The prehistoric infrastructure maniac

Chapter 158 The Great Tribulation of the Gods
Although Yang Jian caused a ruckus at Peach Mountain, thanks to Yang Jiao's intervention, he didn't make much of a fuss.

However, this incident also gave the Jade Emperor a pretext, so he went to the Zixiao Palace in the chaos outside the Thirty-Three Heavens and explained to the Dao Ancestor Hongjun the problem that the Heavenly Army and Heavenly Generals were not strong enough to truly deter the Three Realms of the Primordial World, hoping that the Zhou Tian Zheng Shen could return to their positions as soon as possible.

Although over the past million years, Shi Mo's three incarnations, the Daoist of Fixed Boundaries, have controlled the Fixed Boundaries Bead and the ground array, continuously providing ample energy for the transformation of the primordial world for all living beings to consume, making the primordial world more prosperous, some hidden worries have inevitably emerged.

Firstly, there were more living beings in the primordial world, and naturally, there were many who had achieved success in spiritual cultivation. Even among the human race, more and more cultivators were born, which is why the Xia and Shang dynasties were able to maintain their national fortunes for millions of years.

Even with Zhen Yuanzi's lineage of earth immortals maintaining the stability of the prehistoric world, conflicts between the prehistoric beings and cultivators were inevitable.

Especially within the human race, countless wars, large and small, have occurred over millions of years, with cultivators and demons often involved.
Therefore, even though the seemingly peaceful, prosperous, and well-developed prehistoric world had the help of the Red Lotus Daoist to resolve the malevolent energy with the power of the Blood Sea, it was still constantly accumulating killing intent and karmic force, which inevitably triggered the Investiture of the Gods calamity.

With his current cultivation level and status as the ruler of the Three Realms, the Jade Emperor naturally sensed the arrival of this great calamity and foresaw that it was a good opportunity to strengthen the foundation of the Heavenly Court. That's why he took the opportunity to meet with Hongjun Daozu.

Hongjun Daozu was well aware that the Investiture of the Gods was an unchangeable trend of the Heavenly Dao, so he quickly sent a telepathic message to summon all the saints to Zixiao Palace to discuss the Investiture of the Gods.

After learning the reason for the conferment of the gods, the expressions of the saints were rather unpleasant.

Especially the Tongtian Sect Leader, with his numerous disciples, is likely to suffer heavy casualties during the Investiture of the Gods calamity, so it's no wonder he looks unwell.

Moreover, as a sage, Tongtian Jiaozhu also vaguely sensed that this great calamity was a considerable trouble for both the Jie Sect and himself. How many of the Jie Sect's disciples could withstand the test of the great calamity?

But since the great calamity has arrived and cannot be avoided, the saints have no choice but to face it.

Therefore, they naturally focused their attention on the person who would be in charge of the Investiture of the Gods in the future, wanting to take him under their wing so that they could plan ahead and gain an advantage in the great calamity of the Investiture of the Gods.

"The one destined to preside over the investiture of gods must be a disciple of a sage. As for which of you will be his disciple, that depends on fate."

With the saints having differing thoughts, Hongjun Daozu, who finally spoke calmly, waved his hand to dismiss them.

After leaving Zixiao Palace, seeing the Three Pure Ones and Jieyin depart in a hurry, Zhen Yuanzi frowned and looked at Shi Mo, saying:
"Brother Shi Mo, I'm afraid the Three Pure Ones and the Guide of the Underworld won't easily relinquish their role in presiding over the Investiture of the Gods. I wonder what you think, brother?"

“Junior Brother Shi Mo, if you are willing to preside over the Investiture of the Gods, I will strongly support you,” said the Goddess Nuwa, who was not in a hurry to leave.

Shi Mo smiled noncommittally: "This person chosen by fate may not necessarily become my disciple; everything depends on destiny."

After Nuwa left with a noncommittal smile, Zhen Yuanzi said, "Next, I'm afraid the Chan Sect, Jie Sect, and Western Sect will all be recruiting disciples in large numbers. If you, Brother Shi Mo, are willing to openly accept disciples, there will definitely be many who want to become your apprentices."

