I am submissive in Journey to the West, I strike hard at the gods

Just as the Desolate Emperor was about to press further, a powerful voice echoed from the ethereal void ahead, “You, Jiang Wang, still have moments of embarrassment? You can fool outsiders, but if you think you can get away with it here, you’ve made a mistake. I already know your intentions. Have you thought it through? If you meet, a huge problem awaits you. If you don’t meet, I’ll have your grandmaster take on this burden.”

Without a second thought, Jiang bowed and said, "Thank you for your help, Grandmaster Uncle. My path is ethereal and my foundation is unstable. Without the Immortal Slaughtering Formation Diagram, I would most likely not be able to pass the test. That is why Senior Houtu specially gave me guidance. I have no choice but to accept Grandmaster Uncle's enormous challenge."

The Desolate Emperor could only hear the voice but not see the person. He even felt that if there was even the slightest hint of killing intent in the voice, it could kill him on the spot. This feeling was much stronger than when he faced the Twelve Heavenly Gods and Demons of Houtu. He was even more horrified and realized that the peak figures of the Great Dao in this world were truly worlds apart from the top figures of these other realms.

He quickly stepped in front of Jiang Wang to help him, saying, "This junior, Shi Hao, has come with my wife and friends to pay our respects to you, senior. We would be extremely grateful for your presence."

The powerful voice suddenly let out a carefree laugh, "So be it, so be it. You have come from afar when I was in seclusion, which can be considered fate. Come along with that brat Jiang Wang. Jiang Wang, do you know why I want to see you?"

Jiang Wang had considered countless possibilities for this question, and now he had no choice but to offer the answer he had prepared beforehand: "This disciple does not know, but I dare to guess that it is related to pointing directly to the Great Dao."

A powerful voice burst into laughter, "If someone hadn't pleaded for you this time, I wouldn't have spared you. I would have brought your friends from other realms in. I also want to see how someone from a world filled with death can be reborn."

As soon as he finished speaking, everyone's eyes lit up. They found themselves standing in front of a jade palace that was entirely green. The palace doors were wide open, and in the center was a soft couch where two people were playing chess.

Jiang Wangjian saw that Fuxi was sitting opposite Tongtian Jiaozhu, and he breathed a sigh of relief. He said to the people around him, "My grandmaster has long since stopped concerning himself with external affairs and is not bound by worldly etiquette. You may all come up with me to pay your respects."

Despite saying that, he performed a grand salute according to the sect's etiquette before walking into the main hall with his head held high. The Desolate Emperor and the others followed him in and stepped forward to pay their respects.

The Tongtian Sect Leader and Fuxi ignored them and focused on their game of chess. Jiang Wang glanced at them and felt a sudden darkness descend upon him, as if the chessboard before him had evolved into the universe and all things in it, and was being manipulated. It was filled with black and white pieces, both in a dead end, yet no pieces had been captured.

Jiang Wang's heart stirred. He realized that the chess game before him had changed from one where Tongtian Jiaozhu and Fuxi made their moves to one that he had to face, all because he had glanced at it a little longer. He was also a link in the Heavenly Dao, and one of those who had escaped.

If this deadlock cannot be broken, then one's future will also be ruined by it.

How easy is it to win by using oneself as a chess piece and taking half a move against fate?
He was about to use the method he had taught Han Su to first establish a supercomputing center to calculate every move in the game, but before he could even start, he realized that no matter how powerful the supercomputing center was, it couldn't compare to the divine power of a saint or emperor who could directly point to the outcome. No matter which way he moved, the game before him was a dead end.

Even if one were to copy the solution from the novel and block off a section of the Zhenlong Chess Game, it would be impossible, because that section would already be blocked.

The only way to turn the tide in a game that is destined to fail is through unorthodox tactics!

In an instant, Jiang Wang had a flash of inspiration. With a wave of his hand, the game of Go transformed into a three-dimensional Go board with three layers: upper, middle, and lower. The numerous blocked Go stones also showed countless variations. In the center of the board, only a white dragon was left, fighting left and right under the siege of the black stones, still lacking the last glimmer of hope.

He picked up one of the few remaining white stones from the chess cup and slammed it down on a spot already occupied by a black stone. The black stone bounced off and into the upper chess cup, creating a living eye for a black dragon that hadn't yet taken shape on the upper board.

