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

Three months before the final battle, Chaoge City had undergone a dramatic transformation.

The River of Humanity transformed into a tangible golden ribbon of light, encircling the entire city. Within this ribbon, the faint silhouettes of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors, as well as sages of past dynasties, could be seen. This was the manifestation of the will of humanity; ordinary cultivators who approached it would be suppressed by the power of the people's will, their cultivation level dropping by thirty percent.

The Humanistic Academy in the south of the city has over 100,000 students who diligently cultivate day and night. Among them, the most outstanding have already reached the Nascent Soul stage, capable of forming battle formations with power no less than that of a Great Luo Immortal.

In the northern military camp, a million-strong army was practicing the "Ten Thousand People Battle Formation." The aura of military might soared into the sky, condensing into a ten-thousand-foot-tall war god in blood armor, wielding a giant axe, whose aura was comparable to that of a quasi-saint.

At the top of the Star-Picking Tower, King Zhou studied the Human Emperor Scripture day and night, and his cultivation had reached the pinnacle of Quasi-Saint, just one step away from proving the Dao of Hunyuan. But he was in no hurry to break through, because he wanted to save that step for the final battle.

At the General's Mansion, Su Yunbai and the Three Immortals were strategizing for the final battle.

"The Heavenly Dao camp includes the remnants of Yuanshi, the remnants of the ancient demon gods, and... the demon race that may be controlled by the Heavenly Dao." Yunxiao marked on the sand table, "Although Yuanshi has fallen from his sainthood, he is still a veteran quasi-saint and has the foundation of the Chan Sect, so he should not be underestimated."

"The ancient demon gods, led by Chi You, though only remnants of his soul, possess combat power no weaker than that of a quasi-saint," Qiongxiao added. "Moreover, they hate the human race to the bone and will fight desperately."

"The demon race's attitude is ambiguous." Bixiao frowned. "That old fellow Kunpeng suffered a loss last time, I wonder which side he will take this time."

Su Yunbai pondered: "The Holy Mother Nuwa has gone to the Northern Underworld to persuade them, hoping to win over the demon race."

As they were talking, a beam of green light fell into the mansion.

Nuwa's clone returned, looking unwell.

"Kunpeng refused." She shook her head. "He said the demon race would remain neutral and not take sides."

"Neutral?" Su Yunbai sneered. "They're probably waiting for the best offer, and will side with whichever side has the higher odds."

"Very likely," Nuwa nodded. "However, he also promised not to attack Chaoge proactively."

"That's enough." King Zhou pushed open the door and entered. "We don't need the help of the demons, as long as they don't cause trouble."

He looked at the sand table.

"The biggest variable now is the Heavenly Dao itself. Although the Dao Ancestor remains neutral, what if the Heavenly Dao itself intervenes..."

Everyone fell silent.

If Heaven itself intervenes, then there is no solution.

"The Dao Ancestor will not allow it," Su Yunbai analyzed. "What the Dao Ancestor wants is balance, not one side becoming too powerful. If the Heavenly Dao were to personally intervene to destroy the Human Dao, the Earthly Dao would not stand idly by. At that time, the Three Realms would collapse, and the Dao Ancestor will not allow such a thing to happen."

"That makes sense." King Zhou nodded. "Then our opponents are Yuanshi, the Demon God, and the disciples of the Chan Sect who may be controlled by the Heavenly Dao."

"And then there's the Western Religion," Qiongxiao warned. "Although Jieyin and Zhunti are allied, they might very well turn against us if things turn sour."

"Then we'll prevent them from defecting." A fierce glint flashed in Su Yunbai's eyes. "In this final battle, we must act swiftly and decisively, crushing the Heavenly Dao camp with overwhelming force, and letting everyone see—humanity will prevail!"

"good!"

---

A month before the final battle, the various forces began to converge.

The myriad immortals of the Jie Sect, led by Tongtian, entered Chaoge.

The rogue cultivators of the Earthly Immortal Realm, led by Zhen Yuanzi, set up camp on the east side of Chaoge.

The four great Bodhisattvas of Buddhism, along with eight hundred Arhats, were stationed on the west side.

Nuwa herself arrived at the Nuwa Palace and sat in the center to oversee the proceedings.

The humanitarian camp is gaining momentum.

In contrast, the Heavenly Dao camp has remained silent for a long time.

Yuanshi Tianzun secluded himself, the demons and gods vanished, and the disciples of the Chan Sect disappeared without a trace.

