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

A golden lotus platform hangs above Chaoge, with the four great bodhisattvas each seated on one side.

Guanyin resides in the east, holding a willow branch; Manjushri resides in the south, wielding a sword of wisdom; Samantabhadra resides in the west, holding a wish-fulfilling staff; Ksitigarbha resides in the north, holding a mani jewel.

The combined pressure of the four Bodhisattva-level beings formed an invisible giant net, enveloping the entire city.

The people of Chaoge knelt in fear, and the Humanitarian Array automatically activated, raising a golden light shield to resist the oppressive force.

On the Star-Picking Tower, King Zhou rose into the air. The Human Emperor Sword had merged with the Xuanyuan Sword, with one side of the sword depicting the sun, moon, mountains, and rivers, and the other side depicting agriculture and the four seas.

"Four Bodhisattvas have arrived together, what a grand display!" King Zhou said coldly. "What brings you here?"

Guanyin clasped her hands in prayer: "Your Majesty, we, the humble monks, have come here to resolve this conflict."

"Resolve it?" King Zhou scoffed. "In the Battle of Muye, your Buddhist sect aided Xiqi in their conquest of Shang; in the matter of Beiming, your Buddhist sect secretly spied on it. And now you speak of resolving it?"

Manjushri Bodhisattva spoke up: "Your Majesty misunderstands. In the Battle of Muye, we monks only tried to mediate peace; the Buddhist sect did not participate in the matter of Beiming. We have come here today with the sincere intention of finding a way for the human race to survive."

"A way out?" King Zhou raised an eyebrow. "Tell me."

Samantabhadra Bodhisattva said, "Your Majesty has awakened humanity and angered the Heavenly Way. If you continue to resist, there is a risk of annihilation. If Your Majesty is willing to integrate humanity into Buddhism and govern the world together with Buddhist teachings, then the calamity can be averted and humanity can survive."

Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva added: "The Buddhist path has 84,000 Dharma gates, which can accommodate all paths. If a human enters the Buddhist path, he can receive the blessings of the Buddhist fortune, and Your Majesty can also attain the Bodhisattva status and enjoy incense offerings for ten thousand generations."

King Zhou laughed loudly after hearing this.

The laughter was full of sarcasm.

"So that's how it is... The Buddhist sect sees humanity rising and wants to reap the benefits!"

He pointed his sword at the Four Great Bodhisattvas.

"I tell you—humanity belongs to the human race, not to Buddhism! I would rather die standing than live kneeling!"

"Your Majesty, please reconsider," Guanyin sighed. "The wrath of Heaven is beyond human power to withstand. Without the protection of Buddhism, Chaoge will surely perish."

"Then let them perish!" King Zhou declared resolutely. "Humans may die in battle, they may perish, but they will never be enslaved!"

The four Bodhisattvas remained silent.

A fierce glint flashed in Manjushri Bodhisattva's eyes: "If that's the case... then I'll have to offend you."

The sword of wisdom is drawn!

The sword energy surged like a sea, slashing towards the Humanity Array!

boom--!

The formation trembled violently, and cracks spread.

King Zhou's face turned pale, but he gritted his teeth and persevered.

"Your Majesty!" Su Yunbai arrived with his entourage.

The three immortals emerged together, and the Three Talents Formation merged into the Human Dao Formation, slightly alleviating the cracks.

But the four Bodhisattvas attacked at the same time!

Avalokiteshvara's willow branch swept by, and the soft branch transformed into countless threads, entwining the great formation; Manjushri's wisdom sword slashed again; Samantabhadra's wish-fulfilling staff smashed down; Ksitigarbha's Mani jewel emitted immeasurable light.

The attack is a quadruple strike, each level comparable to a full-force blow from a Quasi-Saint!

The humanitarian array is teetering on the brink of collapse!

Su Yunbai's Love Silk Slash aimed at Manjushri, Qiongxiao Frost Flower Sword attacked Guanyin, Yunxiao Qin Music countered Samantabhadra, and Bixiao Golden Dragon Scissors entangled Ksitigarbha.

However, the four people's cultivation level was far inferior to that of the Bodhisattvas, and they could barely hold on for ten breaths before they were in grave danger.

The great formation was about to break—

"That's enough!"

A furious roar resounded throughout the heavens and earth.

As the blue light touched the ground, the Tongtian Sect Leader descended once more!

The four swords of Zhuxian were unleashed simultaneously, forming a sword formation that trapped the four Bodhisattvas within it.

"Four against one, do you Buddhist sects have any shame?!" Tongtian shouted coldly.

Guanyin's expression changed: "Master Tongtian, you have interfered repeatedly, are you not afraid of the Dao Ancestor's punishment?"

"I will accept any punishment from the Dao Ancestor," Tongtian said proudly. "But I cannot tolerate the four of you bullying my disciples and the younger generation of humanity!"

