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

Seven days after the Battle of Muye, Chaoge was still resting and recuperating.

But the atmosphere in the secret chamber of the general's mansion was heavy.

A water mirror floated before Yunxiao, reflecting the scene of the Northern Sea—an endless abyss of darkness, currently churning with viscous, ink-like demonic energy. Within the demonic energy, a colossal black shadow could be vaguely seen swimming, every breath of which sent chills down one's spine.

"At least ten ancient demon kings have awakened." Yunxiao withdrew his spell, his face slightly pale. "Among them, three auras... are no weaker than quasi-saints."

"What is Kunpeng planning?" Bixiao asked urgently. "Is he going to start a full-scale war?"

Qiongxiao pondered, "In the Battle of Muye, the Western Sect retreated, and the Chan Sect suffered a setback. The demon race's unusual movements at this time... are probably being instigated by someone in secret."

Su Yunbai's heart skipped a beat: "Yuanshi?"

"Very likely." Qiongxiao nodded. "He was punished by the Dao Ancestor to be confined to his seclusion for a hundred years. He cannot make a move openly, but it is not impossible that he secretly stirs up trouble among the demon race and uses others to do his dirty work."

Ao Ling then spoke up: "The Dragon Clan has spies in Beiming. Three days ago, they sent back news that a disciple of Yuxu Palace had secretly entered Beiming and had a private conversation with the Demon Master Kunpeng."

"As expected." Su Yunbai clenched his fist. "Yuanshi is about to flip the table."

"Then what should we do?" Bixiao asked Su Yunbai.

Su Yunbai hesitated for a moment: "Does His Majesty know?"

"Grand Tutor Wen has already reported this," Yunxiao said. "His Majesty said... when the troops come, we will meet them head-on."

"Then prepare for battle." Su Yunbai stood up. "But before that, I need to go to Beiming."

The women were startled.

"Are you crazy?!" Bixiao glared. "That's the demon race's lair! Ten ancient demon kings, and Kunpeng is there to guard it! Are you going to your death?"

"It's not about going to our deaths, it's about reconnaissance," Su Yunbai explained. "Since Yuanshi is secretly pushing this forward, he must have something in mind. I need to find out exactly what he wants to do."

"It's too dangerous." Qiongxiao shook her head. "I'll go with you."

"I'll go too!" Bixiao immediately said.

Yunxiao, however, said, "You all stay here."

"Big sister!"

"The Northern Underworld is dangerous; having too many people would be inconvenient." Yunxiao looked at Su Yunbai. "I'll go with you. My mastery of music is skilled in concealment, which can evade the senses of powerful demons."

Su Yunbai thought for a moment and nodded.

"Okay. Just the two of us."

Qiongxiao wanted to say something more, but seeing her elder sister's resolute expression, she ultimately remained silent.

Bixiao pouted: "Then you all must be careful!"

"rest assured."

Three days later, at the edge of the Northern Sea.

The biting wind was like a knife, whipping up a sky full of black snow. This place was near the far north; the seawater was a deep black, and white bones could be vaguely seen among the floating ice—some from demonic beasts, others from humans.

Su Yunbai and Yunxiao concealed their auras and walked on the ice.

"The Demon Master's Palace is just a hundred miles ahead," Yunxiao transmitted telepathically. "I can sense four quasi-saint auras within the palace. Besides the Kunpeng, there are also three ancient great demons."

"Where are the people of the beginning?"

"Deep within the Demon Master's Palace, there are fluctuations of Jade Void Palace's cultivation techniques." Yunxiao counted on his fingers, "It's... True Man Taiyi."

Su Yunbai's eyes turned cold.

Taiyi Zhenren, one of the Twelve Golden Immortals of the Chan Sect, is Nezha's master. He didn't appear in the Battle of Muye; it turns out he was here.

"Sneak in quietly."

The two transformed into streaks of light, skimming along the ice surface as they sped towards the Demon Master's Palace.

The Demon Master's Palace was built on a massive ice floe, entirely constructed of black ice, its grotesque form resembling the skeleton of a colossal beast. Countless demonic beasts patrolled outside the palace, but none could sense Su Yunbai and his companion—Yunxiao had distorted the surrounding space with the power of sound, rendering them invisible.

Upon entering the palace, the chill intensified.

Deep within the palace, in an ice palace.

