Honghuang: Eat a Hunyuan Daluo

Chapter 291 Phoenix Cries in Qishan, Defying Fate
Back at Shen Gongbao's residence, Shen Gongbao cut to the chase and asked, "Master, you must have come to see me for something, right?"

Zhunti nodded and said in a serious tone, "Disciple, the calamity of heaven and earth is surging. After calculating, I have confirmed that the mandate of heaven will belong to Xiqi. The reason I have summoned you here is to ask you to set off as soon as possible to go to Xiqi to assist the Marquis of Xibo."

"The Mandate of Heaven is in Xiqi?" Shen Gongbao's expression immediately turned strange.

He had recently played the game Xiqi, which was incomparable to the Shang Dynasty. Putting aside everything else, the Xiqi government imposed taxes at every level, making life unbearable for the people. In impoverished areas, it was common for people to sell their children. How could such a Xiqi have a destiny? Was the will of Heaven blind?
Of course, Shen Gongbao would never say this aloud. He knew very well that once the emperor's decree was issued, there was no way he could disobey it. So Shen Gongbao could only nod and agree: "Disciple understands. Disciple will set off for Xiqi immediately."

The two flying bears set off simultaneously towards Xiqi. At this moment, the calamity surged in the heavens, and the great calamity reached a new level.

In the direction of Qishan, the calamity energy between heaven and earth condensed into a phantom of a phoenix.

Then a phoenix cry suddenly rang out.

This cry was incredibly high-pitched, piercing through clouds and splitting rocks, sweeping across the heavens and earth, and reaching the ears of countless cultivators at an extremely fast speed.

"Boom, boom, boom!" After the phoenix's cry, a huge booming sound rang out.

This roar was the response of the calamity of heaven and earth.

With each breath, the calamity energy of heaven and earth intensified by three points.

The Three Mountains of the Great Shang Dynasty in Guanzhong.

Kong Xuan was inspecting the camp. He was the current commander-in-chief of Sanshan Pass. As for the previous commander-in-chief, Deng Jiugong, he was valued by Emperor Xin and transferred to Chaoge.

In the military camp, the soldiers listened to the phoenix's cry coming from the direction of Xiqi and discussed it among themselves.

"The phoenix is ​​an auspicious symbol, but hearing its cry from the west is not a good omen!"

“The strange phenomena are indeed unusual, and I’ve heard that Your Majesty has been acting rather erratically lately.”

"Could it be that something terrible is about to happen to our Great Shang Dynasty?"

"What nonsense are you spouting? Are you out of your minds? My Great Shang Dynasty will surely last for a thousand generations!"

"But a phoenix's cry can't be faked, can it?"

At this moment, Kong Xuan, dressed in military uniform, slowly walked over and said with a disdainful look, "What phoenix cry? I only heard a few rooster crows."

Since taking over as the commander-in-chief of Sanshan Pass, Kong Xuan has fully demonstrated his military talent, training troops and fighting battles without a single defeat. He is hailed as a military god by the soldiers of Sanshan Pass.

At this moment, when Kong Xuan took the initiative to joke about the phoenix's cry from the west, the soldiers echoed, "That's right, what phoenix cry? It's clearly the sound of a rooster crowing."

Kong Xuan smiled as he entered the General's Mansion. He looked up at the west, where the phoenix, formed from the aura of the Heavenly Dao, was visible in the heavens. He shook his head slightly. "The phoenix cries on Mount Qi, the mandate of heaven rests in Xiqi?"

“It’s ridiculous. Zhenfeng has always been in Da Shang. I don’t accept the destiny set by Heaven. I’ll just go against Heaven if necessary.”

Therefore, a flash of five-colored divine light appeared behind Kong Xuan, and it was about to tear apart the illusory image above Xiqi.

"Senior Brother, don't be impulsive!" Youqin Yueyue suddenly appeared and stopped Kong Xuan.