He pointed his sword at the Four Great Bodhisattvas.

"Either get out, or fight!"

The four Bodhisattvas looked at each other.

The Immortal Slaughtering Sword Formation cannot be broken by anyone other than the Four Sages.

Although they are bodhisattvas, they are still a step below saints. The four of them working together might be able to break the formation, but they will have to pay a heavy price.

Moreover... although Dao Zu punished Tongtian by confining him to his quarters, Tongtian repeatedly broke the ban, yet Dao Zu did not investigate further. The implications of this are worth pondering.

"Very well." Guanyin put away the willow branch. "Since the Tongtian Sect Leader insists on protecting us, we, the humble monks, will give the Sect Leader some face."

She looked at King Zhou.

"Your Majesty, I hope you will reconsider your words today. I will return in three months. If Your Majesty remains obstinate then... the Buddhist sect will do everything in its power to assist Xiqi in its conquest of Shang."

After saying this, the four Bodhisattvas transformed into golden light and departed.

The crisis has been temporarily resolved.

The Master of the Heavenly Sect sheathed his sword and looked at King Zhou.

"Your Majesty, I can protect you for a time, but not forever. The Buddhist sect retreated this time because they feared me, and also because... they were observing."

"What are you waiting for?" King Zhou asked.

"Let's observe the Dao Ancestor's attitude," Tongtian said in a deep voice. "The Dao Ancestor has temporarily sealed the Investiture of the Gods and punished Yuanshi by closing the gates, but he hasn't investigated my breaking of the restrictions. In the eyes of the saints, this is tantamount to tacitly approving my assistance to you."

He paused.

"But this tacit approval has a time limit. If Your Majesty cannot make humanity completely stable within the time limit and let the Dao Ancestor see the value of humanity... then the Dao Ancestor may change his attitude."

King Zhou felt a chill run down his spine.

"How long is the time limit?"

"At most three years." Tongtian looked up at the sky. "If humanity cannot stand up to the Heavenly Dao within three years, the Dao Ancestor will likely take action personally to smooth things over."

Three years...

King Zhou clenched his fist.

"I understand. Thank you for your guidance, Your Majesty."

"No need to thank me." Tongtian looked at Su Yunbai, "Young Su, cultivate diligently. If you perfect the Great Dao of Love, perhaps... you can forge another path."

After he finished speaking, the blue light dissipated.

The Star-Picking Tower, a secret room.

King Zhou, Su Yunbai, the Three Immortals, and Wen Zhong gathered together.

"Three years..." King Zhou said in a deep voice, "Gentlemen, we only have three years. Within three years, we must ensure that humanity is completely stable and that humankind has the power to protect itself."

"How do we do it?" Wen Zhong asked.

"Three things," King Zhou said, holding up a finger. "First, accelerate the implementation of the 'Code of Humanity,' making humanity as a whole stronger. Second, the Humanity Academy must be completed within six months to begin training talent. Third…"

He looked at Su Yunbai.

"Yun Bai, you need to break through to the Hunyuan realm as soon as possible."

Su Yunbai smiled wryly: "Your Majesty, reaching the Primordial Chaos Realm is not so easy..."

"It won't be easy, but we must try," King Zhou said earnestly. "Among us, you have the best chance of breaking through to the Hunyuan realm. If you perfect the Great Dao of Emotion, you might be able to forge a path different from that of the Sages."

Yunxiao nodded: "Yunbai, I will help you."

Qiongxiao: "Me too."

Bixiao: "Me too!"

Looking at them, Su Yunbai felt a surge of pride.

"Okay, I'll do my best."

From that day on, Chaoge entered a period of high-speed operation.

The Humanitarian Code was promulgated, and the four chapters on agriculture and warfare, crafts and skills, medicine, and education were quickly implemented. The people's enthusiasm was unprecedented, because the code stipulated that anyone who made a contribution could enter the Humanitarian Academy for cultivation!

The construction of the Humanity Academy continued day and night, with Su Yunbai personally overseeing the work and the Three Immortals assisting from the side.

A month later, the academy was initially completed.

The main hall is named "Hall of Humanity" and enshrines the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors. The four academies are located in the four directions. The War Academy is presided over by Wen Zhong, the Engineering Academy is presided over by a weapon-refining master sent by the Dragon Clan, the Agriculture Academy is presided over by a rogue cultivator who is good at spiritual plants, and the Dao Academy... is personally presided over by Su Yunbai.

On the day the palace was opened, King Zhou himself attended.

"Today, the Academy of Humanity is officially opened!" King Zhou proclaimed loudly. "All subjects of my Great Shang Dynasty, regardless of birth or social status, only based on their character and talent, may enter the academy for cultivation! I wish that everyone may become like a dragon, and that the human race may prosper forever!"

The people cheered.

