Investiture of the Gods: Childhood Sweetheart Daji, Starting with Quasi-Saint Cultivation

A beam of blue light landed, and the Tongtian Sect Leader appeared.

The four swords of Zhuxian hang in the four directions, their sword intent locked onto Yuanshi.

"Tongtian, are you going to stop me again?" Yuanshi's face was grim.

"So what if I am?" Tongtian sneered. "Yuanshi, you're supposed to be a sage, yet you go all out against a junior. Don't you have any shame?"

"He awakened humanity, defied the will of Heaven, and deserves to be punished!"

"Whether he is executed or not is not for you to decide." Tongtian stepped forward. "With me here today, you cannot touch him."

Yuan Shi gritted his teeth.

In a one-on-one fight, he was fearless against Tongtian.

But with the Immortal Slaughtering Sword Formation there, he couldn't break it.

"Tongtian, do you truly intend to fight me to the death?"

"It was you who wanted to be my mortal enemy," Tongtian said calmly. "Since the beginning of this calamity, you have repeatedly bullied my disciples. Did you really think I had a good temper?"

The two faced off, their divine might clashing, causing the heavens and earth to change color.

The people of Chaoge City were filled with fear.

Su Yunbai stood protectively in front of King Zhou, his love threads poised to strike.

He knew he couldn't get involved in a battle of this level.

But if Tongtian is no match for him, he will fight to the death to protect King Zhou.

The stalemate lasted for a long time.

Yuan Shi suddenly laughed.

"Tongtian, do you really think... I can't do anything to you?"

He raised his hand, and a jade talisman appeared in his palm.

The jade talisman is inscribed with the words "Investiture of the Gods".

"Investiture of the Gods?" Tongtian's pupils contracted.

"Indeed," Yuanshi sneered. "This list was bestowed by the Dao Ancestor, specifically created for the Great Calamity. Today, I will use the power of the Investiture of the Gods to suppress the fortune of your Jie Sect!"

He activated the jade talisman.

The Investiture of the Gods shone brightly, transforming into a golden canopy that enveloped Chaoge.

In the sky, countless divine names appeared—all were those destined to face the tribulation in the great calamity.

Among them were King Zhou, Su Yunbai, Wen Zhong, Huang Feihu... and even Yunxiao, Bixiao, and Qiongxiao!

Under the Investiture of the Gods, all those whose names were on the list felt a tightness in their souls, as if shackles had been placed upon them.

"This is bad!" Tongtian's expression changed drastically. "Yuanshi, how dare you abuse the Investiture of the Gods?!"

"What is there to be afraid of?" Yuanshi laughed wildly. "During the Great Calamity, I, acting on behalf of Heaven, bestowed divine titles; everything is in accordance with the Heavenly Dao!"

The power of the Investiture of the Gods suppressed it.

King Zhou grunted and knelt down.

Although he was protected by the luck of humanity, the Investiture of the Gods was a supreme treasure of the Heavenly Dao, specifically designed to ward off those destined for calamity.

Su Yunbai also felt immense pressure, and his emotions dimmed as his light faded.

The women were even paler, their cultivation suppressed by more than 30%.

Only Tongtian, relying on his saintly cultivation, managed to barely hold on.

"Yuanshi...you're asking for death!"

Enraged, Tongtian unleashed all four swords of Zhuxian, slashing towards the Investiture of the Gods!

But the Investiture of the Gods was bestowed by the Dao Ancestor, so how could it be broken so easily?

The sword light struck the sky, but only caused ripples; it failed to break through.

"It's useless," Yuanshi said smugly. "The Investiture of the Gods is a supreme treasure of Heaven, which cannot be broken by anyone but the Four Sages. Tongtian, you cannot protect them today!"

He looked at King Zhou.

"Di Xin, obediently make the list, and I may retain a wisp of your true spirit and bestow upon you a leisurely divine position."

King Zhou gritted his teeth and forced himself to stand up.

"I...would rather die than submit!"

"Then die!"

Yuanshi activated the Investiture of the Gods, and a golden light shot towards King Zhou!

This strike contains the power of the Investiture of the Gods. If it hits, King Zhou will be annihilated, and his true spirit will be listed on the Investiture of the Gods!

