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

Chapter 576 This humble Taoist recommends someone

"It seems you've been outmaneuvered by the King of Shang," Tianxu pointed out.

Wen Zhong paused for a moment, then admitted, "I know."

Tianxu gave Wen Zhong a deep look, especially at the third eye on his forehead.

Yes, Wen Zhong cultivated a divine eye that could see the true nature of people's hearts and distinguish between good and evil, loyalty and treachery. That's why the Holy Mother Jinling sent him to the human court to cultivate.

The Golden Spirit Mother originally intended for Wen Zhong to use his Heavenly Eye to observe the good and evil, right and wrong, loyalty and treachery of people while he was in the court, so that he could see through these things. However, she did not expect that Wen Zhong would get too caught up in the role and get himself involved.

"In fact, I had already achieved enlightenment after descending the mountain to the court and practicing Taoism. I could have simply walked away, but this Shang Dynasty truly contains the hard work of several generations of my family and their people."

Wen Zhong spoke softly, as if addressing Tianxu, yet also as if speaking to himself: "Now that we've been thrown into such chaos by these treacherous officials... how can I face the trust and entrustment of the late kings if I leave?"

"Besides, if I leave... all the burdens and responsibilities will fall on His Majesty alone. I'll help him however little I can," Wen Zhong said softly.

Di Xin was not only his disciple, but also someone he had watched grow up from childhood.

Although he later guided him to become a disciple of the even more mysterious and extraordinary Master Guigu, the teacher-student relationship remained, and he still treated him with great respect.

People develop feelings for cats and dogs after raising them for a long time, let alone people who have raised them themselves.

Tianxu glanced at him again and said, "You are also a cultivator from Biyou. You should be able to see that the Shang Dynasty has long suffered from accumulated problems and its fate is not long."

As Yu Ding concluded earlier, the Shang Dynasty had been established for 500 years, and there were too many problems accumulated over such a long period.

Internal troubles include class divisions, wealth disparity, bureaucracy, and regional warlords; external threats include the surrounding presence of foreign tribes. These problems are far too numerous for one person to solve.

Only a change of dynasty, a reshuffling of the board, and a complete overhaul can solve the problem.

The Shang Dynasty has already produced a ruler who revived it once, and it is extremely difficult to extend its life a second time.

"Fate? Destiny?"

Wen Zhong murmured, but his eyes quickly hardened: "I have heard the disciples of Yuxu Sect say that fate is predetermined and cannot be controlled by man, but our Jie Sect believes that things can be accomplished by man. Even if the fate of the Great Shang is nearing its end, I will fight for that glimmer of hope for the Great Shang."

As he spoke, a strange aura suddenly arose from him, and his beard and hair fluttered gently.

Tianxu was deeply moved by this scene; he had realized that Wen Zhong had grasped the true meaning of the word "Intercept" in the name of the Intercepting Sect.

If this matter is truly accomplished, then Wen Zhong's path will be complete, and the Jie Sect will have one more Great Luo Golden Immortal.

pity……

After a moment's thought, Tianxu said, "Fine, since you've made up your mind, whether it succeeds or not, your junior uncle will lend you a hand."

The progress of this "Investiture of the Gods" story can be summed up in one word: slow.

Even Yu Ding now needs to expedite the Investiture of the Gods process.

Upon hearing this, Wen Zhong was deeply moved and looked at Tianxu with joy. However, his smile quickly faded, and he shook his head, saying, "Junior Uncle has already helped me too much. Besides, this place is no longer a safe haven. I have already caused many of my Uncles in Biyou to suffer, how can I let Junior Uncle risk his life for me..."

"It's alright, I will leave if I see that things are beyond my control," Tianxu interrupted him with a single sentence.

Wen Zhong: (_)……

This junior uncle is really... honest!

The next morning.

Chaoge, Longde Hall.

At the morning court session, Emperor Xin was flipping through the memorials presented to him by his ministers.

The memorials sent from all over the country every day would first be reviewed by several doctors. Simple matters would be handled by them, while important ones would be selected and approved by him.

