Primordial Era: Becoming the Great Emperor of Humanity from the Start

Chapter 130 Did Jiang Ziya betray us?

Yun Zhongzi did not receive a clear answer from Jiang Heng, but he already knew in his heart that Jiang Heng was politely refusing him.

Although he was somewhat puzzled by Jiang Heng's actions, he could only helplessly accept the appearance of even a saint like the Tongtian Sect Leader.

He originally planned to return to the Jade Void Palace on Kunlun Mountain with the remaining three Golden Immortals of the Chan Sect to report back to the Primordial Heavenly Venerable and also to report on the details of this trip.

But just as Yun Zhongzi was about to leave Chaoge City, he saw Taiyi Zhenren return with a worried expression.

"What's wrong? Did your trip not go smoothly, Junior Brother Taiyi?" Yun Zhongzi asked, noticing Taiyi Zhenren's expression.

"I would like to inform Senior Brother Yun Zhongzi that things have indeed not been going smoothly. When I arrived at Chen Tang Pass, the Spirit Pearl had just been born."

"But I never expected that the Spirit Pearl had already awakened its past life's memories as soon as it was born!" Master Taiyi said with a sense of helplessness.

Upon hearing Taiyi Zhenren's words, Yun Zhongzi naturally understood why things hadn't gone smoothly and what exactly was going on.

Lingzhuzi was the reincarnation of a disciple of the sage Nuwa. If he had awakened his memories of his past life, why would he have taken Taiyi Zhenren as his master?

"This matter is indeed troublesome. After all, Lingzhuzi is a disciple of the Sage Nuwa. Our Chan Sect cannot use force!"

"Junior Brother Taiyi, I'm just about to return to Kunlun. Why don't you come with me and report this matter to our teacher?" Yun Zhongzi said in a deep voice.

Taiyi Zhenren nodded. At this moment, he didn't have a better solution and could only go back and report to Yuanshi Tianzun for the time being.

The disciples of the Chan Sect left, and Jiang Heng was unsure of Yuanshi Tianzun's reaction. However, Yun Zhongzi did not return to Chaoge City.

The Jie Sect also ceased its activities, and the entire human race was peaceful and serene, showing no signs of the impending Great Tribulation of the Investiture of the Gods.

Jiang Heng did not cause any more trouble, but focused on being the human emperor and enjoying life with Su Daji, the reincarnation of Houtu, the ancestral witch.

On this day, two cultivators descended from Kunlun Mountain: an old man with white hair and a youthful face, and a somewhat sinister middle-aged man.

"Jiang Ziya, your teacher has entrusted you with the Investiture of the Gods, entrusting you with the great calamity of the Investiture of the Gods, but you are just a mortal."

"You? What merit or ability do you possess to wield the Investiture of the Gods? Why not hand it over to me? I am the one destined by Heaven to bestow divine titles!"

As soon as he stepped off Kunlun Mountain, the somewhat sinister middle-aged man immediately revealed his fierce nature and said menacingly to Jiang Ziya.

"Junior brother, how can you speak such arrogant words? The Investiture of the Gods was personally given to me by our teacher, how could it be given to you?"

"Besides, even if you get the Investiture of the Gods, aren't you afraid of being punished by your teacher?" Jiang Ziya said in a deep voice.

These two are among the key figures in the Investiture of the Gods, with the white-haired, youthful-looking one being Jiang Ziya, who will be in charge of the Investiture of the Gods in the future.

The somewhat sinister-looking middle-aged man was Jiang Ziya's junior brother. His true form was a leopard, which had cultivated under the tutelage of Yuanshi Tianzun for many years before transforming into human form.

Just now, because the Investiture of the Gods has begun, Jiang Ziya and Shen Gongbao were sent down the mountain by Yuanshi Tianzun.

Before his departure, Yuanshi Tianzun also handed over the Investiture of the Gods and the God-Slaying Whip to Jiang Ziya, which confirmed Jiang Ziya's identity as the one in charge of the Investiture of the Gods.

It is evident that Yuanshi Tianzun had given up all hope of accepting Jiang Heng as a disciple, and history thus returned to its original course.

"Hmph! Your teacher merely entrusted you with the Investiture of the Gods, but treasures always belong to the virtuous. What? You want to challenge me?"

"It's not that I look down on you, Jiang Ziya, but with your meager skills, how could you possibly be my match?" Shen Gongbao said with extreme disdain.

Although Shen Gongbao was a demon, he had cultivated for thousands of years and his cultivation had reached the level of an immortal.

And Jiang Ziya? He was just an ordinary mortal who had only cultivated for fifty years on Mount Kunlun.

Unfortunately, Jiang Ziya's talent for cultivation was quite ordinary. After fifty years of cultivation, he had not even reached the Immortal Realm.

This is also why Shen Gongbao looked down on Jiang Ziya. He could crush such a piece of trash with a wave of his hand. Why should he be in charge of the Investiture of the Gods?

However, Shen Gongbao never imagined that while Jiang Ziya's cultivation was not very high, he, Shen Gongbao, was not only a demon but also an ordinary black panther.