The first batch of 3,000 students were selected from all over the country, the youngest being eight years old and the oldest sixty.

Su Yunbai stood in front of the Taoist temple, looking at the faces that were either young or weathered, and felt a surge of emotion.

These people will be the future of humanity.

That night, in the quiet room of the Taoist temple.

Su Yunbai began his seclusion to attempt to break through to the Hunyuan realm.

The Law of Emotion has reached 71%, but it becomes increasingly difficult as you progress. Each 1% improvement requires a deeper understanding of emotions.

This time, he no longer simply sought enlightenment, but instead... engaged with the world.

He created an avatar, which transformed into an ordinary scholar and blended into the everyday life of Chaoge.

He adopted the pseudonym "Su Bai" and opened a private school in the south of the city, teaching children to read and write.

Teaching by day, practicing meditation by night.

He observed the myriad aspects of everyday life—the anger of couples bickering, the warmth of fathers and sons embracing, the reluctance of friends parting, and the kindness of neighbors helping each other…

These most ordinary emotions contain the most profound truths.

A month later, Su Bai's private school had fifty students.

One day, a ragged boy hid outside the private school and eavesdropped.

Su Baifa spotted him.

"Want to study?"

The boy nodded timidly.

"Come in."

The boy's name was A-Tu. His parents died early, and he made a living by begging. He was exceptionally intelligent and had a photographic memory, but he was also withdrawn.

Su Bai patiently taught him, not only to teach him to read, but also to teach him how to be a person.

Three months later, Atu changed. He remained silent, but a light appeared in his eyes.

One day, Atu asked, "Sir, why do people live?"

Su Bai thought for a moment: "For love, for responsibility, for... to make the world a better place."

Even if you're not doing well yourself?

Even if I'm not doing well myself.

A-Tu remained silent.

After a long silence, he said, "Sir, I want to become someone like you."

Su Bai smiled.

"Then you must study hard, cultivate yourself well, and... love this world well."

"Um!"

Three months later, Su Bai's private school gradually gained a reputation.

More and more impoverished children came to study, and Su Bai welcomed them all.

He not only taught books, but also the basics of spiritual practice—of course, under the guise of martial arts.

Among these children, three showed talent for cultivation and were secretly introduced by Su Bai into the Dao Academy, becoming the first batch of students.

one year later.

Su Bai's private school already has three hundred students.

In the south of Chaoge City, everyone knows of a Mr. Su who teaches for free and even provides meals.

On this day, a woman came to the private school.

She was dressed in plain clothes, with a beautiful face, but her eyes looked weary.

"I want to learn to read," she said.

Su Bai recognized her as Widow Wang from the tofu shop in the west of the city. Her husband had died in battle at Muye, and she was raising her three children alone.

"it is good."

Widow Wang was very diligent; she made tofu during the day and studied characters at night.

She asked Su Bai, "Sir, can women also cultivate themselves?"

"Yes." Su Bai nodded. "Under the principles of humanity, men and women are equal."

Tears welled up in Widow Wang's eyes.

"Thank you, sir."

Three months later, Widow Wang displayed her talent for cultivation and was introduced to the Taoist academy by Su Bai.

She became the first female student at the Taoist academy.

Two years later.

Su Bai Private School already has a thousand students.

In Chaoge City, similar private schools sprang up like mushrooms after rain—all opened by Su Bai's students after they had completed their studies.

Humanitarian education has spread like wildfire.

On this day, Su Bai opened his eyes in the quiet room.

The Law of Emotion, 75%.

It's not about seclusion and enlightenment, but about experiencing life in the world.

He retracted his avatar, and all his experiences and insights returned to him.

At that moment, he understood.

The true path of love lies not in the heavens, but in the mortal world.

It's not about severing emotions and personalities, but about experiencing, embracing, and elevating.

"I see……"

Su Bai smiled.

He passed through customs.

Outside the quiet room, Qiongxiao waited.

I hadn't seen her for two years; she had lost some weight, but her eyes were even brighter.

"It worked?"

"I haven't reached the Hunyuan realm yet, but... I've found the path." Su Yunbai held her hand. "Qiongxiao, thank you for waiting for me."

"Waiting for you was worth it."

The two embraced.

At this time, Chaoge had changed drastically.

The streets are clean, the people are in high spirits, and the sound of children reading aloud can be heard everywhere.

The number of students in the Humanity Academy has exceeded ten thousand, among whom the best have already reached the Foundation Establishment stage, and even the Golden Core stage.

The power and strength of the Shang Dynasty were growing steadily.

King Zhou stood atop the Star-Picking Tower, gazing at all this with tears in his eyes.

"The three-year period is coming to an end... I have accomplished it."

But at that very moment, in the western sky, the clouds of calamity gathered once more.

This time, it wasn't divine punishment.

It's... divine retribution.

The will of Heaven is finally about to take action itself.