He's been in a good mood lately. He's dealt with the rebellion in the north, and the rebel forces of his father-in-law and brother-in-law in the east have been blocked outside Youhun Pass. They haven't made any progress in the past few years and have even suffered heavy losses. Meanwhile, good news keeps coming from Deng Jiugong's side at Sanshan Pass in the south...

The civil and military officials were also very pleased with this, exchanging glances with each other.

"Report! Your Majesty, the Grand Tutor has sent an urgent report!"

Just then, a soldier with an urgent flag stuck on his back hurried into the palace, and his way was unimpeded, with no one daring to stop him.

The civil and military officials were initially nervous upon seeing that the message was "urgent," but their worries immediately turned into smiles upon hearing that it was Wen Zhong's memorial.

"Grand Tutor?" Di Xin's expression relaxed.

Wen Zhong was a veteran of three dynasties and was also skilled in Taoist arts. He fought for the Shang Dynasty in the east and west and was invincible. He and Huang Feihu were known as the two pillars of the Shang Dynasty, meaning that as long as these two were in power, the Shang Dynasty would never fall.

It can be said that Wen Zhong was an invincible legend in their hearts. As long as this old Grand Tutor took action, there was no enemy that could not be defeated and no city that could not be conquered.

A close attendant immediately came down and quickly presented the memorial to Emperor Xin.

"Congratulations, Your Majesty! Congratulations, Your Majesty!"

"Grand Tutor's urgent report suggests that Xiqi has been captured and the traitors Ji Fa and Jiang Shang have been taken prisoner."

"..."

While the courtiers were still offering their congratulations, Huang Feihu, standing at the very front, noticed that Emperor Xin's pupils constricted in shock shortly after seeing the memorial.

Soon, Di Xin gripped the tablet tightly, almost snapping it in two, but it still made a cracking sound. His face darkened, and the atmosphere in the entire hall instantly became extremely oppressive.

In his memorial to the throne, Wen Zhong recounted the process of the battle of magic against Xiqi and the subsequent defeat.

The ministers felt as if a mountain was pressing down on them, and they looked at each other, not daring to speak.

Huang Feihu asked, "Your Majesty, has the Grand Tutor encountered any trouble?"

Di Xin said coldly, "That's right. That old scoundrel Jiang Shang gathered a bunch of unorthodox people to help Xiqi. The Grand Tutor suffered a loss and sent a letter asking for help."

He did not specify that it was Immortal Yuxu who helped Xiqi, so as not to cause confusion among the people.

Even so, the ministers were all taken aback when they heard that Grand Tutor Wen had suffered a defeat, and they showed signs of panic.

Grand Physician Jin Sheng said, "Then Your Majesty must send a general with outstanding abilities this time to assist the Grand Tutor."

Di Xin glanced at everyone and asked, "Then who do you think is suitable?"

Jin Sheng's gaze swept across the main hall, and he saw that the civil officials were calm, while the military generals were all sweating.

The civil officials were not worried at all about being sent to lead troops into battle, while the military generals knew their own limitations. They knew that it would be pointless for them to go to an enemy that even Grand Tutor Wen had failed against.

Finally, Jin Sheng said, "I have heard that General Deng Jiugong of Sanshan Pass recently defeated the southern bandit E Shun and made great contributions. If we want to conquer Xiqi, we cannot succeed without him."

Di Xin said, "The Grand Tutor has already ordered Deng Jiugong to lead troops to Sanshan Pass. However, Xiqi is difficult to conquer. My Chaoge needs to find someone to go there as well to be on the safe side..."

His eyes flickered as he pondered whether he should go in person.

Just then, a flash of light appeared in the hall, and a figure appeared inside.

It was none other than their imperial advisor, Shen Gongbao!

"Your Majesty... Your Majesty, I... I recommend someone." Shen Gongbao bowed and said.

Di Xin asked, "I wonder which one the Imperial Preceptor will recommend?"

If the Grand Tutor hadn't praised the Imperial Preceptor in his letter, saying that he had gone to great lengths to find him many helpers, he wouldn't have been so polite.