"Junior sister, what do you mean by this? Why are you trying to stop your brother?" Kong Xuan asked, frowning.

"Senior Brother, Master has a decree for you." After saying that, Youqin Yueyue took out a lotus petal and presented it to Kong Xuan.

Kong Xuan took the petal, on which was written only one line: "A small act of impatience can ruin a great plan."

After a moment of silence, Kong Xuan withdrew the Five-Colored Divine Light.

In the royal palace of the Shang Dynasty, Emperor Xin listened with great interest to the reports from his subordinates.

"The Phoenix Cries in Qishan? What do you think, Junior Master?" Di Xin asked the roc beside him.

"What Phoenix Cry on Mount Qi? It's just a rooster crowing! In the entire Phoenix Clan, besides my brother, who else is qualified to act like this? Not even that Golden Phoenix!" Dapeng said with a look of disdain.

In Dapeng's view, Jinfeng was already being used as someone's mount, so how could she be qualified to represent the Phoenix Clan? As for those old fogies of the Phoenix Clan, there was no need to mention them. It wasn't that Dapeng looked down on them, but if all of them joined forces, they probably wouldn't be a match for Kong Xuan.

Kong Xuan is undoubtedly the most prominent figure in the Phoenix Clan now. Kong Xuan is unlikely to be involved in any Phoenix Crying in Qishan, so that nonsense about Phoenix Crying in Qishan is just a rooster crowing.

After hearing Dapeng's words, Di Xin laughed heartily: "If even a member of the Phoenix Clan like you, Junior Tutor, says this, then it means that someone in Xiqi is playing tricks. In that case, I hereby issue my decree: Marquis Ji Chang of Xibo has blasphemed the bird of my Great Shang Kingdom, and his crime is unforgivable. He is hereby ordered to come to Chaoge to apologize immediately."

Soon, Emperor Xin's decree reached Xiqi.

In Xiqi, at the residence of the Marquis of Xibo, Ji Chang, after receiving Emperor Xin's decree, immediately began to use the method of burning tortoise shells to calculate good and bad fortune.

As the final step was completed, the tortoise shell turned charred black and shattered on the ground. Ji Chang coughed up a mouthful of blood, and his aura immediately weakened.

Is this trip likely to end in disaster?

Ji Chang wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and immediately ordered someone to summon Boyi Kao and Ji Fa.

Counting the time, it has been a year since Daji entered the palace as a concubine. Boyi Kao has fallen ill from missing her and has become quite haggard, with many gray hairs appearing at his temples.

In contrast, Ji Fa, standing to the side, was tall and slender with sharp eyebrows and bright eyes, his dark pupils gleaming with a sharp light.

The two brothers stopped at the door at the same time. Ji Fa saw that Boyi Kao's eyes were vacant and his face was haggard, so he couldn't help but advise him: "Brother, Daji has been in the palace for more than half a year and is already a wife. You will inherit Father's career in the future, so you must not put your mind on your love affairs anymore."

Bo Yikao did not speak upon hearing this, but merely turned to glance at Ji Fa before reverting to his half-dead state.

Seeing Boyi Kao's expression, Ji Fa pursed his lips and said no more.

The Marquis of Xibo had dozens of concubines and ninety-nine sons. Even Ji Chang couldn't remember all the names of his sons. Brotherly affection was the least valuable thing in the Marquis of Xibo's household.

Ji Fa offered words of comfort because he didn't want to see the future Marquis of Xibo troubled by matters of the heart. Since Boyi Kao didn't appreciate it, he didn't bother to say anything more.

A moment later, the door opened, and the two entered the room, bowing to Ji Chang, "Son greets Father."

Ji Chang reached out to help the two up, and said with a serious expression, "Have you both heard about the decree from the King of Chaoge?"

The two brothers nodded in unison.

Ji Chang sighed and said, "The Phoenix Cry in Qishan has aroused the king's suspicion, but the king's order cannot be disobeyed. It seems that a trip to Chaoge is inevitable. Among my many sons, you two are the most talented."