In a flash, the chessboard disappeared before his eyes. Tongtian Jiaozhu and Fuxi stopped playing and looked at Jiang Wang. Fuxi laughed loudly and said, "What a brilliant move! Man can conquer nature, and he is not bound by convention. What was originally a dead end for both sides has suddenly changed positions and given a glimmer of hope. He truly deserves the title of Dayuan."

Jiang Wang hurriedly said in a deep voice, "I just happened to break a deadlock by connecting with the outer realms, which is why I was able to come up with this idea. It is not my doing, but rather half fate and half my own will."

The Tongtian Sect Leader placed the last black piece in his hand into the chess cup and casually tossed the chessboard over. The chessboard, which was originally only a small square, suddenly transformed into a vast expanse of heaven and earth.

Jiang Wang was neither surprised nor happy, neither worried nor angry. Without thinking, he summoned the Four Swords of Zhuxian and placed them at the four corners of the chessboard. Suddenly, four more positions appeared on the 361 positions on the chessboard, instantly transforming into the number of the Great Heavenly Cycle. In a flash, the chessboard transformed into a mysterious and unpredictable array, merging with the Four Swords of Zhuxian.

He quickly sheathed his four swords, and sincerely performed the three kowtows and nine bows to the Tongtian Sect Leader before proudly rising up. His aura also changed slightly, resembling an unparalleled sharp sword, radiating cold light.

Seeing her master kneel down to pay her respects, Ao Yuwei quickly knelt behind Jiang Wang, kowtowing repeatedly without daring to say a word.

The Tongtian Sect Leader shook his head and muttered to himself, “Greetings from afar and to the younger generation. As an elder, how could I not offer a gift? It’s a pity you’re a little late. I’ve given away all my old belongings. Only this set of chess pieces is still somewhat useful. I’ll give it to you as a memento. Take as many pieces as you can. Great-granddaughter, distribute them to the guests.”

Ao Yuwei glanced around and realized that she was being called. She hurriedly stepped forward, trembling, and picked up the chess cups in front of the two seniors, presenting them to the Desolate Emperor and his entourage.

Upon closer inspection, the Desolate Emperor and the others realized that the black and white pieces seemed to possess a kind of spiritual power. They were within the chessboard, and a mysterious, unpredictable feeling arose within them. Knowing that they were innate treasures, they didn't stand on ceremony and reached out to take out the seven black pieces, holding them in their hands before raising their hands in thanks.

"Senior has conceived the way of killing within the primordial Big Dipper. This disciple will take the number of the seven stars and use it to glimpse the Great Dao. When I achieve success in the future, I will naturally pay my respects to my senior with the respect due to a disciple."

After he finished taking them, the rest of the group also stepped forward to try their luck. In the blink of an eye, they had all taken all the chess pieces. Among them, Qingyi, the Holy Maiden of the Heaven-Mending Path, took as many as 108 pieces, and the least numbered person took as many as 18 pieces. Only two chess cups remained in Ao Yuwei's hands.

Seeing his foolish disciple about to return the chess cup to the table, Jiang Wang quickly stopped him, saying, "This was a gift from your grandmaster's clan. If you didn't have the ancestral dragon's inheritance, you wouldn't be able to lift it. Now accept it."

The Master of the Heavenly Sect stroked his long beard and laughed.

"That's more like me, a successor of the Immortal Slaughtering Sword Formation. If you want something, you should take it without hesitation or second-guessing. Since your great-granddaughter has been favored by Houtu, take one of those chess pieces back to forever suppress the fortune of your birthplace, and use the other to wield the power to control the clouds and rain. Anyone who tries to take it will be dealt with decisively. Let's see who dares to cause trouble! Now that our fate has run its course, let's all go our separate ways!"

As soon as the voice fell, everyone returned to the vast blue waves. They saw that Jin'ao Island had vanished without a trace, as if they had just had a dream, and they didn't know whether it was real or not.

Jiang Wang held the Great Evolution Heavenly Book in his hand, with eighty-four innate talismans flowing between the pages, like twinkling stars, faintly revealing the image of Tai Chi and Bagua.

He was overwhelmed with mixed feelings. His past life identity as Jiang Taigong weighed heavily on him like a towering mountain, making it difficult for him to process.

Empress Pingxin stood in the center of the hall, draped in a phoenix crown and exuding an air of elegance, yet her gaze held a hint of mockery and deeper meaning, as if awaiting his response.