Shen Gongbao beamed and looked into the main hall, saying, "This poor... this poor Taoist wants... wants..."

Di Xin found it quite difficult to understand and couldn't help but say, "The Grand Preceptor can just point a finger."

Shen Gongbao raised his hand and pointed at Huang Feihu.

"King Wucheng?"

Emperor Xin, his ministers, and even Huang Feihu himself were all taken aback; this choice was unexpected by everyone.

The two pillars of the Shang Dynasty had a clear division of labor: the Grand Tutor was in charge of external conquests, while Huang Feihu was in charge of protecting the safety of Chaoge and the capital. Both of them bore heavy responsibilities.

Physician Yang Rendao said, "Imperial Preceptor, King Wucheng bears the responsibility of guarding the safety of the palace and Chaoge. Could we perhaps choose someone else?"

Shen Gongbao said, "Change, change, change..."

Yang Ren asked expectantly, "Who should we replace her with?"

"Can't change it!"

Shen Gongbao glared at him, then looked around: "Don't think I don't know, what... what about the safety of the royal palace and Chaoge? You... you're only worried about your own lives, but... I've heard that your Great Shang Dynasty also has some kind of Xuan Niao Division, haven't you?"

The officials who were being criticized all remained silent and did not utter a sound.

The Xuan Niao Division was originally composed of Qi Refiners and was originally led by Du Yuanxian, the Director of the Imperial Observatory.

However, Du Yuanxian was the teacher of the current king's eldest brother, Ziqi. When the late king passed away, Du Yuanxian wanted to help his disciple seize the throne, but he was defeated by Grand Tutor Wen Zhong.

Later, he left with his family and son Qi, and their whereabouts became unknown. This force was then abandoned by Emperor Xin.

Huang Feihu pondered for a moment and said, "Your Majesty, since the Imperial Advisor recommends me, then I am willing to go!"

Upon hearing this, Emperor Xin agreed without further ado and ordered Huang Feihu to lead 30,000 troops to assist him.

"National Division!"

Di Xin then said, "The Xuan Niao Division has been without a leader for a long time. Since the Imperial Preceptor has brought it up today, the Xuan Niao Division will henceforth be under the Imperial Preceptor's jurisdiction."

Shen Gongbao smiled and bowed: "This humble Taoist obeys the decree!"

Immediately, Huang Feihu left to reorganize his troops. In the afternoon, he mustered 30,000 soldiers and led his four brothers, Huang Ming, Zhou Ji, Long Huan, and Wu Qian, as well as his younger brother Huang Feibao and Huang Feibiao, to the expedition.

However, when he left, his sons Huang Tianlu, Huang Tianxiang, and Huang Tianjue also wanted to go with him. These three sons were all brave and fierce, and the generals all liked them. Seeing this, they all tried to persuade him not to go.

Huang Feihu had no choice but to take them along.

After the court session ended, in a side hall.

Only Emperor Xin and Shen Gongbao sat quietly.

Di Xin placed the broken letter from Wen Zhong on the table: "Please take a look, Grand Preceptor."

Shen Gongbao swept his whisk lightly, and his magical power flew over, causing the broken scrolls to automatically restore themselves and unfold as if they had never been broken.

He smiled after just one glance at Shen Gongbao, and with a flick of his whisk, the scroll rolled up on its own.

"It seems that my opponents and those of the Shang Dynasty are not only Ji Fa and the feudal lords, Grand Preceptor," Emperor Xin sighed in a deep voice.

Although his mind is now unbreakable, he still felt somewhat heavy-hearted when he learned that even the gods were against him and were helping his adversaries.

"Your Majesty must not doubt yourself or waver in your beliefs."

Shen Gongbao smiled and said, "They have the help of the Chan Sect disciples, and Your Majesty also has the help of the Jie Sect immortals. It is still unknown who will emerge victorious."

Although many people are not as proactive as Yuxu in helping Xiqi, the fact that he was able to get the help of the Jiejiao disciples is entirely due to his thick skin and deep friendship with Wen Zhong.