The calm before the storm is the most oppressive.

---

Three days before the final battle, Su Yunbai climbed the city wall alone.

Qiongxiao came looking for him and stood beside him.

"Are you nervous?" she asked.

"A little," Su Yunbai admitted frankly, "This battle concerns the fate of too many people."

Qiongxiao took his hand.

"No matter the outcome, I will be with you."

Su Yunbai felt a warmth in his heart and pulled her into his arms.

"Qiongxiao, let's get married after this battle is over."

"Mmm." Qiongxiao leaned on his shoulder. "Eldest sister, third sister, and Xiaowu, Ao Ling, Yang Chan... let's all be together."

"Okay, together."

The two embraced, gazing at the setting sun.

The setting sun was like blood, as if foreshadowing a bloody battle.

---

That night, Su Yunbai had a dream.

In his dream, he returned to Earth, sat in a university classroom, and listened to a professor lecture on history. The professor said, "King Zhou of Shang was a tyrant and a ruler who brought about the downfall of his kingdom."

The students in the audience laughed.

Su Yunbai stood up and shouted, "No! King Zhou was not a tyrant; he awakened humanity and fought for the human race!"

Everyone looked at him like he was crazy.

He woke up with a start, drenched in cold sweat.

"What's wrong?" Qiongxiao asked from beside her.

"I had a dream," Su Yunbai said with a wry smile. "I dreamt that I was on Earth, vindicating His Majesty."

Qiongxiao chuckled: "Once we win, His Majesty's name will be known throughout the Three Realms and will be remembered for eternity."

"Yes..." Su Yunbai looked out the window, "We will definitely win."

---

On the eve of the final battle, Yuan finally appeared.

He arrived alone, without a single soldier, a hundred miles outside Chaoge City, on a desolate mountaintop.

"Di Xin, Su Yunbai... Tomorrow at this time, here will be the decisive battle."

The sound spread throughout Chaoge.

King Zhou responded by stepping into the air: "Good!"

No further words were needed.

A battle for life and death, no further explanation needed.

---

That night, no one in Chaoge slept.

Soldiers wiped their weapons, monks adjusted their state, and common people burned incense and prayed.

Su Yunbai and his fellow Daoists gathered in one room.

Although Daji was on the list, she left a clone in Chaoge—this clone was created by Nuwa using her creative powers and can last for three days.

"I cannot participate in the battle tomorrow," Daji's clone said apologetically, "but I will be on the Moon Star to pray for you."

"That's enough." Su Yunbai held her hand.

Jiang Xiaowu held her daughter Wutong and said softly, "Wutong is still young. I need to protect her tomorrow and cannot go into battle at full strength."

"Protect the sycamore tree," Su Yunbai said. "That's our future."

Bixiao pouted, "Why do I always have to stay behind for every major battle?"

Yunxiao patted her gently: "Because Chaoge needs someone to guard it. If we all go, Chaoge will be vulnerable and could be attacked."

"Fine..." Bixiao said reluctantly.

Ao Ling and Yang Chan both stated that they would give their all in the competition.

Finally, Su Yunbai looked at Yunxiao and Qiongxiao.

"Tomorrow, you will follow me into battle."

"Um."

---

At midnight, King Zhou summoned Su Yunbai.

On the rooftop of the Star-Picking Tower, there were only the two of them.

"Yunbai, I have a plan for tomorrow's battle," King Zhou said in a low voice.

"Your Majesty, please speak."

"The Heavenly Dao camp may seem weak, but it must have a backup plan," King Zhou analyzed. "Yuanshi is not a reckless man; he dared to challenge us, so he must have something to rely on. I suspect... his backup plan is the 'Zhou Tian Xing Dou Grand Formation'."

Su Yunbai's pupils contracted.

The Zhou Tian Star Array, an ancient demon court's clan-protecting array, is based on 365 stars and possesses immense power. After the Investiture of the Gods, this array was lost. Could it be that Yuanshi Tianzun found the array diagram?

"Very likely." King Zhou nodded. "Yuanshi has fallen from his holy throne and knows he cannot defeat him head-on, so he will surely rely on the great formation. Therefore, tomorrow we cannot attack directly; we must... break the formation."

"How to break this?"

"The core of the Zhou Tian Star Array is the Sun Star and the Moon Star." King Zhou looked at the starry sky. "The Sun Star is in the hands of the demon race, and the Moon Star... is now the domain of Daji."

