Don't let Yu Ding take on any more disciples.

Chapter 542 This humble Taoist, Yu Ding, has come for Ziya.
"This is wrong!"

Yu Ding looked at Jiang Ziya, who had drifted here with the wind, somewhat bewildered: "How did you end up in my Jade Spring Mountain?"

This person's physical body is formed from the essence and blood of their parents, and it is precisely because of the three souls and seven spirits that it becomes a sentient and active life form.

He had been paying close attention to the conflict between the Shang and Zhou dynasties, and he remembered that the Ten Heavenly Kings had just set up the Ten Deadly Formations not long ago.

If things had unfolded as originally planned, Jiang Ziya would have been ambushed by Yao Bin, the sixth of the Ten Heavenly Kings, who used the straw effigy to worship the souls of two and six of his spirits, leaving only one soul and one spirit to escape.

The soul and spirit drifted to Kunlun, where Chi Jingzi brought them back to Xiqi. They went through a Soul-Losing Formation and borrowed the Taiji Diagram. After much trouble, they managed to retrieve Jiang Ziya's two souls and six spirits, but the Taiji Diagram was also lost in the Soul-Losing Formation.

He just didn't expect that Jiang Ziya's soul would somehow drift to Jade Spring Mountain this time...

With a sweep of the jade whisk, a gentle immortal force swept the soul and spirit over. It was seen that the soul and spirit had been separated from the body for too long and had become extremely weak, confused and dazed, unable to communicate with anyone, only muttering about Jade Spring Mountain.

"Jade Spring Mountain? It must be Jade Void Palace!"

Yu Ding shook his head: "...This child even got the Jade Void Palace wrong."

He took out a jade bottle from his sleeve and put the soul inside. Staring at the jade bottle, he was conflicted for a moment, not knowing what to do.

Originally, it was Chi Jingzi's job to revive Jiang Ziya, but now Jiang Ziya had run off to his Jade Spring Mountain...

He has taken this divine calamity very lightly now. To say he didn't care would be an overstatement, but it's true he hasn't been too worried about it.

After all, even if he did nothing and let things take their course, he would still lose all his cultivation. Moreover, he was no longer the Jade Cauldron Immortal from the original Investiture of the Gods world.

To put it bluntly, there are now "sacred" beings in the primordial world capable of punishing Yu Ding.
But the only one he truly feared and worried about was his ancestor who 'slept high in the nine heavens'.

"Fine! We're already here!"

Yu Ding shook his head: "Then let's go!"

He glanced around and saw a puppy-like Taotie sleeping under the stone tablet at the cave entrance, a white cat-like Qiongqi chasing a butterfly, and the sheep chef Taotie sometimes deep in thought and sometimes writing furiously at a stone table.

At his and Yang Chan's suggestion, Taotie has vowed to create a culinary masterpiece that encapsulates its culinary expertise.

Yu Ding smiled slightly, took a step forward, transformed into a golden light, and shot up, disappearing from sight.

But as soon as he left, the sleeping Taotie sat up, looking excited and fierce at the sky: "Finally gone!"

"oops!"

Qiongqi, who was chasing butterflies, slapped one of them to death under its foot. Its ferocity surged, and it roared to the sky, "Awoo, awoo, it's not easy. I've had enough of pretending to be stupid like this."

Just as the two were about to go all out, they suddenly sensed something was wrong. They turned around and saw Taotie resting its cheek on one claw, seriously contemplating the situation.

"So serious? No, glutton, are you leaving or not?" Taotie said with dissatisfaction.

Taotie said without turning his head: "I'm not leaving. I think what Jade Cauldron Immortal and Little Yang Chan said makes sense. Food is the most important thing for people. All living beings cannot live without the word 'eating'. I want to spread my experience in the way of food and become the ancestor of food in the prehistoric world, the number one gourmet in the prehistoric world, and the saint of food."

Qiongqi: "...?? Huh?"

Taotie was dumbfounded: "No, glutton, what nonsense are you talking about?"