Di Xin was taken aback; it seemed... that was indeed what the Imperial Advisor had said.

……

Outside Xiqi City.

Wen Zhong rode out of the camp gate on a black Qilin, with Tianxu, Hanzhixian, Jinguangxian, Dingguangxian, Deng, Xin, Zhang, and Tao on his left and right, leading the army to the front of the battle. On the opposite side, Ziya rode a Qilin, accompanied by Cihang Daoren, Ao Bing, Nezha, Huang Tianhua, Lei Zhenzi, Longxuhu, Wuji, and other disciples.

As the two armies arrayed their forces, a chilling atmosphere instantly descended upon the world.

On the city wall of Xiqi, Ji Fa leaned against the wall, looking at the scene below with a heavy expression.

Master Ran Deng misled me... Seeing three Azure Golden Immortals on the other side, Ci Hang's heart sank. In terms of magical power, he was not even as good as these third-generation disciples. Wasn't this setting him up for failure?
Having fought many battles and suffered casualties on both sides, they were extremely hostile upon meeting again.

"Are these the only disciples left in the Jade Void Sect?"

Ding Guangxian and Jin Guangxian exchanged a smile; they were just a few juniors, not worth their attention.

"on!"

"kill!"

With a shout from Jiang Ziya and Wen Zhong, the great battle began.

Bugles sounded, war drums beat, and hundreds of thousands of soldiers roared in unison, their bloodlust surging forth. Countless chariots charged forward, and as they drew near, the archers on the chariots drew their bows in unison, unleashing a rain of arrows.

boom--

Wen Zhong's third eye emitted a blazing white light, like a surging wave crashing against the shore, surging forward and knocking countless chariots to the side.

Huang Tianhua shouted and charged towards Wen Zhong, wielding his double hammers as he rode the jade unicorn.

Just as Han Zhixian was about to make a move, Dingguang Xian stopped her with a raised hand and said with a smile, "Junior sister, don't be in a hurry. They can't do anything to Wen Zhong yet. Let's see what kind of skills the junior Yuxu has first."

Jin Guangxian nodded: "I think it's a good idea."

Tianxu coughed lightly: "I have no objection."

As they finished speaking, Wen Zhong withdrew his Heavenly Eye and unleashed his golden whip, which transformed into a beam of golden light and struck Huang Tianhua.

Huang Tianhua hurriedly swung his double hammers to defend himself, but Wen Zhong only needed to urge his golden whip to force Huang Tianhua into a dangerous situation.

"You old scoundrel, stop your arrogance!"

Nezha rode his Wind Fire Wheels and charged forward, unleashing his Universe Ring to strike Wen Zhong. However, Tianxu flicked his finger, sending the Universe Ring flying and preventing it from being captured by Jin Guangxian and the others.

Han Zhixian ignored the onlookers and charged forward to fight Nezha.

Boom!

Lightning flashed in the dim clouds, and suddenly, a bolt of lightning struck Wen Zhong with incredible speed.

In the flash of lightning, Lei Zhenzi raised his golden cudgel and brought it down.

His speed was so fast that Wen Zhong had no time to react. In desperation, he could only raise his golden whip to defend himself. The divine weapons clashed, and a deafening roar erupted.

"Two billion volts!" Lei Zhenzi roared.

In an instant, intense lightning erupted from Lei Zhenzi's glowing body.

"not good……"

Before Wen Zhong could finish speaking, he was engulfed by lightning. The lightning spread outwards from the two of them, forming a vast ocean of lightning that was impossible for outsiders to interfere with.

The scene was truly akin to undergoing a tribulation!

At this moment, four generals, Deng, Xin, Zhang, and Tao, came out together, while Jinzha, Muzha, Longxuhu, and Wuji from Xiqi came to meet them.

The two sides then engaged in a great battle, and the mortal soldiers clashed like two raging torrents, clashing and fighting fiercely.

"Brothers, why aren't you making a move? What are you waiting for?" Han Zhixian shouted, forcing Nezha away with her sword.

