People in Conferred Gods: Rising from humble beginnings, I am the God of Wealth

Chapter 413 Five-Colored Divine Light, Kong Xuan Battles Zhunti!

Outside Sanshan Pass.

Filled with unease and curiosity, Daoist Ran Deng approached the front of the army, bowed to Kong Xuan, and inquired:
"Fellow Daoist, have you come here today to fight for the Jie Sect and block our path?"

“I did not come here because of the Jie Sect, and I have no desire to get involved in the affairs of the sages.”

Kong Xuan shook his head, but before Randeng could breathe a sigh of relief, Kong Xuan continued:
"But you are right about one thing: I have indeed come here today for you all."

"The Heavenly Mandate Black Bird descended to give birth to the Shang Dynasty. Our Phoenix Clan, by borrowing the fortune of the Great Shang to eliminate our karmic burdens, should contribute our share to the Great Shang."

"If you retreat today, I will not make things difficult for you. But if you insist on advancing, don't blame me for being impolite!"

In the end, an astonishing aura erupted from Kong Xuan, and five-colored rays of light bloomed, illuminating the area inside and outside the Three Mountains Pass.

Upon seeing this scene, both the Xiqi army and the immortals of the Chan Sect subconsciously took a step back, lowered their heads slightly, and dared not look at Kong Xuan.

Even the Daoist Ran Deng was no exception, but he was, after all, the vice leader of the Chan Sect, a contemporary of powerful figures like Zhen Yuanzi and Styx.
He quickly adjusted his state and did not back down because of Kong Xuan's powerful aura.

Compared to fighting a quasi-saint like Kong Xuan, it would be a better choice to persuade him to retreat.

The Daoist Ran Deng's thoughts raced, recalling the instructions given by the Primordial Celestial Venerable. After organizing his thoughts, he bowed to Kong Xuan again and said in a deep voice:

"Fellow Daoist, the Shang Dynasty's fate is sealed. Why not return to the Undying Volcano in the South? Even though you have deep ties to the Shang Dynasty, with the Phoenix Mother suppressing the Undying Volcano, you will surely be safe."

"Besides, Master once said that when the phoenix cries out in Qishan, the Great Zhou will rise. When Xiqi takes over from the Shang, the Phoenix Clan can also receive the blessing of the human race. Why should you get involved in this mess, fellow Daoist?"

However, Kong Xuan remained unmoved, slightly raising his head with an air of arrogance in his eyes.

"Since the Phoenix Clan has already obtained the fortune of the Great Shang Dynasty to eliminate their karma, I, this humble Taoist, should naturally do my part for the Great Shang Dynasty. It has nothing to do with anything else. I will say it again: if you are unwilling to leave, then don't blame me for being impolite!"

Kong Xuan didn't take the Chan Sect immortals seriously at all. This wasn't because he was arrogant, but because he truly deserved to be.

As a Quasi-Saint with two corpses, even among all Quasi-Saints, his strength ranks among the top, and he is known as—

Below the sage, I am invincible; the three mountains and one pass can be breached by distant people!

This is exactly the scene that Daoist Ran Deng least wanted to see, but Xiqi had already attacked Sanshan Pass and the Shang Dynasty was being defeated one after another. How could they possibly give up?

In any case, we have to give it a try first.

After some discussion, Jiang Ziya, as the commander-in-chief, decided to send Huang Feihu, Hong Jin, and others to probe the enemy's defenses, while the Taoist Ran Deng, the Antarctic Immortal, and others would be in charge of providing support.
First, we'll test Kong Xuan's attitude, to see how far he'll go for the Great Shang Dynasty, and also to assess the strength of Kong Xuan, this quasi-saint of the Phoenix Clan.

Unexpectedly, Kong Xuan's methods were far more sophisticated than they had imagined.

Behind Kong Xuan, a five-colored divine light swirled. With a gentle sweep, Huang Feihu, Hong Jin, and the others were swept into the five-colored divine light and disappeared without a trace, their fate unknown.

Even the golden alms bowl of the Taoist Ran Deng was swept away by this five-colored divine light, and it lost its connection.

Nezha originally wanted to continue to drift along and make his presence known, but upon seeing this scene, he couldn't help but shrink back and quietly retreat into the crowd, hiding in an inconspicuous corner.

When they passed Yang Jian, Nezha tugged at his clothes and dragged him back with him.

Over the years, perhaps out of respect for Yang Xuan, the two have developed a good relationship and are now considered friends.

Although Yang Jian was puzzled, he let Nezha drag him along until they reached an inconspicuous, deserted corner. Then, he frowned slightly and asked:

"What are you doing?"

"Just slacking off, you don't expect to risk your life up there, do you?"

Nezha, with his hands clasped together, squatted on a large rock, appearing a head taller than Yang Jian, and pursed his lips at Ran Deng and the others.

“Didn’t you see that those second-generation disciples didn’t dare to step forward? That Daoist named Kong Xuan is definitely not simple. He can’t possibly be just an ordinary Da Luo.”