Su Yunbai suddenly realized: "Your Majesty intends to..."

"A coordinated attack from within and without." King Zhou's eyes gleamed. "After the battle begins tomorrow, I will lead the main force in a feint attack to draw attention away from the enemy. You will take an elite force and infiltrate the formation, cooperating with Daji to break the core of the Taiyin Formation. Once the Taiyin Formation is broken, its power will be halved. At that time, we can launch a pincer attack from both inside and outside, and we can win in one battle!"

"A brilliant plan!" Su Yunbai exclaimed, "but infiltrating the formation is extremely dangerous."

"That's why we need you." King Zhou looked at him. "You are a Hunyuan, and you are skilled in concealment. You are the best candidate."

"Your subject obeys."

"Furthermore..." King Zhou took out a jade pendant, "This is my Emperor's Pendant, which can mobilize the fortune of humanity. In critical moments, it may save your life."

Su Yunbai accepted it solemnly.

"Your Majesty must also be careful."

"Don't worry," King Zhou laughed, "I have the River of Humanity protecting me, I won't die."

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

---

The next day, at noon.

At the summit of a desolate mountain, two armies faced off.

Humanitarian Faction: King Zhou led ten thousand immortals from the Jie Sect, rogue cultivators from the Earthly Immortal Realm, eight hundred Arhats from Buddhism, and immortals from Nuwa Palace, totaling one hundred thousand cultivators, a formidable army.

The Heavenly Dao faction consists of: Yuanshi leading three thousand remnants of the Chan Sect, twelve ancient demon god remnants, and... three hundred and sixty-five star lords!

Those star lords were all newly appointed gods on the Investiture of the Gods list. At this moment, they were controlled by the Heavenly Dao, expressionless, and stood behind Yuanshi like puppets.

"Di Xin, today is your death day," Yuan Shi said coldly.

"Enough with the nonsense, let's fight!" King Zhou brandished his sword.

"Form ranks!" Yuanshi shouted.

Three hundred and sixty-five star lords acted simultaneously, their starlight converging to form a massive light curtain that enveloped the desolate mountain.

The Celestial Array is activated!

Within the formation, stars materialized and meteorites fell, each strike comparable to the full power of a Great Luo Immortal.

The humanitarian camp was suppressed by the great formation and could not make any progress.

"As expected..." King Zhou sneered, "But I was prepared—the battle formation of ten thousand people, rise!"

A million-strong army formed a battle array, their military might soaring into the sky, transforming into a blood-red giant that punched the array's light barrier.

boom--!

The light curtain trembled, but did not break.

"It's useless." Yuanshi laughed wildly, "The Zhou Tian Star Formation cannot be broken by anyone but a sage! You are all doomed today!"

He personally controlled the grand formation, and starlight fell like rain.

Each ray of starlight claimed dozens of lives.

The humanitarian camp suffered heavy casualties.

---

Just then, Su Yunbai had already infiltrated the formation.

He led Yunxiao, Qiongxiao, and a hundred elite Jiejiao warriors, using Nuwa's creation techniques to disguise themselves as starlight, and quietly approached the Taiyin Formation Eye.

At the heart of the formation, Daji's clone had been waiting for a long time.

"Husband, over here!"

Su Yunbai and the others quickly regrouped.

"How do we break the formation?" Yunxiao asked.

"The core of the Taiyin Formation Eye is the origin of the Taiyin Star." Daji pointed to the illusory image of a bright moon in the center of the formation eye. "It needs to be impacted with the power of extreme Yang. When Yin and Yang clash, the formation eye will break on its own."

"Extreme Yang power..." Su Yunbai pondered, "My Dao of Emotion is neutral, the music of the clouds is gentle, and the frost of the Jade Heaven is cold... None of them will work."

"I have it," Qiongxiao suddenly said.

Everyone looked at her.

A wisp of black energy appeared in Qiongxiao's palm—it was the destructive power of the Holy Slayer Spear, which she had refined into "True Fire of Destruction," with extremely yang and intense properties.

"But the Destruction True Fire is too domineering. If it attacks the core of the formation, it may cause an explosion. We..." Yunxiao said worriedly.

"It's alright." Su Yunbai took out the Emperor's Pendant. "His Majesty bestowed this pendant upon me, which can mobilize the Qi of Humanity to protect the body. When the explosion occurs, we can use the Qi of Humanity to protect ourselves, and we should be unharmed."

