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

Thirty-three days away.

Zixiao Palace.

This place is the Daoist temple of the Dao Ancestor Hongjun; it does not arise except during a great eon, and it is not opened except for a major event.

The palace gates are ancient and simple, hidden deep within the chaos, impervious to all laws and repelled by all evil.

Today, the gates of Zixiao Palace are wide open.

The palace was not lavishly furnished, except for a high platform that was empty.

There are six prayer cushions set up below the platform.

At this moment, five people were already sitting on the prayer mat.

Laozi, Yuanshi Tianzun, Tongtian Jiaozhu, Nuwa Niangniang, Jieyin Daoren, and Zhunti Daoren.

The six sages of the primordial era gathered here.

Lao Tzu closed his eyes to rest his mind, his face serene and inactive.

The Primordial Celestial Venerable sat upright, his expression solemn.

The Master of the Heavens remained calm, yet a hidden sword intent flickered deep within his eyes.

The goddess Nuwa's holy countenance was shrouded in a gentle glow, her gaze serene.

The two Western saints wore compassionate expressions, yet a sharp glint shone deep within their eyes.

None of the six sages spoke.

Inside the Purple Cloud Palace, the Daoist energy flowed, and time and space seemed to freeze.

I don't know how much time passed.

On the high platform, a figure appeared silently.

He wore hemp clothing and cloth shoes, and had an ordinary face, resembling an old man from the mortal world.

But when he appeared, the entire Zixiao Palace, and even the chaos outside the palace, instantly "quieted down".

All paths submit, all laws retreat.

Daozu Hongjun.

The six sages rose at the same time, bowed, and said, "Disciples pay respects to our teacher."

Hongjun nodded slightly: "Sit."

The six sages took their seats.

Hongjun's gaze swept over the six sages, his voice calm and even, yet pointing directly to the origin of the Great Dao:

"I have summoned you here today to determine the next great calamity in the primordial world—the Investiture of the Gods."

The words fell.

Inside the Purple Cloud Palace, the secrets of heaven were suddenly revealed.

Countless threads of cause and effect, the illusory river of fate, and the calamities of all living beings... intertwine and emerge, evolving into all sorts of possibilities for the future.

In the scene:

The fortunes of the Shang Dynasty were like oil being poured into a raging fire, flourishing yet foreshadowing decline.

A bluish-purple aura rose from Xiqi, and the image of a phoenix singing on Qishan Mountain appeared.

A malevolent aura permeated the world, foretelling an impending calamity.

Countless cultivators, mortals, and demons... their fates are intertwined, all caught in the calamity.

Finally, the scene froze.

In the void, a golden list appeared, with 365 blank divine positions on it.

Beside the list stood the phantom of a wooden whip.

"This is the Investiture of the Gods, and the God-Slaying Whip," Hongjun said slowly. "There are 365 vacancies for righteous gods on the list, which must be filled by those who are destined to face calamity."

"Those of you who are of shallow character, lacking in good fortune, or entangled in karma, are destined to be listed on the Heavenly List and driven by the Heavenly Court to fulfill the Heavenly Way."

The six saints each had a different expression.

Yuanshi Tianzun spoke first: "Teacher, who should be in charge of the Investiture of the Gods? How will the calamity be initiated?"

Hongjun looked at Laozi: "Laozi is the leader of the Human Sect and holds the position of Senior Brother of the Xuanmen. The Investiture of the Gods and the God-Slaying Whip will be temporarily kept by him."

"As for the onset of this calamity..."

He looked at Nuwa: "Nuwa, King Di Xin of the Shang Dynasty wrote a blasphemous poem in your palace. This is the will of Heaven and the cause of the calamity."

"You can take advantage of the situation and send the three demons from Xuanyuan Tomb to Chaoge to bewitch the emperor and ruin the fortunes of the Shang Dynasty."

"The phoenix sings on Mount Qi, and the Western Zhou Dynasty will rise; this is the mandate of Heaven."

Nuwa rose and bowed, saying, "Your disciple obeys."

Her expression remained calm, but a slight tremor ran through her heart.

Su Yunbai, this variable, is already in Beihai. Di Xin also seems to be extraordinary.

But this does not affect the overall situation.

The Mandate of Heaven rests with Zhou, and this was personally determined by the Dao Ancestor.

The Tongtian Sect Leader frowned: "Master, when the calamity strikes, countless lives will be lost. Our Jie Sect has many disciples, some with profound roots and virtues, but inevitably some disciples with shallow fortune will be caught in the calamity. Could you…?"

"The calamity is sealed and cannot be changed," Hongjun interrupted. "You may order your disciples to close their caves and quietly recite the Yellow Court Classic; perhaps this will help them avoid the calamity."

"But if one deliberately enters into a calamity, or if one's karmic entanglements become too deep, even a saint would find it difficult to protect himself."

Tongtian remained silent.

The Primordial Celestial Venerable spoke, "Master, the Investiture of the Gods is of paramount importance. To ensure its success, our Chan Sect is willing to preside over this calamity and bestow the titles of gods on behalf of Heaven."

He looked at Tongtian and said, "Junior Brother Tongtian, your Jie Sect is known for its 'ten thousand immortals paying homage,' but your disciples are of varying quality, and many have heavy karmic burdens. Why not have your disciples take the initiative to face the tribulations and be listed on the Investiture of the Gods? This would fulfill the bond between fellow disciples and provide a better future for all living beings in the prehistoric world."

Upon hearing this, the Tongtian Sect Leader's eyes suddenly sharpened.