Based on the standards by which Yuanshi Tianzun accepted disciples, neither Shen Gongbao nor Jiang Ziya could have become disciples of the Chan Sect, let alone Yuanshi Tianzun.

It can only be said that Yuanshi Tianzun indeed had a greater grasp on the Investiture of the Gods than Tongtian Jiaozhu. Basically, all the main protagonists of this calamity had been taken under Yuanshi Tianzun's wing.

Based on this alone, it was indeed destined that the Jie Sect, led by Tongtian Jiaozhu, would be defeated by the Chan Sect.

Unfortunately, despite all his calculations, Yuanshi Tianzun ultimately benefited others and suffered a crushing defeat himself.

"Junior brother, this is Kunlun Mountain, don't do anything foolish!" Jiang Ziya said earnestly.

"Hahaha! I'd like to see who can help you, Jiang Ziya, after we leave Kunlun Mountain!" Shen Gongbao said arrogantly.

No sooner had he finished speaking than a crane swooped down from the heavens and landed in front of Shen Gongbao in an instant.

To Shen Gongbao's utter astonishment, the crane gently pecked off his entire head.

"Shen Gongbao, how dare you! You actually disobey your teacher's orders! Considering this is your first offense, this will be a minor punishment as a warning!"

If you dare to do it again, I will not forgive you and will expel you from the Chan Sect completely!

As the sound rang out, the Antarctic Immortal appeared on the spot. Jiang Ziya quickly stepped forward to pay his respects, and Shen Gongbao repeatedly begged for mercy.

The Old Man of the South Pole then had the crane return Shen Gongbao's head, and secretly encouraged Jiang Ziya before sending him down the mountain.

After Jiang Ziya and the Antarctic Immortal had both left, Shen Gongbao stared at Jiang Ziya's disappearing figure with eyes full of resentment.

Shen Gongbao was naturally filled with resentment, but with the appearance of the Antarctic Immortal, he dared not make any further moves.

Long after Jiang Ziya disappeared, Shen Gongbao cautiously descended Kunlun Mountain, unsure of where to go.

The human realm is protected by the Nine Provinces Barrier, a fact known to all beings in the primordial world who possess any level of cultivation.

Although Shen Gongbao was a disciple of the Chan Sect, the Nine Provinces Barrier did not recognize whether someone was a disciple of the Chan Sect or not.

Any demon who dares to step into the Nine Provinces Barrier will have the Nine Provinces Grand Array activated instantly, turning any demon who enters into ashes.

Shen Gongbao was naturally unaware that Yuanshi Tianzun had already concealed the secrets of heaven for him in order to enable him to play the role of the protagonist of destiny.

Left with no other choice, Shen Gongbao moved away from Kunlun Mountain while pondering a solution. Just then, a voice rang in Shen Gongbao's ear.

"Do you want revenge? Do you want those disciples of the Chan Sect who once looked down on you to look at you with new respect?"

Do you really want to completely surpass Jiang Ziya and let Yuanshi Tianzun see that your disciple is far more outstanding than Jiang Ziya?

The somber voice was full of allure, especially the last sentence, which ignited all the resentment in Shen Gongbao's heart.

"I want to! What I've been thinking about day and night is completely surpassing Jiang Ziya. I want all the disciples of the Chan Sect to know that I, Shen Gongbao, am far superior to Jiang Ziya!" Shen Gongbao said, almost roaring.

"Alright! I'll give you that chance. I can conceal the secrets of heaven for you and let you enter the Nine Provinces Barrier, where you can seek revenge on Jiang Ziya!" The chilling voice rang out again.

"Who are you? What is your purpose?" Shen Gongbao's expression changed, and he asked in a deep voice.

The cold voice appeared out of nowhere, and the matter it spoke of was closely related to Shen Gongbao, so it was no ordinary thing.

Shen Gongbao wasn't stupid; he was just angered by the voice, which led him to say those words.

Now that he had regained his composure, Shen Gongbao was able to sense the abnormality. While remaining vigilant, he was still quite eager to hear what the cold voice had said earlier.

"Who I am is not important. What's important is to do as I say, and you will achieve your wish!" The cold voice rang out again.

"What price should I pay?" Shen Gongbao pondered for a moment, but still couldn't suppress the resentment in his heart, and couldn't help but ask.

"Hahaha! What I want is beyond your imagination, but you don't need to worry, it's all within your capabilities."

As the chilling voice continued to ring out, Shen Gongbao's expression began to change constantly, gradually turning into a face full of malice.

Leaving aside Shen Gongbao for now, let's talk about how Jiang Ziya, after being sent to the human territory by the Antarctic Immortal, returned home alone.

But since he had been away from home for fifty years, and his family members were all ordinary people, their lifespans had long since ended and they had been reincarnated.

Having thus transcended worldly affairs, Jiang Ziya began to ponder how to fulfill the task entrusted to him by the Primordial Lord of Heaven—the conferment of titles upon the gods on behalf of Heaven.

Although Yuanshi Tianzun handed over the Investiture of the Gods and the God-Slaying Whip to Jiang Ziya, he did not tell Jiang Ziya how to proceed.