At the critical moment—

Su Yunbai stood in front of King Zhou.

The Entwined Love Threads are unleashed with all their might!

However, his cultivation was suppressed, greatly reducing the power of this sword strike.

The golden light was about to fall—

That's enough.

An old voice rang out.

The sound was not loud, yet it carried throughout the world.

The golden light of the Investiture of the Gods was frozen in mid-air.

Yuan Shi's expression changed drastically.

"The Dao...the Dao Ancestor?"

In the void, a figure slowly emerged.

Gray robe, white hair, face blurred, seemingly present yet not quite.

It was none other than the Dao Ancestor—Hongjun!

Hongjun looked at Yuanshi with indifferent eyes.

"Yuanshi, the Investiture of the Gods was created for the purpose of bestowing titles upon the gods, not for your personal grudges."

"This disciple knows his mistake." Yuanshi hurriedly bowed. "But Di Xin awakened humanity and went against the will of Heaven. He should be punished."

"Whether to punish or not is up to Heaven," Hongjun said slowly. "You may step back."

"But……"

"Step back."

Upon uttering those two words, Yuanshi felt as if he had been struck by a heavy blow, staggering back three steps with blood trickling from the corner of his mouth.

He looked at Hongjun in horror.

The Dao Ancestor... actually made a move for Emperor Xin?

Hongjun stopped looking at him and turned to look at King Zhou.

"Di Xin, you have awakened humanity and touched the very foundation of the Heavenly Way. Do you know the consequences?"

King Zhou gritted his teeth: "I know."

"Not afraid?"

"I am not afraid."

Hongjun remained silent.

After a long silence, he said, "The awakening of humanity is a predetermined fate. Heaven may be angry, but... the tide cannot be turned back."

He raised his hand and pointed.

The celestial curtain of the Investiture of the Gods dissipated.

"This list is temporarily closed. The deification will be carried out after the Great Calamity ends."

After he finished speaking, he looked at Yuanshi.

"Yuanshi, you have abused the Investiture of the Gods. You are hereby punished to reflect on your mistakes in seclusion for a hundred years. You are not to leave the Jade Void Palace for the next hundred years."

"Disciple...accepts punishment." Yuanshi gritted his teeth, but dared not disobey.

Hongjun then looked at Tongtian.

"Tongtian, you have repeatedly interfered in the Great Tribulation, which is going too far. Go back to Biyou Palace and never come out again."

Tongtian frowned, but finally bowed and said, "Disciple obeys."

Hongjun finally looked at King Zhou and Su Yunbai.

"Humanity has awakened, and the way of Heaven is about to change. Take care of yourselves."

As soon as he finished speaking, his figure vanished.

It was as if it had never existed.

Chaoge returned to peace.

But everyone knows that everything is different now.

The Dao Ancestor appeared, temporarily sealing the Investiture of the Gods and punishing Yuanshi Tianzun by confining him to his quarters...

This is tantamount to tacitly acknowledging the legitimacy of humanity.

Yuanshi's face turned ashen. He glared fiercely at King Zhou and then transformed into golden light and departed.

Tongtian glanced at King Zhou, nodded in acknowledgment, and then left.

On the Star-Picking Tower.

King Zhou collapsed to the ground, panting heavily.

Just a moment ago, he really thought he was going to die.

Su Yunbai helped him up.

"Your Majesty, it's alright now."

"Is everything really... alright?" King Zhou smiled bitterly. "Although the Dao Ancestor has temporarily sealed the Investiture of the Gods, the wrath of Heaven has not yet subsided. What happens next..."

"We will meet force with force," Su Yunbai said firmly. "Now that His Majesty has awakened humanity, there is no turning back. We can only... move forward."

King Zhou looked at him and suddenly laughed.

"Yun Bai, I am so fortunate to have a friend like you."

"Me too."

The two looked at each other, and everything was understood without a word.

That night, a grand celebration was held in Chaoge.

The Daoist patriarch's recognition of humanity was tantamount to bestowing a protective talisman upon the Shang Dynasty.

For at least a century, Yuanshi should not make a move, and other sages should also think twice.