The demon master Kunpeng sat in the main seat. He had transformed into human form, an old man in black robes with vertical, snake-like eyes. Below him sat three figures: one with a bull's head and a human body, his muscles bulging; one with wings on his back, an eagle's beak and sharp claws; and one resembling both a tortoise and a snake, his aura heavy and powerful.

These were the ancient great demons—the Bull Demon King, the Roc Demon King, and the Black Tortoise King.

In the guest seat, Taiyi Zhenren, expressionless, was conversing with Kunpeng.

"What has Your Majesty the Demon Master decided?" asked the True Man Taiyi. "As long as the demon race sends troops to contain Chaoge, and once Xiqi defeats the Shang, my Chan Sect can help the demon race establish a kingdom in the East and enjoy the offerings of incense from the mortals."

Kunpeng sneered: "Taiyi, do you think I'm a three-year-old child? Back in the Lich War, your Chan Sect certainly took advantage of my misfortune quite a bit."

"Times have changed," said Taiyi Zhenren calmly. "Now that humanity has awakened, if the human race rises, the first to be destroyed will be the demon race. Does the Demon Master intend to sit idly by and await his doom?"

The Bull Demon King said in a deep voice, "Brother, what that Taoist priest said makes sense. That Emperor Xin has awakened humanity, clearly intending for the human race to become the sole ruler. If he gains power, where will our demon race have a place to stand?"

Peng Demon King also said, "In the Battle of Muye, Di Xin summoned heroic spirits, and his combat power was already no weaker than that of a quasi-saint. If he is given more time to grow..."

Kunpeng remained silent.

He was well aware of these things.

However, cooperating with the Chan Sect is tantamount to seeking help from a tiger.

"What are you still hesitating for, Demon Master?" Taiyi Zhenren added, "If it succeeds, my master can personally help you break through to the Hunyuan realm."

Hunyuan!

A glint of light flashed in Kunpeng's eyes.

He had been trapped at the peak of Quasi-Saint level for countless years, unable to take that final step. If the Primordial Celestial Venerable were truly willing to help…

"Alright." Kunpeng finally nodded. "But I have three conditions."

"Speaking."

"First, the demon race can send troops, but they will not directly clash with the Jie Sect. Second, after the matter is accomplished, the East must cede three states to the demon race. Third..." Kunpeng looked at Taiyi Zhenren, "Yuanshi must swear an oath to the Heavenly Dao, never to break the alliance."

Taiyi Zhenren pondered for a moment.

"I can agree to the first two on behalf of my master. The third... requires my master's permission."

"Then let's wait until Yuanshi makes his oath before discussing sending troops."

"Can."

The two sides reached a preliminary agreement.

Outside the hall, Su Yunbai and Yunxiao stared at each other, their eyes flashing with cold light.

What a primordial beginning! What a profound teaching!

In order to destroy the Shang dynasty, they did not hesitate to let the demon race enter the pass and wreak havoc on the human world!

"Let's go," Su Yunbai transmitted his voice, "to return and report to His Majesty."

The two quietly left.

But just as he was about to leave the Demon Master's Palace, King Xuanwu suddenly opened his eyes.

His true form is Xuanwu, and he is most adept at perception.

"There are outsiders here!"

boom--!

Xuanwu King struck Su Yunbai and his companion with a palm strike!

The Ice Palace has collapsed!

Su Yunbai and Yunxiao retreated hastily, but their figures had already been exposed.

"Human cultivators?" Kunpeng narrowed his eyes. "How dare they infiltrate my palace! They have quite the nerve!"

When Taiyi Zhenren saw who it was, his expression changed.

"Su Yunbai?!"

"Taiyi, long time no see." Su Yunbai sneered, "Your Chan Sect is really getting more and more impressive, actually colluding with the demon race."

"Stop spouting false accusations!" Taiyi Zhenren roared. "I have come here to persuade the demon race to submit to the Heavenly Way!"

"Submit to the Heavenly Way?" Su Yunbai looked at Kunpeng, "Demon Master, do you believe that?"

Kunpeng's face was gloomy.

He naturally didn't believe it.

But now that Su Yunbai has broken through, there is no way out.

"Since you're here, don't leave." Kunpeng stood up, his peak Quasi-Saint aura enveloping the entire area. "Take them down!"

The Bull Demon King, the Roc Demon King, and the Black Tortoise King all attacked at the same time!

Three quasi-saint level demons!

Su Yunbai and Yunxiao stood back to back, and Qingsi Rao and Jiuxiao Huanpei Qin were summoned at the same time.