"Then let's get started!"

Qiongxiao unleashed the true fire of destruction, shooting it towards the illusory image of the bright moon.

Real fire collides with the bright moon.

boom--!!!

The Taiyin Formation's core has exploded!

---

Outside the great formation, Yuan Shi's expression changed drastically.

"The Taiyin Formation's core has been broken?! How is that possible?!"

He hastily adjusted the starlight to suppress it, but it was too late.

With the Taiyin Formation Eye shattered, a gap appeared in the Zhou Tian Xing Dou Grand Formation, greatly reducing its power.

"Now!" King Zhou roared, "All troops—charge!"

The humanitarian camp seized the opportunity to launch a fierce attack, and the array's light barrier was on the verge of collapse.

Yuan Shi gritted his teeth and personally took action to suppress the breach.

But Su Yunbai had already burst out from the gap and slashed at Yuanshi with his sword!

"Primordial Beginning, your end has come!"

"Su Yunbai—!!!" Yuan Shi's eyes were bloodshot.

The two fought on one side.

---

At this point, the barren mountain had become a purgatory.

Starlight and sword energy flew together, and supernatural powers and magical treasures danced together.

Every breath a cultivator falls, every moment blood is spilled.

King Zhou led his army to attack the core of the great formation. Yunxiao and Qiongxiao joined forces to fight against the ancient demon god. Tongtian fought alone against the remnants of the Twelve Golden Immortals. Nuwa, Zhenyuanzi, Jieyin, and Zhunti each displayed their supernatural powers.

This was the most brutal battle since the beginning of time.

---

Su Yunbai and Yuanshi fought to a fever pitch.

Although Yuanshi had fallen from his sainthood, he was still a saint after all, with rich combat experience and the support of the remaining power of the Zhou Tian Star Array, which allowed him to fight Su Yunbai to a draw.

"Su Yunbai, you can't kill me!" Yuanshi laughed wildly. "Once the great formation is restored, you will all die!"

"Then you probably won't be able to wait that long."

Su Yunbai suddenly sheathed his sword.

He formed hand seals and fully activated the Great Dao of Emotion.

"With my love, I awaken the hearts of all beings—love fills the world, the sword slays the holy soul!"

In Chaoge City, all the people felt a sense of unease and looked towards the barren mountain.

They witnessed Su Yunbai's resolute determination, King Zhou's valiant struggle, and the sacrifice of their compatriots.

"General Su..."

"His Majesty……"

"Humans..."

The emotions of the people converged, transforming into a golden sword light that traversed the void and landed in Su Yunbai's hand.

Sword Name: The Sentiment of All People.

"Yuan Shi, this sword strike is for the sake of humanity!"

Su Yunbai slashed down with his sword.

The sword light was like an inverted Milky Way, shining like the sun and moon.

Yuanshi's expression changed, and he hastily summoned all his magical treasures to defend himself.

But the sword of the people's hearts cuts through cause and effect, and cuts through sins.

The sins of Yuan Shi against the human race and the calamities he committed against Chaoge were laid bare by this sword.

Click!

The celebratory clouds of the heavens shattered!

boom!

The apricot-yellow flag of Wuji (戊己) is cracked!

laugh!

The Three Treasures Jade Ruyi Broken!

The sword light slashed through Yuanshi's body.

There was no blood, no screams.

Yuanshi stared blankly down at the crack that had appeared on his chest.

Within those cracks, there was not flesh and blood, but... the collapsed foundation of the Dao.

"I...have I been defeated?"

He murmured.

Immediately, his body shattered like porcelain, turning into specks of starlight and dissipating.

The Primordial Celestial Venerable has utterly perished!

This time, Heaven did not revive him.

---

With the fall of the Primordial Beginning, the Zhou Tian Star Array completely collapsed.

The Heavenly Path faction suffered a crushing defeat.

Seeing the situation was dire, the ancient demon god tried to escape but was annihilated by Tongtian's sword.

The remaining members of the Chan sect either died or surrendered.

The Star Lord puppet lost control and stood frozen in place.

---

Peace has returned to the top of the barren mountain.

Corpses lay strewn across the fields, and blood stained the mountains and rivers.

But the humanitarian camp won!

"We...won?" Bixiao asked in disbelief.

"We've won." King Zhou wiped the blood from his face, a smile spreading across his face. "Humanity... has triumphed!"

"Long live!!!"