At this time, Jiang Ziya had no idea that the rise of the Great Zhou Dynasty, which would replace the corrupt Shang Dynasty, was the inevitable trend of Heaven.

Jiang Ziya was destined to be the one to bestow divine titles on behalf of Heaven, and was the protagonist of the great calamity of the Investiture of the Gods, who was meant to assist the future Great Zhou Dynasty.

Jiang Ziya, who was still completely unaware of the situation, planned to first visit the capital of the Shang Dynasty to see what the Shang Dynasty was like now.

You wouldn't believe it until you see it; it's truly astonishing. Along the way, the ordinary humans have been full of praise for the current Human Emperor.

Since ascending the throne, the current emperor has issued a series of policies, which have greatly improved the lives of ordinary people in a short period of time.

According to rumors, after the current Human Emperor ascended the throne, he issued a decree to the Dragon Clan, ordering them to come to the human realm to bring rain and clouds.

Nowadays, the human race enjoys favorable weather and abundant harvests every year, and ordinary people rarely starve to death anymore.

Therefore, it is only natural that ordinary humans would praise the current human emperor.

Along the way, Jiang Ziya also discovered that although there were instances of powerful people oppressing the common people, they were not frequent, and no one had ever died.

This is already an extremely rare thing, and compared with the Shang Dynasty that Jiang Ziya knew fifty years ago, it is a great improvement.

"Hearing is believing, seeing is believing! I still need to go to Chaoge City to take a look!" Jiang Ziya thought to himself.

Jiang Ziya, burdened with the great responsibility of bestowing titles upon the gods, dared not make a decision lightly and decided to first go to Chaoge City to take a look.

After arriving in Chaoge City, Jiang Ziya disguised himself as a fortune teller and spent his days mingling in the bustling city.

After some time, Jiang Ziya not only gained a sufficient understanding of Chaoge City, but also a sufficient understanding of the current emperor.

As the capital of the Great Shang Dynasty, Chaoge City was already extremely prosperous. Since the current emperor ascended the throne, Chaoge City has become even more prosperous.

In Chaoge City, Jiang Ziya not only witnessed a prosperous scene, but also encountered countless powerful human warriors with profound cultivation.

Even those with profound cultivation levels behaved well in Chaoge City, and never once oppressed the people.

"Since the current Human Emperor ascended the throne, not only has our human race flourished, but the world has also been brought into great order. He can be called a sage emperor in the world."

Such a human emperor is probably the enlightened ruler my teacher spoke of. If I wish to accomplish the task of bestowing titles upon the gods on behalf of Heaven, I must assist the current human emperor!

After observing for many days, Jiang Ziya couldn't help but feel more and more respect for the current emperor, and he had already made a decision in his heart.

But Jiang Ziya was now facing a dilemma regarding how to assist the Human Emperor, as he was currently penniless!

In terms of status, disciples of the Chan Sect were of little use within the Great Shang Dynasty, and even obtaining an official position within the Great Shang Dynasty was extremely difficult.

In terms of cultivation, he hasn't even become an immortal. Among humans, his strength is practically insignificant.

Jiang Ziya was, after all, a disciple of Yuanshi Tianzun, so he naturally had some pride in his heart, and ordinary officials were hard to meet his standards.

Just as Jiang Ziya was struggling with this problem, he heard that there was a Hall for Seeking Talents in Chaoge City, which was set up by the current emperor to seek out talented people.

Anyone who is confident in their talent can go to the Hall of Talent Seekers. If they can pass the tests there, they may even have the opportunity to meet the current emperor.

Jiang Ziya was immediately filled with fighting spirit and headed towards the Hall of Seeking Talents, ready to display his talents and find an opportunity to meet the Emperor.

Jiang Ziya began striving to become a civil servant of the Shang Dynasty; of course, Jiang Ziya's ambitions were higher.

Jiang Ziya wanted to assist the Human Emperor and become a wise and virtuous minister of the Shang Dynasty. What is this? This is a high-ranking civil servant!

At this moment, Jiang Heng was naturally unaware that Jiang Ziya, a disciple of the Chan Sect, had already recognized him as a wise ruler and was preparing to assist him.

If he knew, Jiang Heng's expression would probably be quite interesting. Who is Jiang Ziya? He is the disciple of Yuanshi Tianzun, the one who conferred titles upon the gods on behalf of Heaven.

If we follow the original historical trajectory, Jiang Ziya would be the gravedigger of the Shang Dynasty, but now he has voluntarily joined the Shang Dynasty?

Has Jiang Ziya betrayed the Chan Sect?

It's hard to imagine what Yuanshi Tianzun would have thought if Jiang Ziya had actually become a wise minister of the Shang Dynasty.

At this moment, Jiang Heng was preparing to summon the garrison commander of Sanshan Pass, who was none other than Kong Xuan, a famous figure in the Investiture of the Gods.

Jiang Heng had been looking forward to Kong Xuan, the son of Yuan Feng, who was known as the strongest quasi-saint in the Investiture of the Gods.

(End of this chapter)