"Yunxiao, you go first," Su Yunbai said in a low voice.

"Impossible." Yunxiao played the zither. "If you want war, then let's fight."

Clang—!

The sound of the zither transformed into a sonic blade, slashing towards the Bull Demon King.

The Bull Demon King shattered the sonic blade with a single punch and strode over: "Little wench, you're getting interesting!"

Su Yunbai's love threads entwined around Peng Demon King, while simultaneously transmitting his voice to Chaoge:

"Your Majesty, something has happened in Beiming! Send reinforcements immediately!"

Chaoge, Zhaixing Tower.

Upon receiving the message, King Zhou slammed his fist on the table and rose to his feet.

"Wen Zhong!"

"Your humble servant is here!"

"Gather 100,000 troops and march with me to conquer the Northern Sea!"

"Your Majesty, Chaoge..."

"Chaoge is protected by the Three Heavens Formation; we are safe." King Zhou donned his armor. "Su Yunbai is in danger; I cannot stand idly by!"

"yes!"

The Battlefield of the Northern Sea.

Su Yunbai and Yunxiao are locked in a fierce battle.

The Bull Demon King possessed immense strength, each punch shaking the very fabric of space; the Roc Demon King was incredibly fast, his wings like blades; the Black Tortoise King had unparalleled defense, even sonic blades could not harm him.

Even more terrifying is Kunpeng. Although he did not personally make a move, his aura locked onto the two of them, and he could launch a fatal attack at any moment.

"This can't go on." Blood trickled from the corner of Yunxiao's mouth. "Su Yunbai, you go first, I'll cover your retreat."

"What nonsense are you spouting?" Su Yunbai forced the Peng Demon King back with a single sword strike. "If we're going to leave, we'll leave together."

He activated the Law of Emotion, and the threads of emotion transformed into a cage, temporarily trapping the three great demons.

But he was trapped for only three breaths.

Three breaths later, the cage shattered.

"Ants struggling." Kunpeng finally made his move.

He raised his hand and grabbed, and the void froze.

Su Yunbai and Yunxiao were stuck in a quagmire, unable to move.

"Die." Kunpeng clasped his five fingers together.

At that very moment—

A golden sword light slashed down from the horizon!

"You fiend, how dare you harm my men?!"

King Zhou has arrived!

The Emperor's Sword cleaved through the void, freeing Su Yunbai and the other from their predicament.

Behind King Zhou, Wen Zhong led an army of 100,000 to descend. The aura of the army soared to the sky and temporarily resisted the demonic energy.

"Emperor Xin?!" Kunpeng's pupils contracted. "You dare leave Chaoge?"

"What wouldn't I dare?" King Zhou stood with his sword drawn. "Kunpeng, you colluded with the Chan Sect, plotting to wreak havoc on the world. Today, I will act on behalf of Heaven and slay you!"

"Arrogant!"

Kunpeng was so angry that he laughed instead.

He was an ancient demon master, a being of the same generation as the Dao Ancestor.

How dare a mere human emperor speak of beheading him?

"Then let me see what you're really made of!"

The Kunpeng manifests its true form—a giant roc that blots out the sky, its wingspan covering thousands of miles!

This is the true power of a demon master!

King Zhou's expression was solemn, but he did not retreat.

He unleashed the Emperor's Seal, stirring up the long river of humanity.

"Humanitarian Heroes—Assist Me!"

The heroic spirits have returned!

This time, however, the heroic spirits did not attack the demon army, but instead merged into King Zhou's body.

King Zhou's aura surged, and he briefly stepped into the Quasi-Saint realm!

"cut!"

The Emperor's Sword transformed into a ten-thousand-foot-long golden light, slashing towards the Kunpeng!

The Kunpeng's sharp claws met the attack.

boom--!!!!

The Northern Sea trembled, and the seawater surged backward!

King Zhou staggered back a hundred feet, spitting out blood.

But a deep, bone-revealing sword mark was also left on the Kunpeng's sharp claws!

"You..." Kunpeng was shocked.

He was actually injured?

Although it was only a minor injury, the opponent was just a Human Emperor!

"What a humane person." Kunpeng's eyes were icy. "It seems I cannot let you live."

He went all out.

But Su Yunbai had recovered and charged forward with Yunxiao and Wen Zhong.

A hundred thousand troops formed a battle array, their military might like dragons, coiling towards the demon race.

The battle was fierce.