The atmosphere inside the hall was solemn. The Desolate Heavenly Emperor and all the Immortal Emperors and Quasi-Immortal Emperors held their breath and watched intently as this transaction, which could be described as the workings of Heaven, unfolded.

"Your Majesty, your words have truly caught me off guard."

Jiang Wang composed himself, cupped his hands, and said with a bitter smile in his voice, "In my previous life, Jiang Taigong was the master of the Investiture of the Gods, wielding the God-Slaying Whip and bestowing titles upon all the gods. What virtue or ability do I possess to be his reincarnation? But this God-Slaying Whip has long since decayed. Although the talisman remains, the spirit of the weapon has dissipated. Why does Your Majesty say that it is the treasure for my enlightenment?"

Empress Pingxin chuckled softly, the pearls and jade on her phoenix crown trembling slightly. A gentle breeze seemed to blow through the hall, bringing a sense of inexplicable tranquility.

“Fellow Daoist Jiang, in your previous life you wielded the God-Slaying Whip and established the divine positions in the Three Realms on the Investiture of the Gods. Your merits were immeasurable, but you were also entangled in karma.”

When the Primordial Celestial Venerable gave you this whip, he had already foreseen that you would rejoin the Human Sect in this life and inherit the Great Dao.

Do you think this God-Slaying Whip is just an ordinary object? Although it is decayed, the eighty-four talismans inside are innate objects, originating from the same source as your Great Evolution Heavenly Book.

Now that it has been returned to its rightful owner, you can use it to comprehend the cause and effect of the Three Realms and complete the primordial Dao.

Jiang Wang looked down at the Great Evolution Heavenly Book in his hand. As the talismans flowed, golden light faintly transformed into a galaxy, reflecting the destiny trajectories of all beings in the Three Realms. He was startled and vaguely understood the profound meaning of Lady Pingxin.

The talisman of this God-Slaying Whip complements his Primordial Golden Immortal Dao, seemingly helping him to glimpse the mysteries of the workings of the Heavenly Dao.

However, he still had some doubts and tentatively asked, "Your Majesty, although I have inherited the karma of my past life, I cultivate the Primordial Chaos Dao in this life, which seems to have no connection with the Investiture of the Gods."

Moreover, as for the position of Lord of the Underworld, I truly have no idea where to recommend someone. Why are you so certain that I am capable of undertaking this important task?

Upon hearing this, Lady Pingxin's gaze sharpened slightly, but her tone remained calm: "Fellow Daoist Jiang, do you know why the position of Lord of the Underworld is vacant? Houtu is the embodiment of the Six Paths of Reincarnation. Although I am her incarnation, I am bound by my oath and cannot remain in the Underworld for long."

Now the underworld needs someone who can suppress the three realms and balance yin and yang.

In your past life, you were in charge of bestowing titles upon the gods and establishing the divine positions in the Three Realms, which has long been intertwined with the karma of the underworld.

Moreover, having obtained the Ancestral Dragon's inner elixir and inherited the God-Slaying Whip talisman, you now possess the three elements of Heaven, Earth, and Man, making you the undisputed ruler of the Underworld.

Upon hearing this, everyone in the hall was taken aback.

The Desolate Emperor frowned slightly and couldn't help but speak: "Your Majesty, although Fellow Daoist Jiang is very powerful, the Lord of the Underworld is an important position in the Three Realms. He needs to suppress the Nine Netherworlds and govern reincarnation. Fellow Daoist Jiang is only a Primordial Golden Immortal and has not yet become a saint. I'm afraid he is not up to the task."

Empress Pingxin turned to look at Emperor Huangtian, a hint of approval flashing in her eyes, but with a touch of mockery: "Fellow Daoist Shi, although your world of Shrouding the Heavens has no Six Paths of Reincarnation, you still know the principles of the operation of the Heavenly Dao."

Although Jiang Wang has not yet become a saint, his Hunyuan Dao has already taken initial shape, which is enough to deal with the Yin-Yang interplay in the underworld.

Moreover, with the Great Evolution Heavenly Book in hand, he can use eighty-four talismans to determine the cause and effect of the three realms. As the Lord of the Underworld, he does not need the cultivation of a saint, but only a clear mind and skillful methods.

If you don't believe me, why don't you ask him himself if he dares to take on this job?

Provoked by Consort Pingxin's words, Jiang Wang felt a slight stirring in his heart, realizing that this was an unavoidable test.

He took a deep breath, cupped his hands and said, "Since Your Majesty trusts me so much, I will certainly do my best to give it a try."