Nezha's thoughts were very pure. He participated in the Investiture of the Gods and fought for the Chan Sect in order to settle the karmic debt between master and disciple so that he could switch allegiance in the future and become a disciple of Yang Xuan.

Although he mostly slacked off along the way, he still managed to kill many immortals of the Jie Sect who were burdened with heavy karma, contributing a great deal of effort.

Upon careful calculation, the karmic ties between him and Taiyi Zhenren have been almost completely settled.

After all, Taiyi Zhenren had a very specific purpose in taking him as a disciple; his sole aim was to ward off disaster.

Whether it's bestowing spiritual treasures or imparting supernatural powers and Taoist techniques, the purpose is to enhance his strength so that he can accomplish more during the great calamity.

His method of teaching is completely forcing growth; how much karmic connection can there be between teacher and student under such circumstances?

Perhaps, according to the original timeline, after surviving the Investiture of the Gods, Taiyi Zhenren acknowledged Nezha as his disciple.

He began to properly impart supernatural powers and Taoist magic, eliminated any hidden dangers in the magical treasure, formally bestowed it upon Nezha, and made amends for the previous attempt to force its growth.

But Nezha doesn't respect his master Taiyi Zhenren now. He doesn't need Taiyi Zhenren's approval. He just wants to slack off as soon as possible until the Great Tribulation ends and this master-disciple relationship is over.

Therefore, Nezha's primary goal now is not how to show off, but how to live safely until the end of the Great Tribulation.

As long as one's mind is not clouded by the calamity, one can more or less see Kong Xuan's extraordinary qualities. In any case, he cannot be an ordinary Great Luo Immortal as the Burning Lamp Daoist said.

Upon hearing Nezha's words, Yang Jian's vertical pupil between his brows flashed with divine light, and he became more vigilant. Looking at the back of the Taoist Ran Deng, a hint of displeasure appeared on his face.

Just as Nezha said, judging from the reactions of Daoist Ran Deng, the Antarctic Immortal, and others, as well as Kong Xuan's performance, this was no ordinary Daluo.

At least among the Jie Sect immortals they have encountered in recent years, none of them have been able to elicit such a reaction from Ran Deng and the others.

Even Zhao Gongming, who once single-handedly defeated many of them, did not possess the same sense of oppression as Kong Xuan.

Judging from the reactions of Ran Deng and the others, they clearly knew Kong Xuan's identity.

However, instead of revealing Kong Xuan's identity, they tricked Huang Feihu and Hong Jin into going up to test him. In the end, they were swept away by Kong Xuan's Five-Colored Divine Light and their fate is now unknown.

If Yang Jian rashly steps forward to fight, he will most likely end up like Huang Feihu and Hong Jin, being taken away by the Five-Colored Divine Light. Such a person is truly unworthy of being an elder of the Chan Sect.

“What you say makes sense. Then we’ll stay here and watch.”

Yang Jian nodded, sat down on the rock, and gave up the idea of ​​joining the battle.

In fact, Yang Jian did not feel any sense of belonging to the Chan Sect.

He still vividly remembered the scene when the Antarctic Immortal tried to forcibly take him away and treated Fairy Yunhua rudely.

Even after he became a disciple of Master Yuding and learned real skills, he only had some master-disciple affection for Master Yuding, and his impression of the Chan Sect remained poor. Especially after hearing that Master Taiyi, Immortal Antarctic, Julusun, and Randeng harbored resentment towards Yang Xuan, his opinion of the Chan Sect worsened.

The more important reason for this mortal tribulation was to repay the kindness of my master, and also to prepare for joining the Heavenly Court in the future.

Over the years, unlike Nezha who often slacked off, he made many contributions to the Chan Sect during the Investiture of the Gods and killed many Jie Sect immortals.

Such a contribution is enough to repay the teacher's kindness and also enough to make a request to go to the Heavenly Court.

Even if he continues to slack off like Nezha, he can still say he has a clear conscience.

After a brief test, the group of immortals from the Chan Sect witnessed Kong Xuan's power and dared not approach him again.

Just when everyone was at a loss, suddenly a purple aura rose for 30,000 miles and flowed towards this place.

In an instant, the yellow sand scattered and transformed into golden lotuses floating on the ground, releasing a fragrant aroma.

Upon witnessing this extraordinary phenomenon, Randeng, Jiang Ziya, and others realized that it signified the arrival of a sage.

Everyone dismounted or stepped down from their mounts, showing respect, even Nezha.

After a short while, the strange phenomenon began to dissipate, and a gaunt Taoist appeared before the Burning Lamp Taoist.

The Taoist priest was dressed in a dark blue robe and carried a six-root bamboo ornament resembling tree branches on his arm.

When the monk Randeng and the other immortals of the Chan Sect saw this Taoist, they hurriedly bowed and greeted him respectfully, saying:
"Greetings, Uncle-Master Zhunti!"

This gaunt Taoist priest was none other than the Sage Zhunti, one of the two Western Saints.