"What do you mean by that, Senior Brother Yuanshi? Are we, the disciples of the Jie Sect, supposed to be listed on the list of those destined to die, so that your Chan Sect may remain pure?"

"Junior brother misunderstands," said Yuanshi Tianzun calmly. "I'm just stating the facts. Under the calamity of slaughter, those with shallow roots and cultivation will find it difficult to survive. Rather than die and perish, it's better to be listed as a god; that's a way out."

"What a brilliant solution!" Tongtian sneered. "Since it's a solution, why not let your Chan Sect disciples be listed on the honor roll?"

"My disciples of the Chan Sect are all deeply rooted in virtue and blessed with long-lasting fortune; they should not be on the list." Yuanshi Tianzun's tone was calm, yet carried an undeniable authority.

The two sages were locked in a fierce confrontation.

Lao Tzu slowly opened his eyes: "My two junior brothers, please calm down."

He looked at Hongjun: "Teacher, although the Investiture of the Gods has been established, can we discuss and fill in the gaps ourselves regarding who will be included on the list?"

Hongjun said calmly, "Alright."

"You three sects (Human, Chan, and Jie) have jointly discussed and signed the Investiture of the Gods, determining who will be listed."

"But the way of Heaven is flawed, and the number of 365 righteous gods must be filled."

"If the discussion fails to reach a decision, or if the number of people is insufficient, then in the midst of the carnage, each will rely on their own abilities and accept their fate."

Having said that, Hongjun waved his hand.

The phantom images of the Investiture of the Gods and the God-Slaying Whip solidified and materialized, landing in front of Laozi.

"The signing will be completed within a hundred years."

"A hundred years later, the calamity will begin in full swing."

"You all better behave yourselves."

The words fell.

Hongjun's figure slowly dissipated, as if he had never existed.

Only six sages remained in Zixiao Palace.

Lao Tzu put away the Investiture of the Gods and the God-Slaying Whip, his expression calm: "My two junior brothers, my junior sister Nuwa, and my two fellow Daoists from the West, the matter of the Investiture of the Gods requires careful consideration. For now, please return to your respective Daoist temples. We will discuss the signing of the decrees a hundred years from now."

The saints nodded, each with their own thoughts, and rose to leave.

Nuwa walked out of Zixiao Palace and looked back at the primordial land.

His gaze swept over Chaoge and over the North Sea.

"Su Yunbai... Emperor Xin..."

"The Daoist ancestor personally determined the Mandate of Heaven, and the Zhou dynasty was destined to rise."

"How much of a ripple can you variables possibly create?"

The light in her eyes flickered, but eventually faded into indifference.

Yuanshi Tianzun returned to Yuxu Palace.

He immediately summoned his twelve Golden Immortal disciples.

"The calamity of the Investiture of the Gods has been decided. Within a hundred years, you shall all remain secluded in your caves, cultivate diligently, and refrain from accumulating karma."

"When the calamity begins, it will be time for you to descend the mountain, bestow divine titles on behalf of Heaven, and spread the glory of our Chan Sect."

"I will obey the Master's instructions!"

The Master of Heaven returned to Jin'ao Island.

Inside Biyou Palace, ten thousand immortals gathered.

Tongtian sat high on the cloud platform, his face solemn.

"A great calamity is imminent."

"Order: All disciples of my Jie Sect are to immediately close their caves, silently recite the Yellow Court Classic, and not leave the mountain without this order!"

"Those who have gone out to travel, return quickly!"

"This calamity is no small matter. Even I, your master, cannot protect you all."

"We will obey the Master's decree!" Wan Xian agreed, but many disciples still had doubts and unease in their eyes.

The West, Mount Ling.

Jieyin and Zhunti sat facing each other.

"Senior brother, this is an opportunity for the great prosperity of our West." Zhunti Daoist's eyes gleamed. "The East is experiencing a calamity of slaughter, and all living beings are suffering. This is the time to save those with affinity and enrich our West."

The guide nodded, his face showing compassion: "Amitabha. The three religions in the East are in conflict, and the aura of calamity is pervasive. We in the West should observe the situation quietly, and wait for the right time to guide those with affinity to the Pure Land."

"good."

……

[Warning! A major change has been detected at the level of the Primordial Heavenly Dao Rules!]

The Investiture of the Gods calamity has been officially initiated by Dao Ancestor Hongjun! The aura of calamity has begun to permeate!

[Warning: As the host, you are caught in a calamity, and the entanglements of cause and effect will intensify rapidly! Please act with caution!]

A system notification sounded in my mind.

Su Yunbai's eyes narrowed.

Finally... has it begun?

The Dao Ancestor personally intervened, and the Investiture of the Gods was decided.

He looked towards Chaoge, then glanced at the Black Wind Mountain before him, which was shrouded in demonic energy.

"The aura of calamity has begun..."

"Then we need to speed things up even more."

He slowly drew the sword from his waist.

Swords pointed at Black Wind Mountain.

"Iron-Blooded Army, heed my command!"

"Broken Mountain!"

"Slay the demon!"

"kill--!"

Three thousand iron-blooded soldiers, their blood boiling, their battle cries shaking the fields.

Like a blood-red torrent, it surged towards Black Wind Mountain.

War is imminent.

Beyond the Thirty-Three Heavens.

The figure of Dao Ancestor Hongjun has been completely integrated into the Heavenly Dao.

Only a faint, indifferent Daoist voice echoed in the endless chaos:

"The calamity has begun."

"All living beings...are on the plate."