In terms of cultivation level, she surpassed Nezha, but Nezha also cultivated the profound art of physical immortality, possessed divine power, and was protected by Samadhi Fire and a body full of magical treasures. After a battle, she did not gain much advantage.

"Hahaha, she's getting anxious..."

Jin Guangxian laughed heartily, but his movements were swift, raising a conventional weapon, a celestial sword, into his hand.

"Ao Bing!"

Upon seeing Jin Guangxian move, Jiang Ziya shouted, "Those three Golden Immortals are now your responsibility."

Before Yu Ding left, he set a principle for him: as long as the other party did not send out a Golden Immortal, he must not use Ao Bing.

Although he didn't understand the deeper meaning behind it, it was obvious that this was the time for Ao Bing to make his move.

Ao Bing gasped, shocked: "Uncle-Master, are you kidding me? If I go there, what will you be responsible for?"

He felt that this uncle had been corrupted by his master.

His master exploited him, forcing him to fight a powerful and renowned figure when he was at the Celestial Immortal realm, and he almost didn't make it back.

Now that his master is gone, he still hasn't escaped the fate of being exploited, and is being sent to deal with two powerful beings and a Golden Immortal.

No... there's no such way of exploiting him. Last time he was able to kill Qiu Shou Xian thanks to the Heavenly Tribulation. That was a trick, not his true strength.

He expressed his apologies if his previous performance led people to misjudge his fighting ability.

Jiang Ziya said, "You are responsible for delaying them, and I will lend you a hand. Delay as many as you can, at least for the time it takes for an incense stick to burn. If you manage to delay them, I will consider it a great achievement. If you fail, I will take your head... well, forget it, you can go back to the mountain and find your master."

He gave Ao Bing a military order and a tough challenge!

Ao Bing's lips twitched: "Uncle-Master, can't you give me a few soft bones to gnaw on?"

Going back is definitely out of the question. If he were persuaded to leave and go back, he would absolutely make Yuquan Mountain lose all face.

Jiang Ziya nodded expressionlessly: "Next time for sure."

"I don't believe you..." Ao Bing curled his lips and stepped forward to block Jin Guangxian's path.

Jin Guangxian sensed the aura and narrowed his eyes: "Such a young Golden Immortal..."

Ao Bing remained silent, but a blazing white light emanated from his body. He clenched his fist and swung it towards Jin Guangxian, blocking his path.

Meanwhile, Chang Er Dingguang Xian set his sights on Jiang Ziya. Upon seeing this, Ao Bing unleashed a phantom of a white dragon with gleaming scales, blocking Dingguang Xian's path.

"Hmm?" Dingguangxian's eyes flickered, and his cold gaze fixed on Ao Bing: "You're courting death!"

He could naturally see that this young junior actually wanted to fight two against one and stop them, and he was naturally happy to deal with such a young Golden Immortal with unlimited potential first.

boom!
The most intense and spectacular battle broke out here, with Ao Bing wielding a giant axe and directly confronting two powerful beings.

Although he hadn't progressed as far as the two in the Golden Immortal Realm, and his magical power wasn't as profound, his formidable physical body, comparable to a Primordial Spiritual Treasure, was his greatest source of confidence.

For a time, the three were locked in a fierce battle with no clear victor.

"hateful!"

Seeing the situation was critical, Han Zhixian immediately made a hand seal and pointed, causing a bag to burst open. In an instant, a black wind howled and surged out of the bag, causing sand and stones to fly and the sky to darken.

"Senior brother, quickly activate the Wind-Stabilizing Pearl!" Jiang Ziya urged.

Cihang Daoist's lips twitched: "Your senior brother Yuding took the Wind-Fixing Pearl after we used it last time."

Jiang Ziya: "...What?"

He raised his sleeve to protect his eyes, and in the black wind, he spotted Han Zhixian's location. Suddenly, he raised his hand and pointed, and a golden light shot out and landed on Han Zhixian's forehead.

Click...