“Brother Zhenyuan, you are the ancestor of earth immortals. If you were willing to take on many disciples, I’m afraid even more people would want to become your disciples. Perhaps the chosen one will be among them!” Shi Mo said with a smile.

Zhen Yuanzi shook his head and said with a wry smile, "I am not a disciple of the Dao Ancestor. If the chosen one were to truly become my disciple, I fear he would be targeted by all the saints."

"With my support and that of Senior Sister Nuwa, what are you afraid of?" Shi Mo's words made Zhen Yuanzi's expression even more helpless.
"To be honest, I really don't want to get involved in this trouble. That person who presides over the investiture of gods is a hot potato!"

"Brother Shi Mo, be honest with me, do you really want to take this chosen one?" Zhen Yuanzi then asked seriously.

“If the purpose of taking on disciples is solely for the purpose of bestowing titles upon gods, then it is somewhat opportunistic,” Shi Mo smiled noncommittally. “Let’s see what fate brings!”

In fact, Shi Moruo had an advantage over the other sages when it came to taking on disciples, since he knew very well that the chosen one was Jiang Ziya.

However, once Jiang Ziya is accepted as a disciple, he will inevitably become the target of public criticism, and it is hard to say whether this is good or bad.

Moreover, Jiang Ziya was not necessarily the only key figure in influencing the Investiture of the Gods.

"It depends on fate? You still need to take on disciples! Do you think a person destined for you will come to you to become your master?" Zhen Yuanzi couldn't help but say.

"Then you should take on some disciples first! See if you can lure out this chosen one, and then I'll consider whether to take on disciples or not," Shi Mo said.

Zhen Yuanzi's eyes widened slightly upon hearing this: "No... what if you don't accept it later? Won't I be stuck with this mess?"

“If you find it troublesome, you can just give it away later. Yuanshi and Tongtianhe will definitely be scrambling to get it. Then they'll owe you a favor and a karmic debt. Why not?” Hearing Shi Mo’s words, Zhen Yuanzi couldn’t help but laugh again: “Hehe. Brother Shi Mo, you really are the most cunning!”

"The Investiture of the Gods calamity is of little consequence to us, with limited impact. We need not worry about it. Just protect our disciples and try to prevent any promising talents from perishing in the calamity," Shi Mo said calmly and casually.

"Even if some of my disciples die and are enshrined as gods, and eventually come to the Heavenly Court, all the gods in the heavens will still respect Ziwei! It's a good opportunity to let my two sons go down to the mortal realm for some training during this great calamity of the enshrinement of gods."

“Well, since Brother Shi Mo has already made up his mind, then I can relax and go on to take on disciples. Let’s see if I can find one or two truly promising talents this time!” Zhen Yuanzi nodded slightly.

Next, the Chan Sect, Jie Sect, Wuzhuang Temple, and Western Sect, which had not been recruiting disciples on a large scale for a long time, suddenly announced that they would be recruiting disciples, and several sages would also be giving sermons.

Instantly, the entire prehistoric world was abuzz with excitement. Numerous cultivators and human descendants aspiring to immortality flocked to the temple to listen to the teachings and seek apprenticeship, hoping to have the opportunity to become disciples of a sage.

In just a few decades, the number of disciples under the tutelage of the Sages increased significantly. The disciples under the tutelage also began to select promising talents from among the human race to be taken under their tutelage and taught, thus beginning preparations for the Investiture of the Gods.

Before they knew it, the Shang Dynasty had passed down to the generation of Emperor Yi, who was the father of King Zhou of Shang, Yin Shou.

In the northwest of the primordial wilderness, within a million miles of the Nine Cauldrons Iron Fork Mountain near West Kunlun, there are almost entirely orchards and gardens cultivating various acquired spiritual plants and medicinal herbs. Many cultivators and spirit beasts are responsible for managing these gardens, supplying the needs of the Eight Treasures Cloud Light Pavilion and Nebula City in the primordial wilderness.