A ferocious beast that strikes fear into the hearts of all living beings and makes even immortals and gods flee has now abandoned its original profession and started studying recipes?

They both suddenly felt that their previously established worldviews had been greatly impacted.

"This is called a stroke of luck. From now on, I am fundamentally different from you two who have no ambition, only know how to destroy, kill, and do evil without knowing why they do it."

Taotie didn't even raise his head and said calmly, "Now I have found myself and I have found a career that I can dedicate my life to."

"Immortal Jade Cauldron is right. Food is also a path, and this path has yet to be discovered. There is little competition. I will spread culinary culture throughout the primordial world, becoming its founder and proving my Dao through this. And..."

It raised its eyes to look at the Taotie, a cold glint in its eyes: "Dare to say another word of disrespect... and I'll kill you!"

Qiongqi: "...Aren't you fucking possessed, glutton?"

"Summer insects cannot speak of ice!"

Taotie snorted coldly and continued to study the recipe, leaving Taotie and Qiongqi dumbfounded.

Taotie shook its head and sighed, "It's over! It has lost its heart as one of the Four Ancient Fiends. This old Taotie is finished."

Qiongqi sighed and withdrew his astonished gaze: "Never mind it, let's run. For the sake of freedom, we're willing to risk our lives. Anyway, we're immortal, we can always reincarnate."

Taotie cursed, "Damn it, although the environment here is much better, we still have to eat vegetarian food here. We're not as happy as we were in the Demon Sealing Cave."

The two beasts spoke as they raced toward the cliff leading to freedom, intending to leap into the sky and escape this damned place.

"Where are you two going?"

As the two beasts' eyes gleamed at the cliff so close at hand, a voice suddenly came from behind them. The Taotie Qiongqi's fur stood on end as if it had been electrocuted, and it braked suddenly, leaving a long skid mark on the ground.

They turned around in disbelief and saw yet another jade cauldron emerge from the Golden Cloud Cave.

Taotie stared wide-eyed at the jade cauldron: "Why is it you again?"

Qiongqi asked in astonishment, "Where did you come from?"

"You like me so much? Then I'll call a few more out."

Yu Ding glanced sideways at the two beasts, unleashing a powerful aura that suppressed them: "Who said that one would risk their life for freedom?"

"It's Qiongqi!"

Taotie replied without hesitation, "It said so."

Qiongqi was furious: "Taowu, you bastard, you're disloyal, you betrayed me?"

Taotie whispered, "Old Poor, it's better for you to reincarnate alone than for the two of us to go on the same journey. Don't worry, I will find you in the future."

"Go to hell, why did you bring me back to suffer again?"

Enraged, Qiongqi pounced on Taotie and began to fight and tear at it like a cat or dog in the mortal world, using both claws and teeth. The battle raged fiercely, with fur flying everywhere.

With their powerful physical bodies, it would be very difficult to harm them without divine weapons.

But their claws and teeth are as sharp as divine weapons, and when they fight each other, it's like using one's own spear to attack another's shield.

Yu Ding took out a watermelon from his sleeve, cut it into pieces with his hand like a knife, and ate the watermelon while watching the show with a chuckle, until the two beasts fought until their heads were bleeding and they were both injured, then he called a stop and turned back.

The two beasts, dejected and bleeding from their heads, followed him on either side, still disliking each other.

Suddenly someone called out from behind him, "Junior Brother Yu Ding, wait!"

Yu Ding looked back and saw Chi Jingzi riding on a cloud, landing on the platform in front of the cave in the blink of an eye.

"You should have come sooner..." Yu Ding remained silent and stepped forward to greet him.

After the ceremony, Yu Ding, knowing the answer already, asked, "Senior Brother, where did you come from?"

Speaking of Chi Jingzi, he still has a bit of dry humor. In the world of Investiture of the Gods, he clearly chased Jiang Ziya's soul to Kunlun Mountain, but the soul was taken by the Antarctic Immortal and he wanted to go to his master Yuanshi for help.