The great merchant state gained a chance to catch its breath.

But Su Yunbai knew in his heart—

This respite was bought with the life of King Zhou.

If the Daoist Ancestor had not appeared in time, King Zhou would have been dead.

"We must increase our strength as soon as possible," he said to the women. "A hundred years will pass in the blink of an eye. When Yuanshi emerges from seclusion, he will surely seek revenge."

Yunxiao nodded: "I will urge Bixiao and Qiongxiao to cultivate."

Qiongxiao said, "The Three Talents Formation can be further improved to enhance its defenses."

Ao Ling: "The Dragon Clan will continue to provide resources."

Jiang Xiaowu: "The Iron-Blooded Army will double its training."

Yang Chan: "I...I will try my best too."

Su Yunbai looked at them, feeling a warmth in his heart.

"Then... let's work together."

In the days that followed, Chaoge entered a period of rapid development.

King Zhou borrowed the power and fortune of humanity to implement new policies, and the Shang Dynasty's national strength grew day by day.

Su Yunbai guided the women in their cultivation, while he himself pondered the great path of love day and night.

A month later, Qiongxiao broke through to the early stage of Quasi-Saint.

Two months later, Bixiao broke through to the peak of the Great Luo realm.

Three months later, Jiang Xiaowu gave birth to a daughter, Su Wutong.

When the baby was born, the city of Chaoge was filled with blooming paulownia flowers, their fragrance filling the air.

Su Yunbai held his daughter, his heart softening.

"Wutong, your father will give you... a peaceful and prosperous world."

Little Wutong was babbling, her little hands grasping his fingers.

At that moment, Su Yunbai felt that all the battles were worthwhile.

But peaceful days are always short-lived.

In the fourth month, an urgent report came from the western front.

Jiang Ziya, in alliance with the Western Religion, launched a major attack on Sishui Pass!

General Han Rong was killed in battle, and Sishui Pass... fell!

The Xiqi army marched straight in, threatening Chaoge!

General's Mansion, Council Hall.

The atmosphere was heavy.

"With the fall of Sishui Pass, Chaoge's gates are wide open," Wen Zhong said in a deep voice. "The Western Zhou army of 500,000 has already reached Muye. Within three days, they will surely be at the city's gates."

King Zhou clenched his fist.

"Jiang Ziya... Western Religion... Excellent, very excellent!"

He looked at Su Yunbai.

"Yun Bai, this battle is unavoidable."

Su Yunbai nodded.

"Then let's fight."

He stood up and looked at the women.

"Yunxiao, Qiongxiao, follow me on the expedition. Bixiao, Aoling, Xiaowu, and Yangchan, stay behind to guard Chaoge."

"I want to go too!" Bixiao exclaimed.

"Listen to me," Su Yunbai said earnestly. "Chaoge needs someone to defend it. If we all leave, Chaoge will be in grave danger."

Bixiao gritted her teeth and finally nodded.

"Then you... be careful."

"Um."

That night, Su Yunbai, along with Yunxiao and Qiongxiao, led an army of 100,000 to Muye.

This battle will determine the survival of the Shang Dynasty.

It will also determine... the future of humanity.

At Makino, the two armies faced off.

The army of Xiqi numbered 500,000, their banners obscuring the sun.

With 100,000 soldiers and backed by Chaoge, the Shang army had nowhere to retreat.

Jiang Ziya was stationed in the central army, flanked by Yang Jian and Nezha, with four Arhats guarding the rear.

Western religions have finally officially entered the fray.

Su Yunbai rode out into the fray and looked at Jiang Ziya.

"Jiang Shang, why must you be so ruthless?"

Jiang Ziya said calmly, "The will of Heaven is set, and the Western Zhou Dynasty is destined to rise. General Su, if you are willing to surrender, I can guarantee your safety."

"No need," Su Yunbai shook his head. "Let's fight."

He drew his sword.

Love's threads entwine around the heavens.

"Grand Merchant General——!"

One hundred thousand soldiers roared in unison:

"exist!"

"Today, we defend our country and uphold humanity!"

"kill--!!!"

The war drums sounded.

The final battle begins!