Zhunti smiled and nodded in greeting to the assembled immortals of the Chan Sect, then turned his gaze to Kong Xuan, who stood before the pass, a compassionate smile on his face, and said:
"Young friend, you have a connection with the West and should become my disciple."

Upon hearing this, Kong Xuan's eyes turned solemn. As a quasi-saint, he had naturally heard of the quasi-nominal title and knew the person's consistent style.

Zhunti's words clearly indicate that he has taken a liking to him and wants to convert him to the Western Religion, making him a member of the Western Religion.

Only a saint can deal with a saint. If Zhunti were to attack him, he really wouldn't have any way to deal with it.

However, he could not possibly give up so easily.

"Senior is a saint, are you perhaps going to attack me, a quasi-saint? Aren't you afraid of being branded as someone who bullies the weak?"

Kong Xuan may be arrogant, but he is not stupid. How could he be so foolish as to approach Zhunti, a sage?

If we can force Zhunti Daoist to retreat with the power of righteousness, that would be the best outcome.

Of course, if Zhunti were to retreat because of this, the Chan Sect immortals, such as Randeng, would certainly use the same reason to force Kong Xuan to retreat, and it would be difficult for him to defend the Three Mountains Pass.

But there was nothing he could do; what could he do when a sage was right in front of him?

However, Kong Xuan clearly underestimated Zhunti's shamelessness. How could he possibly give up such a good opportunity?

If it were any other time, let alone in Kyushu, even in Tiannan Volcano, it would be almost impossible for him to convert Kong Xuan to the Western Sect. The Three Pure Ones would not stand by and watch him do such a thing.

This is the Great Tribulation of the Investiture of the Gods, and the secrets of heaven are obscured. Even the methods of deduction used by sages will be affected.

During the long kalpa, their Western religion gained many members, something the other saints were unaware of.

Moreover, if Kong Xuan is not dealt with, the Chan Sect will be defeated. Even if Yuanshi Tianzun sees this, he will not intervene but will instead help disrupt the heavenly order.

If the Tongtian Sect Leader discovers this and tries to stop it, the Primordial Heavenly Venerable, who is involved in the Great Dao struggle, will also sense it.

Therefore, this was the best opportunity to convert Kong Xuan, and Zhunti could not possibly give it up.

Zhunti smiled slightly, his expression becoming even more compassionate.

"Young friend, please don't joke. How can my actions be considered bullying the weak?"

"In the West, there are eight hundred Great Paths and three thousand True Dharmas. Young friend, entering the West is the true path, and your journey on the path will be smooth from now on."
"My actions were all for your benefit, young friend. How can you accuse me of bullying the weak?"

Zhunti sighed, his face showing a mixture of sorrow and helplessness.

"The world has a deep misunderstanding of my Western origins and of my fellow disciples. Heaven can bear witness. All my actions are for the sake of my dear friend."
Young friend, why not give it your all and test the supernatural powers of my Western Sect? Then you will understand my intentions.

Having said that, Zhunti gestured for Kong Xuan to proceed.

the other side.

When the immortals of the Chan Sect, including Randeng, heard Zhunti's words, smiles appeared on their faces.

Although they had always disliked their uncle who was always trying to freeload, they would naturally be happy to see Kong Xuan go to the West at this critical juncture.

Seeing this, Kong Xuan knew that he could not escape this calamity today. Zhunti was clearly trying to convert him to the Western Religion.

As for what Zhunti said—that it was all for his own good—he naturally didn't listen; it was all utter nonsense.

Kong Xuan knew that there was an insurmountable gap between himself and the sage, and that he could never be a match for Zhunti, but to give up resistance without doing anything was not his usual style.

Even if he were a saint, he would fight to the end. Even if the outcome couldn't be changed, at least it would look better and wouldn't tarnish the Phoenix Clan's reputation.

"In that case, please enlighten me, sage!"

Kong Xuan emphasized the pronunciation of the word "point out" very heavily.
Behind him, the five-colored divine light was pushed to its limit, and the five-colored clouds swirled around, like the tail feathers of a peacock, illuminating half of the sky. It looked amazing and made people tremble with fear.

In contrast, Zhunti remained expressionless, glanced behind Kong Xuan, and made no other move.

To those around him, Zhunti's behavior was as if he had only glanced at Kong Xuan and then lost interest, perfectly demonstrating the composure of a sage.

Seeing Zhunti's behavior, Kong Xuan felt both pleased and angry.

Fortunately, Zhunti was caught off guard and could unleash his supernatural powers without suffering a humiliating defeat.

Enraged, Zhunti's attitude was utterly disrespectful; he was, after all, a quasi-saint.
With the powerful Five-Colored Divine Light, he could easily defeat even the most powerful innate spiritual treasures activated by quasi-saints.

But Zhunti looked down on him, and even though Kong Xuan knew that this person was a quasi-saint, he still felt displeased.

In his rage, Kong Xuan amplified the power of his divine ability, unleashing a torrent of multicolored divine light that blotted out the sky.

(End of this chapter)