Cheers resounded throughout the heavens and earth.

---

But Su Yunbai did not relax.

He looked up at the heavens.

There, the Eye of Heaven slowly emerged.

Cold and indifferent.

"Di Xin, Su Yunbai...you have won." The will of Heaven proclaimed, "From this day forward, the Way of Humanity and the Way of Heaven stand side by side, jointly governing the Three Realms."

"Thank Heaven." King Zhou bowed.

The Eye of Heaven looked at Su Yunbai.

"Su Yunbai, you have rendered great service to humanity. This Heavenly Dao bestows upon you... the title of Saint of Humanity. Are you willing?"

A saint of humanity?

Everyone was astonished.

That means Su Yunbai will be bound to humanity, enjoy the blessings of the human race, and attain eternal immortality.

But Su Yunbai shook his head.

"Thank you for your kindness, but... I choose freedom."

"Why?" Heaven was puzzled.

"Because I am human." Su Yunbai looked at the crowd behind him. "I have love, hate, attachments, and responsibilities. These are more important than the status of a saint."

The Way of Heaven remains silent.

After a long silence, it said, "Then so be it."

The Eye of Heaven dissipated.

---

The final battle has come to an end.

Humanity rises, and Heaven approves.

A new order has been ushered in in the Three Realms.

---

That night, a grand celebration was held in Chaoge.

However, Su Yunbai and King Zhou ascended the Star-Picking Tower alone.

"Yunbai, what are your plans for the future?" King Zhou asked.

"Take them to travel the Three Realms, and then... find a place to live in seclusion," Su Yunbai said with a smile. "And His Majesty?"

"I wish to continue governing the Shang Dynasty and let humanity flourish." King Zhou looked up at the starry sky. "However... I wish to abdicate."

"What?"

"I wish to pass the throne to Nianqing." A tender glint appeared in King Zhou's eyes. "Though that child is young, with the guidance of you concubines, he will surely become a wise ruler in the future. As for me... I wish to find my way home."

"His Majesty……"

"Don't try to persuade me," King Zhou waved his hand. "I know we can't go back, but we have to try. Even just one look... it'll be worth it."

Su Yunbai remained silent.

He can understand.

"Then Your Majesty, please take care."

"The same to you."

The two drank together, just like back then.

---

Three months later, King Zhou abdicated and passed the throne to Su Nianqing.

Nuwa, the Three Immortals of Sanxiao, Jiang Xiaowu, and others jointly assisted in governing the country.

Su Yunbai, along with his fellow Daoists, traveled through the Three Realms.

They visited the Dragon Palace of the East Sea, where Ao Ling's father personally hosted them.

Having visited the Three Immortal Islands, Bixiao chattered excitedly, describing every scenic spot.

Having visited the Blood Sea, the Styx Ancestor greeted him with courtesy—humanity has risen, and even the Blood Sea must bow its head.

Having visited the Northern Sea, Kunpeng refused to see him, but presented him with a generous gift.

Having traversed countless mountains and rivers, and witnessed the splendor of the world.

Finally, they built a manor in a beautiful place in Jambudvipa (the southern continent of the Southern Continent).

Name: Love Romance Manor.

In the manor, Su Yunbai and his fellow Daoists lived a peaceful life.

Teaching and nurturing students by day, appreciating the moon and playing the zither by night.

Occasionally, old friends would come to visit—Wen Zhong, Huang Feihu, Duobao Daoren, Zhen Yuanzi…

This is the epitome of peaceful and serene life.

---

On this day, Su Yunbai was teaching Wutong swordsmanship in the courtyard when he suddenly felt something.

He looked up at the sky.

There, a familiar figure slowly descended.

Dressed in green, with black hair, and possessing unparalleled beauty.

Daji!

"Daji? How come you..." Su Yunbai exclaimed in surprise.

"The Dao Ancestor has granted me permission to descend to the mortal realm for three days," Daji smiled. "My husband, I'm back."

"Mother!" Xiao Nianqing threw herself into her arms.

The women surrounded him, laughing and chatting.

Su Yunbai watched this scene with tenderness in his eyes.

This is everything he wants to protect.

With a loved one by my side and children surrounding me, all is well in the world.

---

As night fell, everyone gathered in the courtyard to admire the moon and drink wine.

Su Yunbai raised his glass.

"Respect Your Majesty, respect humanity, respect...this peaceful and prosperous era."

"To peace!"