However, the responsibilities of the Lord of the Underworld are immense, and this disciple must seek guidance from our ancestor, the Supreme Lord Laozi, before daring to accept this responsibility.

Upon hearing this, Empress Pingxin nodded, her tone showing some satisfaction: "Good, your intention shows your prudence."

Laozi was the founder of the Human Religion, and his guidance was undoubtedly the most profound and wonderful method.

However, let me remind you again that the ruler of the underworld not only needs to balance yin and yang, but also needs to deal with the power struggle between Mount Ling and the Heavenly Court.

If you accept this position, you must be wary of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva. Although he is compassionate, he is also ambitious and has long coveted power in the underworld.

Jiang Wang felt a chill run down his spine. Thinking of the test that Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva had just given him, he immediately realized that what Lady Pingxin had said was true.

He said respectfully, "Thank you for the reminder, Your Majesty. I will certainly act with caution."

However, I have no idea how to select the Five Kings of Hell. I humbly request Your Majesty's guidance.

Empress Pingxin gave a soft hum, her gaze sweeping over everyone in the hall before landing on Ao Yuwei. She said gently, "The matter of the Five Kings of Hell is not urgent for now."

Your disciple has obtained the Ancestral Dragon's inner core, and his future is limitless. He can certainly lend you a helping hand.

As for the candidate, here's a hint: Among the underworld generals, Jin Jia Yin Suo is loyal and capable, and could be a candidate.

If you can persuade the Emperor of Fengdu and Huang Feihu, the matter of the underworld will be easily resolved.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Wang felt a headache coming on.

Both the Emperor of Fengdu and Huang Feihu are important officials in the underworld, second only to Lady Pingxin in status. They are both shrewd and calculating individuals. Persuading them is no easy task!
He smiled wryly and said, "Your Majesty, your hint is a bit too difficult."

The Emperor of Fengdu and Huang Feihu each have their own agendas; their disciple, an outsider, will likely find it difficult to command respect.

Lady Pingxin, however, did not take it to heart and laughed, "Fellow Daoist Jiang, in your previous life you were in charge of the Investiture of the Gods and established the positions of the gods in the Three Realms. Which one of them wasn't an unruly person? Now you are only being asked to choose the Lord of the Underworld. Are you afraid? Don't worry, although the gods of the Underworld have their own thoughts, they all revere the Heavenly Dao. With the Great Evolution Heavenly Book and the God-Slaying Whip Talisman in your hands, they dare not disobey."

The Desolate Emperor, who was listening from the side, became impatient and interrupted, "Your Majesty, it is a bit too complicated for Fellow Daoist Jiang to take over as the Lord of the Underworld and appoint the Five Kings of Hell."

"Why don't we lend him a hand? Although the world of 'Covering the Sky' lacks the Six Paths of Reincarnation, it still has methods to suppress evil spirits. My fellow Daoists and I can temporarily assume the duties of Yama, helping Fellow Daoist Jiang stabilize the situation in the Underworld."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Wang's eyes lit up, thinking to himself that the Desolate Emperor was indeed on the right track.

He quickly cupped his hands and said, "Fellow Daoist Shi is so righteous, I am extremely grateful!"

With your help, the affairs of the underworld will surely be handled smoothly.

However, Fellow Daoist Shi and his group are Heavenly Emperors from the world of Shrouding the Heavens, of noble status. It would be inappropriate for them to hold the position of Yama.

The Desolate Emperor laughed and waved his hand, saying, "Fellow Daoist Jiang, why be so polite? The world of Shrouding the Heavens has already received the Empress's grace, and the Six Paths of Reincarnation have been initially established. If we can take this opportunity to witness the workings of the Primordial Underworld, it would be an immense opportunity."

Besides, we have been battling the monstrous progenitor in the world of "Covering the Sky" for many years, and suppressing evil is precisely what we excel at. The position of Yama is exactly what I desire!

Upon hearing this, Empress Pingxin nodded, her eyes filled with admiration: "Fellow Daoist Shi is magnanimous, truly worthy of the name of the Heavenly Emperor."

Since that's the case, I will grant you permission to temporarily assume the positions of the Fifth King of Hell and assist Fellow Daoist Jiang in managing the Underworld.

However, the underworld is filled with intense Yin energy; you must be careful to protect your Dao heart and lest it be corrupted by the energy of the Nine Netherworlds. (End of Chapter)