At the summit of Babao Peak on Jiuding Iron Fork Mountain, beneath the Mother Peach Tree, the tall and robust golden-haired old ape Jin Yuan was pouring wine for Shi Mo, his old face full of smiles as he said, "Master, please try this. It's a vintage wine that has been stored for an entire Yuanhui!"

"Hmm! It's not bad! This top-grade Peach Blossom Wine, if aged for too long or too short a time, will taste a little off. A wine aged for one Yuanhui is the best," Shi Mo nodded slightly after taking a sip.

“Master, the Eight Treasures Cloud Pavilion is temporarily not selling any spiritual treasures or divine weapons, and even the sale of elixirs and spiritual medicines has decreased. However, the various Star Cloud Cities are much more lively, and the consumption of spiritual wine and immortal brews in the Star Cloud Tower has suddenly increased significantly!” Jin Yuan said.

"The fact that the sages are taking on disciples has certainly sparked a surge of enthusiasm among cultivators for cultivating immortality and seeking the Dao, which is normal," Shi Mo said casually, sipping his wine.
"However, if this happens, the upcoming Investiture of the Gods will likely be even more chaotic, with all sorts of demons and monsters emerging. At that time, so many will die that the Investiture of the Gods might not even be finished!"

"The trend is inevitable. We should sell fewer weapons of war and avoid getting involved in too much karma. Although Yun Zhongzi enjoys crafting weapons, his complete immersion in it is putting the cart before the horse. It would be better for him to focus on quiet cultivation and prepare for the Investiture of the Gods calamity."

As Shi Mo spoke, he seemed to sense something and looked up. He saw two figures appear in the sky above the Nine Cauldrons Iron Fork Mountain, which was like the night sky. They were Ziwei and Gouchen.

"You've come at the perfect time. Come, have a few more drinks with me," Shi Mo said with a smile, raising his glass as he saw them.

Ziwei and Gouchen, who were standing to the side, exchanged a glance, nodded and smiled, and sat down separately.

Jin Yuan, who was standing to the side, hurriedly poured wine for them. Ziwei smiled and politely thanked him, but Gou Chen couldn't help but say:
"Father, a wisp of Ziwei's soul has been reincarnated as the eldest son of Ji Chang, the Marquis of Xibo in the human race. When can I go to the human race? If we wait any longer, the great calamity of the Investiture of the Gods will begin soon."

"What's the rush? Are you in such a hurry to have another new father?" Shi Mo rolled his eyes at him.

"No, Father, it's because Senior Brother Fengdu and Senior Brother Zhenwu have already severed their corpses and become Quasi-Saints! Senior Brother Fengdu has even severed two corpses in succession, and Nanji from the Jade Void Sect has also severed his corpse. But Ziwei and I are still at the peak of the Great Luo realm. I don't know when we will be able to sever our corpses!" Gou Chen hurriedly said.

"Impatient? The path of cultivation must not be rushed! When the opportunity arises, things will naturally fall into place," Shi Mo said with a faint smile.
“They have all cultivated for longer than you, and they all come from extraordinary backgrounds. Even your Senior Brother Zhenwu has endured more trials than you have. You two brothers have experienced far too little!”

Gou Chen scratched his head and said, "Father, didn't you say that Ziwei and I would still be brothers after reincarnation? If I reincarnate late, wouldn't I become his younger brother?"

"Hehe, you're only realizing it now?" Shi Mo chuckled.

"You've been the elder brother for so long, can't it be my turn?" Ziwei said jokingly.

Then Ziwei turned to Shi Molian and said, "Father, I heard that the person destined to be in charge of the Investiture of the Gods seems to have already become a disciple of the Jade Void Primordial Heavenly Venerable."

"It's just that you're in charge of the Investiture of the Gods. In the future, all the gods of the Zhou Tian will still be under your control," Shi Mo said casually, neither confirming nor denying.

"It's truly unexpected that the one who will be in charge of the Investiture of the Gods in the future will be a demon race member who has become a leopard spirit," Gou Chen said, shaking his head slightly as he drank heavily.

Ziwei's eyes flickered slightly as she asked, "Father, is Shen Gongbao truly the one who will be in charge of the Investiture of the Gods in the future?"

(End of this chapter)