Han Zhixian screamed and covered her face with both hands. Her entire skull was shattered, and golden spiderweb-like cracks appeared on her face and head, accompanied by the sound of bones cracking.

She felt all her strength drain away, her body and the wind bag fell to the ground, and a wisp of her spirit went to the Conferred God Platform.

After losing his opponent, Nezha suddenly caught sight of Tianxu, who had also not found an opponent.

Their eyes met, and the moment they saw each other, they both smiled.

"You're the one..." they both thought to themselves.

Nezha rode on his Wind and Fire Wheels, flying across the sky, his Fire-Tipped Spear shooting out with a 'whoosh', heading straight for Tianxu's face.

"Ziya, well done!"

Cihang's eyes lit up as she praised him, then glanced at Jin Guangxian and the others who were locked in fierce combat with Ao Bing and said, "Get ready, let's try fighting Jin Guangxian... Get ready... Now! Quickly!"

Jiang Ziya responded and once again unleashed the God-Slaying Whip, striking Jin Guangxian on the forehead.

It must be said that Cihang's timing was perfect; the whip fell just as Jin Guangxian was preoccupied with Ao Bing and had no time to spare.

Unfortunately, the whip struck and sparks flew. Jin Guangxian shook his head, but was unharmed. Instead, he glared at Jin Guangxian fiercely and said, "Despicable!"

Cihang: Σ(☉▽☉“a
He turned to look at Jiang Ziya.

Jiang Ziya's face showed a hint of embarrassment: "Master said that the God-Slaying Whip can only be used by people on the Investiture of the Gods list. Could it be... that Jin Guangxian is not on the list?"

Cihang frowned and said, "This Jin Guangxian is of despicable character and disregards his own life. If an immortal like him is not on the list, then who is?"

Jiang Ziya was speechless and remained silent.

Meanwhile, the other battles were also gradually coming to a conclusion. Jinzha killed Zhang Jie, Muzha killed Deng Zhong, Xin Huan was forced to the ground by Long Xuhu's stones thrown from both hands, and Tao Rong defeated Wu Ji, but was killed by Huang Tianhua.

As the distant ocean of lightning gradually dissipated, Lei Zhenzi and Wen Zhong were seen lying motionless on the ground, their fate unknown.

"Grand Tutor?!"

Xin Huan shouted and glanced around, seeing that the situation was hopeless. He bent down to snatch Wen Zhong from the ground, but Cihang brought down the Jade Bottle and smashed his brains, killing him instantly. His soul went to the Conferred God Platform.

"Lei Zhenzi..."

Jinzha, Muzha, and the others looked at Lei Zhenzi with some sadness, but they couldn't care less about that now. They immediately went back to the battlefield to help Ao Bing.

Although they were less skilled in cultivation, their master left them all the treasures when he returned to the mountain.

Jinzha raised his hand and pointed, and three golden rings flew out, instantly encircling Jin Guangxian's neck, waist, and legs, binding him to the stake.

Before Jin Guangxian could struggle, Mu Zha, with a flash of sword light and perfect coordination, lifted a head and flew up, transforming it into the head of a Hou.

In an instant, Ding Guangxian was surrounded by the crowd.

"You... you..."

Chang Er Ding Guang Xian's expression changed drastically. He never expected the situation to change so quickly, and that they, who originally had such a great advantage, had actually lost.

It's one thing for Wen Zhong to be dragged to the top lane by the opponent's suicidal attack, it's another for Han Zhixian to be ambushed and killed, and it's also understandable that he and Jin Guangxian couldn't take down Ao Bing after so long, since that kid is too tough.

It's even tougher than those Golden Immortals who are of different origin!

but……

What was that bastard Tianxu doing while they were fighting the enemy?
He suddenly looked at Tianxu, only to see Tianxu holding a whisk, dodging and weaving, having a great time 'playing' with Nezha.

Yes, it's all about having fun!

Otherwise, how could a Golden Immortal fight a mere child who has just entered the Celestial Immortal Realm for so long and still be evenly matched...?

To be honest, even if this kid is their master's last disciple, he now suspects that this kid is an undercover agent from the other side.