But then this guy kept stopping the Antarctic Immortal and started rambling on and on, making the Antarctic Immortal, who was in a hurry to save people, extremely anxious.

Finally, he revealed that he had also come to follow Jiang Ziya's soul and offered to go and save Jiang Ziya.

But this time was different. Chi Jingzi asked urgently, "Junior brother, did you see Ziya's soul just now?"

Yu Ding feigned surprise and asked, "I've never seen this before, what's wrong?"

Chi Jingzi said, "Oh no! I predicted that I would go to help Ziya before he was in trouble. I went to the Fengshen Platform in Qishan first. Bai Jian said that when Ziya's soul arrived at the Fengshen Platform, he pushed it out and it came this way. So I followed the path, but you didn't see it. Where did Ziya's soul go?"

Yu Ding laughed and said, "Senior brother, don't worry. Just now I saw Ziya's soul wandering here, so I put it into a jade bottle and took it to Xiqi for treatment."

Chi Jingzi paused, then said, "But you're clearly here..."

Yu Ding laughed and said, "Why can't I take him with me in my clone?"

Upon hearing this, the Taotie Qiongqi, whose head was bleeding from both sides, gritted its teeth in anger. No wonder another Yu Ding had appeared.

It turns out that was just a clone all along; they were deliberately luring them into a trap.

Chi Jingzi breathed a sigh of relief and pointed at Yu Ding, laughing and cursing, "You little devil, you tricked me like this, you really scared me, you're really despicable."

Yu Ding smiled and apologized, explaining that the Twelve Golden Immortals each had their own small groups, such as himself with Taiyi, Huanglong, Guangchengzi and Chijingzi, Julusun, Wenshu, Puxian, Cihang, and others.

Although he had little contact with Guangchengzi and Chijingzi, he did not dislike these two senior brothers as much as he disliked those cunning fellows like Julusun.

Details reveal character. After taking Yin Jiao and Yin Hong as disciples, these two taught them everything they knew without holding back, passing on magical treasures such as the Heaven-Turning Seal and the Yin-Yang Mirror, to the point that they were humiliated by their betraying disciples.

Although it's funny, as masters, these two were truly impeccable in their treatment of their disciples, especially Chi Jingzi, who cried loudly after his disciple's death.

Compared to Ju Liusun, who taught his disciples to keep their skills hidden, the difference in their abilities is obvious. Chi Jingzi hesitated and said, "But your cultivation has not yet recovered, and you can only send a clone. Ziya was still ambushed by Yao Bin of the Ten Heavenly Lords. Can you go alone?"

Yu Ding smiled and said, "Although it is only an avatar, my fellow disciples and I are already in Xiqi, so there is no problem. If you are worried, then come along with me."

Chi Jingzi nodded and said, "Alright!"

He immediately bid farewell to Yu Ding and headed to Xiqi.

Meanwhile, Yu Ding, carrying Jiang Ziya's soul, soon arrived in Xiqi and reached the gate of the Prime Minister's residence.

At this moment, inside the Prime Minister's residence, Jiang Ziya's death came too suddenly, without any warning. When Ji Fa heard about it, he was shocked and rushed over to visit him.

Although he studied under Guiguzi and had a broad vision, he also knew that there were many extraordinary people in the Yin Shang Dynasty. It was Jiang Ziya's background and abilities that gave him the confidence to compete with the heroes of the world.

Now that Jiang Ziya is dead, how could he not be anxious?
"My martial uncle is dead, what are we going to do?"

"If it doesn't work, go ask the masters. This is clearly not something we can handle."

In the courtyard, a group of Jade Void disciples gathered together, their brows furrowed, discussing the matter amongst themselves but unable to come up with a solution.

Suddenly, Ao Bing seemed to sense something, turned his head and saw an auspicious cloud coming to the outside of the mansion. He hurriedly came to the gate of the Prime Minister's mansion and saw Yu Ding. He bowed with joy and said, "Master, you have come?"