Half an hour later.

King Zhou struck again with his sword, forcing Kunpeng back, and shouted fiercely, "Retreat!"

The Shang army fought and retreated.

Kunpeng wanted to give chase, but sensed three terrifying auras approaching from the direction of Chaoge—a sign that the Three Heavens Formation was fully activated.

If he pursues, he may be surrounded.

"That's enough." Kunpeng stopped. "Let them go."

Taiyi Zhenren exclaimed urgently, "Demon Master, how can we let the tiger return to the mountain?"

"It's none of your business to criticize what I do." Kunpeng glanced at him coldly. "Go back and tell Yuanshi that the demon race will not send troops until the oath is made."

After saying this, he transformed into a black wind and returned to the palace.

Taiyi Zhenren's face turned ashen, but he was helpless.

On the way back to Chaoge.

King Zhou's injuries flared up, and he vomited three mouthfuls of blood.

"Your Majesty!" Su Yunbai hurriedly helped him up.

"It's nothing..." King Zhou smiled wryly. "It's just a backlash from forcibly fusing with heroic spirits. I'll be fine after a few days of rest."

He looked at Su Yunbai.

What are your thoughts on the matter of Beiming?

"Yuanshi is getting desperate," Su Yunbai said in a deep voice. "Seeing that he can't win openly, he wants to use the demon race. Although this plan is vicious, it also exposes his weakness."

"What weakness?"

"He's afraid." Su Yunbai's eyes were sharp. "He's afraid that humanity will truly rise, afraid that His Majesty will become the second saint of humanity. So he's willing to do anything to kill His Majesty before he grows up."

King Zhou remained silent.

After a long silence, he said, "Then I must not die."

"right."

The two looked at each other, their eyes filled with determination.

Upon returning to Chaoge, King Zhou secluded himself to heal his wounds.

Su Yunbai then told the women what Bei Ming had seen.

Bixiao was so angry she jumped up and down: "That shameless old man Yuanshi! I'm going to find Master right now and let him judge this!"

Qiongxiao held her back: "Master is confined by the Dao Ancestor, so there's no use in going there."

"What should we do then?"

"Wait," Qiongxiao said, "wait until His Majesty recovers, wait until we are stronger."

She looked at Su Yunbai.

"Can you still break through the laws of your emotions?"

Su Yunbai nodded: "After this battle, the bottleneck has been broken. Give me a month, and I may be able to reach 71%."

"Alright," Qiongxiao said. "I will protect you for this month."

Yunxiao also said, "Bixiao and I will perfect the Three Heavens Formation and strengthen Chaoge's defenses."

Ao Ling: "The Dragon Clan will strengthen patrols in the seas to prevent the Demon Clan from launching sneak attacks."

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

Yang Chan whispered, "I...I will cultivate the Lotus Lantern diligently."

Each woman performed her assigned duties.

Su Yunbai felt a warmth in his heart.

With them around, what is there to fear from the Primordial Beginning? What is there to fear from the demon race?

That night, Su Yunbai began his seclusion.

Qiongxiao stood guard outside the secret chamber, the Frostflower Sword resting across her lap.

The moonlight shone down, illuminating her cool profile.

She suddenly remembered what her eldest sister had said—

"Second sister, if you truly love someone, don't hesitate. The path to immortality is long, and it's not easy to meet someone who truly loves you."

Like it?

Qiongxiao touched her heart.

There, the millennia-old ice has quietly melted.

She looked towards the secret room, her eyes softening.

"Su Yunbai... I'll wait for you to emerge from seclusion."

Meanwhile, in the Kunlun Mountains.

When Yuanshi Tianzun received the message from Taiyi Zhenren, his face turned ashen.

"That old fox Kunpeng..."

He calculated with his fingers, and suddenly a fierce glint flashed in his eyes.

"Since the demon race can't be relied upon, then... let's awaken that one."

He got up and walked deeper into the Jade Void Palace.

There, an ancient statue is enshrined.

The statue's features are blurred, but it exudes a chilling and ferocious aura.

The ancient demon god—Chi You.

During the Lich War, Chi You was killed by the Yellow Emperor, but a wisp of his remnant soul was secretly collected by Yuan Shi and sealed here.

Now is the time to put it to use.

"Chi You, I will help you resurrect. In exchange... you must crush Chaoge for me."

A flash of red light appeared in the statue's eyes.

It seems to be a response.

The great calamity has entered its most dangerous phase.