"Now that I am going to Chaoge, I entrust all affairs of Xiqi to you brothers. Bo Yikao will be in charge, and Ji Fa will be his assistant. Take good care of Xiqi."

Bo Yikao's face paled slightly. "Then what if you're ill and can't go, Father?" Ji Fa looked at Bo Yikao as if he were an idiot. Using feigning illness as an excuse for such an important matter was simply too lame!
Ji Chang shook his head and said, "Even if you're genuinely sick, let alone feigning illness, I will still go to Chaoge, unless..."

"Unless what?"

"Unless I die for my father."

Bo Yikao fell silent.

"Alright, that's settled then. Bo Yikao, Xiqi is now in your hands. Ji Fa, you should assist your elder brother well."

A fleeting gloom crossed Ji Fa's face, but he quickly returned to normal, without even Ji Chang noticing.

Bo Yikao, who was standing to the side, had already agreed to the matter.

Ji Fa had no choice but to agree.

A day later, Ji Chang, accompanied by a hundred guards, set off from Xiqi for Chaoge. Soon, Ji Chang and his party arrived at a place called Yanshan.

The Yanshan Mountains are barren and desolate because lightning strikes their summits all day long.

Ji Chang led a large army through the Yanshan Mountains when suddenly, a thunderclap struck, making a deafening sound. Ji Chang pointed to the mountaintop where the thunder had struck and said, "There seems to be something there. Send someone to check it out."

One of Ji Chang's soldiers rode a fine horse to the spot where the thunder had struck and found an infant lying in swaddling clothes, fast asleep.

"Reporting to Your Excellency, it is an infant," the soldier reported upon returning.

Ji Chang rode up to the baby and examined him carefully before his eyes lit up: "This child is extraordinary; he is a spirit born of heaven and earth!"

After confirming the child's identity, Ji Chang immediately felt a desire to acquire talent.

Every innate spirit possesses extraordinary qualities. If he can recruit it and nurture it properly, it will surely become a trump card in his hands in the future.

Just as Ji Chang was about to order his soldiers to pick up the child, a streak of light flashed across the distant horizon.

In the blink of an eye, the stream of light landed in front of Ji Chang.

The newcomer had white hair and beard, an air of otherworldly grace, a solemn face, and an extraordinary presence. He was none other than Yun Zhongzi, a direct descendant of the sage from Kunlun Mountain.

The soldiers around Ji Chang were on high alert and protected him behind them.

Yun Zhongzi glanced at the soldiers, smiled slightly, waved his whisk, bowed to the Marquis of Xibo, and then said, "I am Yun Zhongzi, a disciple of the Primordial Sage of the Jade Void Palace of Kunlun Mountain."

Upon hearing that the visitor was a disciple of a sage, Ji Chang naturally dared not be negligent in the slightest. He turned his head and said, "Why don't you all step back? This is a celestial being of the Chan Sect. How dare you be disrespectful?"

After the soldiers withdrew, Ji Chang stepped forward and respectfully returned the greeting: "Ji Chang, Marquis of Xibo, greets the Immortal Yun Zhongzi."

Yun Zhongzi waved his whisk, lifted Ji Chang up, and said, "Marquis of Xibo, there is no need for such formalities. Marquis of Xibo has a connection with our Chan Sect. I have come here today to offer you an opportunity."

"What is the reason for this? Please enlighten me, Immortal."

Yun Zhongzi pointed to the baby bathed in lightning and said, "This is the child. This child is a primordial being and is destined to be with the Marquis of Xibo. However, he has just been born and still needs to be taught. I will take him back to Kunlun Mountain and teach him carefully. When he has mastered his skills, he will go down the mountain to help the Marquis complete his great cause. Does the Marquis have any objections?"

"Of course not. It is this child's good fortune to be taught by an immortal."