Jinzha and the others followed and saw Yu Ding. They quickly addressed him as their Uncle-Master and bowed in greeting.

"Uncle-Master, have you come today for Uncle-Master Ziya?" Jinzha asked tentatively.

Yu Ding laughed and said, "Indeed!"

The worries on the faces of the young people vanished, replaced by joy.

Nezha quickly entered the Prime Minister's residence and approached Ji Fa, who was looking grief-stricken, saying, "King Wu, my Uncle Yu Ding has come down the mountain. My Uncle can be saved."

Upon hearing this, Ji Fa's sorrow vanished: "The arrival of the immortal is not to be neglected. I will personally greet him."

He immediately went outside the mansion, where he saw a young Taoist priest standing at the gate, with an air of otherworldly elegance, gentle and refined, and exuding an aura of transcendence. Ji Fa immediately clasped his hands and bowed, saying, "This humble prince greets the venerable immortal!"

Little Wu has become Great Wu… Yu Ding nodded: “This humble Taoist Yu Ding greets King Wu.”

The days of Guigu seem like yesterday. Compared to back then, "Xiao Wu" has shed his youthful naiveté.

The naive and slick boy of yesteryear has grown into a mature man with the air of a king.

He did not pay homage to Ji Fa, nor did he even bow to her.

What a joke! There's no such thing as a master bowing to his disciple; that's the opposite of what's expected.

What's wrong with the king? He's still a god.

Although this was indeed somewhat rude.

Ji Fa was taken aback and then smiled, “I have heard the Prime Minister and General Ao Bing mention the name of the Immortal for a long time, but I have never had the good fortune to meet you. It is truly an honor to meet you today.”

Still as glib as ever... Yu Ding smiled slightly: "King Wu, you flatter me. I have come here for Ziya. I wonder where Ziya is?"

Ji Fa hurriedly stepped aside to let Yu Ding into the inner hall, where he saw Jiang Ziya lying on his back with his eyes closed and mouth shut, looking pale and unwell.

Ji Fa asked, "Immortal, what's wrong with my father? Why did he suddenly..."

Yu Ding felt around Jiang Ziya's body for a while and said, "No need to panic, he is still warm. Ziya was ambushed by evil magic and his soul was taken away. As long as you retrieve his soul and return it to his body, he will naturally wake up and be fine."

Ao Bing asked, "When will my martial uncle be better?"

Yu Ding glanced at the sky: "Midnight is the best time."

Yu Ding's words were like a reassuring pill for everyone, putting them at ease.

Then, Ji Fa shamelessly started a conversation with Yu Ding, using Jiang Ziya and the disciples of Yu Xu as a starting point, until it was dark in the middle of the night.

"Jinzha! Muzha! Nezha! Leizhenzi!"

Yu Ding issued the order: "Tonight, you few will go to the merchant camp to set fire and create chaos. Do not linger in battle, and do not engage the Ten Heavenly Lords."

"Yes!"

Several people accepted the order.

Yu Ding glanced at Ao Bing: "As for you, you shall accompany your master on this journey."

After he finished making the arrangements, everyone went about their own business.

Ji Fa stood at the entrance of the inner hall, gazing at the night sky for a long time without moving.

The physician San Yisheng smiled and said, "Your Majesty, do not worry. The Prime Minister is blessed with good fortune, and the Jade Cauldron Immortal will surely succeed."

Ji Fa said, "I don't know why, but I feel a sense of familiarity from this immortal, yet I have never met him before. It's really strange."

After calculating with his fingers, San Yisheng laughed and said, "I heard from the Prime Minister that when he was learning martial arts in Kunlun in his early years, the Immortal Yuding taught him on behalf of his master, and they became close friends. Perhaps this is the reason!"

Ji Fa said softly, "Perhaps!"

Outside the city, Yu Ding and Ao Bing stood in the air. They saw the murderous aura of the ten killing formations soaring into the heavens, and black mist shrouding Qishan. Their expressions darkened: "What vicious formations! No wonder they are called the Ten Deadly Formations. Once you enter the formation, you will be annihilated by heaven, earth, gods, demons, immortals, and monsters... Once you enter, you will be annihilated."

