not faded, clearly indicating that he would not give up so easily.

Three days later, at the Prince Wucheng's residence.

Huang Feihu held a bamboo slip containing urgent military intelligence. He scanned it with his divine sense, his expression grave. He sighed, "The North Sea is at peace, the South is not yet pacified, and now the King of Pingling in the East Sea has rebelled... These are truly turbulent times." He then ordered his trusted generals to immediately deliver the bamboo slip to the Grand Tutor's residence.

Wen Zhong was discussing matters with his disciples Ji Li and Yu Qing in his residence when Huang Feihu delivered a military report. He immediately read its contents. After a moment, he sneered, "King Pingling? He's nothing but a dragon who luckily obtained the inheritance of the ancient water palace. How dare he cause trouble at this time?"

With a swift movement, he transformed into a bolt of lightning and arrived at the Wu Cheng King's mansion. Huang Feihu welcomed him into a secret chamber and set up a soundproof barrier.

"Grand Tutor, the rebellion in the East Sea is no small matter. King Pingling has many demon soldiers under his command, and we need to send a great general to suppress it. Who do you think would be suitable?" Huang Feihu asked respectfully. Although he was a marshal, he was well aware of Wen Zhong's prestige and strength in the army.

Wen Zhong pondered, lightning crackling at his fingertips, as if he were calculating the secrets of heaven: "There are many capable and experienced warriors in the court, but few can reliably defeat that dragon. King Wu Cheng, you must remain in the central government to guard against unforeseen circumstances. By the way..." He suddenly changed the subject, "Where is Zhang Kui? I've been back in the capital for several days, why haven't I seen him? Could it be that he's still harboring resentment over the matter with Ji Chang, and is 'idling' at home in Mianchi?"

Huang Feihu smiled wryly: "Grand Tutor, you are wise. General Zhang is an upright man. He did indeed request to return to his hometown of Mianchi because of the matter of letting Ji Chang (King Wen) go."

A hint of understanding and admiration flashed in Wen Zhong's eyes: "Zhang Kui is a man of profound cultivation, decisive in killing, and also possesses the bloodline of the Wu Clan. What do you think of sending him to quell the rebellion in the East Sea? Moreover..." He paused, a flash of lightning appearing in his eyes, "In this way, I will have time to cleanse the court of its filth."

Upon hearing this, Huang Feihu was taken aback at first, then suddenly realized and exclaimed with delight, "Grand Tutor, this is a brilliant plan! It kills two birds with one stone, both quelling external threats and creating an opportunity for you to cleanse the court."

"Achoo!"

Zhang Kui rubbed his itchy nose and sneezed loudly. "Strange! With my robust health, immune to all diseases, why would I sneeze for no reason?"

The next morning, the court session began.

Huang Feihu stepped forward and presented a brief report on the military intelligence regarding the rebellion in the East China Sea.

After reading the memorial, King Zhou was furious: "This... the Eastern Sea has rebelled again, what should we do?"

Wen Zhong immediately stepped forward, his voice booming like a bell: "Your Majesty, do not worry. I have chosen one person who can quell this rebellion."

"Oh? Whom does the Grand Tutor recommend?"

"Zhang Kui, former commander-in-chief of Youli City."

"Zhang Kui?" King Zhou frowned. He had a bad impression of this general who had defied him. "This man... his cultivation is decent, but his temperament is violent, and he may not be up to the task. Besides, the East Sea is far away, and the demon army is powerful... Why don't we trouble the Grand Tutor to make the trip himself? With the Grand Tutor's prestige, he will surely succeed."

King Zhou's plan was to use this opportunity to send Wen Zhong away from the court, making it easier for him to protect Fei Zhong and You Hun.

Wen Zhong and Huang Feihu exchanged a glance, both seeing a hint of surprise in each other's eyes. They hadn't expected King Zhou to give such an order.

Wen Zhong hesitated for a moment, his face remaining impassive, and then cupped his hands and said, "Since Your Majesty values ​​this old minister so much, I...accept the decree."

After the court session ended, Wen Zhong instructed Huang Feihu: "King Wucheng, quickly gather 200,000 elite troops, prepare sufficient elixirs, talismans, and provisions, and depart in ten days."

"Rest assured, Grand Tutor, this humble general understands."

After making the arrangements, Wen Zhong did not return to his residence. Instead, he took his disciples Ji Li and Yu Qing and left Chaoge City directly. When they reached a secluded spot, he flicked his sleeve, and a bolt of lightning enveloped the three of them.

"Come with me to Mianchi and see that old friend who is 'retired at home'."

A flash of lightning tore through the sky and shot straight toward Mianchi.