Yun Zhongzi pointed at the baby in the lightning and said with a smile, "This child is extraordinary and has a connection with you, Lord Bo. So please trouble you to give this child a name."

After careful consideration, Ji Chang slowly said, "Naturally, it was born from being bathed in lightning, so let's call it Lei Zhenzi."

"Very well, from now on this child shall be called Lei Zhenzi. I shall depart!" With that, Yun Zhongzi waved his hand, and the Jade Purity Magic Power enveloped Lei Zhenzi, transforming him into a stream of light and flying towards Kunlun Mountain.

Ji Chang looked at Yun Zhongzi's back and pondered: "The Chan Sect is a legendary sect of sages. With the favor of a sect of sages, plus the previous phoenix cry at Qishan and the strange phenomenon of heaven, our Xiqi may really have a chance to take control of the destiny."

Thinking of this, Ji Chang felt a little more confident in surviving. He turned to the soldiers and ordered, "Let's continue."

Meanwhile, Yun Zhongzi, carrying Lei Zhenzi, transformed into a streak of light and quickly returned to his own dojo.

Yun Zhongzi looked at Lei Zhenzi with a smile on his face. Lei Zhenzi was a born thunder spirit, born from lightning, and had excellent aptitude. He could be his disciple and pass on his mantle.

As for the matter of the tribulation, Yun Zhongzi had not participated in the change of emperors, so this matter was irrelevant to him. He simply wanted to find a successor to carry on his legacy.

Meanwhile, in the human realm, in Nuwa's palace, the golden phoenix remained uneasy ever since hearing the sound of the phoenix's cry.

Nuwa was in seclusion, and Jin Feng dared not disturb her. Only when Nuwa emerged from seclusion today did Jin Feng dare to go and pay her respects.

"Your Majesty."

"No need for further words, I already know about this matter. Jin Feng, how long have you been by my side?"

"Your Majesty, it has been almost 300 million years."

“Three million years! Golden Phoenix, although you are my mount, I have never truly regarded you as a mount. I have always regarded you as my friend.”

“Jin Feng understands. The Empress did not put a necklace on Jin Feng, nor did she forbid Jin Feng from transforming into a primordial Dao body. She also often preached to Jin Feng. Jin Feng will never forget the Empress’s kindness to her.”

"Since you know this, then stop worrying about it. You have served me for many years to protect the Phoenix Clan, so I will not stand idly by."

"So what if the phoenix cries out in Qishan? Golden Phoenix, go and visit Chaoge. Fly around Chaoge for three days. I want to see how that illusory phoenix cry in Qishan can compare to the arrival of a real phoenix. After this, the Phoenix Clan's fortune will surely not be lost."

Jin Feng was overjoyed upon hearing this: "Thank you, Your Majesty."

"Get up! Jin Feng, wear this when you go to Chaoge." With that, Nuwa flipped her right hand and a delicate seven-colored necklace appeared in her hand.

Without any hesitation, Jin Feng took the collar and locked it around her neck.

In the primordial world, what mount doesn't wear a collar? I've heard that Ru Shou of the underworld dotes on his golden unicorn mount, and even had yin-yang union with it, yet the golden unicorn still wears a collar.
“You may remove this Golden Phoenix necklace at any time. I have not placed any restrictions on it. The reason I let you wear it is because there is a gathering of human fortune in this necklace. With this necklace, your cultivation in Chaoge will not be suppressed. If the Heavenly Dao wants to take action against you, this necklace can also connect with the human fortune of Chaoge to counter it.”

"So this bracelet is quite a rare treasure! Then there's even less chance that the Golden Phoenix will take it off."

Nuwa said helplessly, "You are one of the most powerful beings in the primordial world. If you're not afraid of losing face, then wear it!"

"What's shameful about being the Empress's mount? Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty. Golden Phoenix is ​​off!" After saying this, Golden Phoenix bowed deeply to the Empress Nuwa, transformed into its true form, and flew out of the human world.

(End of this chapter)