He looked again and saw that in the already dimly lit Soul-Slaying Array, talisman banners were swirling, and a figure was exceptionally clear under the lamplight.

A figure with disheveled hair and a sword was seen on the stage, performing ritualistic steps. A lamp was placed on top of a straw figure on the stage, dim and dim, while another lamp was placed at the feet, half-lit and half-extinguished.

"So this is the bastard who plotted against my martial uncle?" Ao Bing was furious.

"Don't be impatient!"

Yu Ding glanced at him: "You've met the other members of the Ten Heavenly Kings, haven't you?"

Ao Bing nodded.

Yu Ding whispered something in his ear, then flicked his finger, and a precious flag radiating an earthy yellow light appeared in his hand: "This treasure is for your self-defense!"

"This...isn't this Martial Uncle's Jade Void Apricot Yellow Banner?"

Ao Bing was taken aback at first, then pointed at the jade cauldron and chuckled, "Well, no wonder you were touching Uncle Ziya all day, Master. You were stealing his treasure."

"Nonsense! This is a treasure of Jade Void Sect. Am I not a member of Jade Void Sect? How can you call it stealing when it's a matter within our own sect?"

Yu Ding rebuked, "This journey is fraught with danger. Without this treasure to protect you, and with your accidental fall into the formation, you would be doomed."

It turns out that even Chi Jingzi failed on his first attempt and was almost left in the Soul-Losing Formation by Yao Bin.

If they were trapped in the formation, even a powerful being like Chi Jingzi, who had reached the peak of the Golden Immortal realm, would face a near-certain death.

Ao Bing quickly took the apricot-yellow flag with a smile, still feeling a bit scared, and said, "Master, I was just joking."

Yu Ding nodded: "I have three things to tell you before you go. First, never fail. Second, never fail. Third, be absolutely sure of success."

If this fails like the original Chi Jingzi, then we'll have to borrow the Taiji Diagram again.

Although he had connections with Taixu over there and was considered half a disciple of the Grand Master, running back and forth like this was just too much trouble.

At that moment, Yao Bin picked up the token on the table and struck it. The lamp went out, and Jiang Ziya's soul and spirit rushed out of the jade bottle, but the bottle opening was tightly sealed and he could not break out.

Ao Bing asked, "Master, what is this unorthodox and unorthodox technique?"

Yu Ding pondered and said, "The Straw Man Soul Worship Technique only takes 21 days (three times seven) to silently worship a person's soul and kill them. It is an extremely insidious and vicious technique that can kill a person without them even realizing it."

Ao Bing laughed and said, "If we practice this magic and worship the King of Shang to death, we won't have to fight each other anymore, which will save us a lot of trouble."

Yu Ding stared at him in shock, his eyes wide: "How come I never realized before that you were a real man, no, a dragon talent?"

His master only dared to make minor modifications to save a few people, but this kid actually wanted to destroy the crystal directly.

The Investiture of the Gods was a way to bestow titles upon gods during dynastic changes. If you directly cause the downfall of the Shang Dynasty, how can this grand drama, orchestrated by Heaven, continue?

Ao Bing said with a smug look, "Thank you for the compliment, Master!"

I'll praise your grandpa... Yu Ding's lips twitched. Even Nuwa dared not move when Di Xin was under his influence. You, with your great wisdom, also want to worship him to death?

Also, that's my apprentice too, you know?
At this moment, Yao Tianjun was seen bowing repeatedly to the straw effigy inside the Soul-Sinking Formation, but the lamp there flickered and did not go out.

As long as this lamp remains lit, the soul will not perish, and the person will not die.

Yao Bin tried many times with the same result, and grew increasingly impatient. He slammed the token down, angrily shouting, "Two souls and six spirits have arrived! One soul and one spirit, why haven't they come?!"

Why didn't you come?

"Why...don't you come?"