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

Ten days later.

The Dragon Palace of the East Sea officially sent a delegation to sign the "Water Affairs Agreement" and the "Maritime-Land Cooperation Agreement" with Chaoge.

The signing ceremony was held at the Chaoge Royal Palace.

King Zhou attended in person, Su Yunbai signed the contract on behalf of Tian Ce Mansion, and Ao Guang signed the contract on behalf of Dragon Palace.

The ceremony was grand, and all officials attended.

The news spread quickly throughout the world.

The incident caused shock to all sides.

---

Xiqi, the residence of King Wen.

Ji Chang frowned as he looked at the secret report.

"The Dragon Clan... has actually formed an alliance with Chaoge."

Jiang Ziya stood to the side, his expression solemn.

"The Dragon Clan controls the four seas and possesses inexhaustible resources. Now, by cooperating with the Shang Dynasty, the Shang Dynasty's national strength will be greatly enhanced."

"How should we respond?"

Jiang Ziya pondered for a moment.

"We also need to find allies."

"Who should I look for?"

"The Chan Sect is already supporting us, but it's not enough," Jiang Ziya said. "We can win over the Western Sect, the demon race, and even... the remnants of the witch race."

Ji Chang shook his head: "The attitude of the Western religion is ambiguous, the demon race is controlled by Nuwa, and the witch race has long been in decline."

"Then we'll dismantle it from within." A cold glint flashed in Jiang Ziya's eyes. "The Shang Dynasty may seem powerful, but it's actually riddled with hidden dangers."

"Who is the Prime Minister?"

"Dongbo Hou Jiang Huanchu," Jiang Ziya said, "He is King Zhou's father-in-law, but also the most powerful local lord. If we can win him over, the Shang Dynasty will collapse without a fight."

Ji Chang frowned: "Would Jiang Huanchu betray his own daughter and grandson?"

"When faced with self-interest, kinship may not be reliable," Jiang Ziya said. "Moreover, we don't need him to openly betray us; it's enough that he remains neutral."

Ji Chang nodded.

"I'm leaving this matter to you."

"Yes."

---

Kunlun Mountain, Yuxu Palace.

The three Golden Immortals, Guang Chengzi, Chi Jingzi, and Taiyi Zhenren, are reporting to Yuanshi Tianzun.

"Master, the alliance between the Dragon Clan and the Shang Dynasty may be detrimental to Xiqi."

The Primordial Celestial Venerable sat high on his cloud bed, his face serene.

"The dragons are merely pawns; they can't cause any real trouble."

"But with the resources of the dragon race, the Shang Dynasty's national strength will greatly increase," said Taiyi Zhenren. "Xiqi will probably find it difficult to resist."

The Primordial Celestial Venerable said calmly, "The key to the Great Tribulation of the Investiture of the Gods lies not in national strength, but in destiny."

"The replacement of the Shang dynasty by the Western Zhou was ordained by Heaven."

"Even with the help of the dragon race, the Shang Dynasty could not defy the will of Heaven."

He looked at his three disciples.

"Go to the West and meet with Amitabha and Cundi."

Guang Chengzi was taken aback: "Master, you mean..."

"The Western Religion has always wanted to expand eastward, and this great calamity presents a perfect opportunity," said Yuanshi Tianzun. "Tell them that if they help Xiqi succeed, they can be allowed to spread their religion in the East."

"This..." Chi Jingzi hesitated, "Won't this be like inviting a wolf into the house?"

"It's alright," said Yuanshi Tianzun. "Let's destroy the Shang first, then we can discuss other things."

"yes!"

The three Golden Immortals accepted their orders and departed.

Yuanshi Tianzun looked towards Chaoge, a cold glint in his eyes.

"Variables... are ultimately just variables."

"The will of Heaven cannot be defied."

---

Chaoge, Tiance Mansion.

After the signing ceremony, Su Yunbai was extremely busy.

The first batch of resources sent by the dragons has arrived.

Three hundred pieces of aquatic wood, five thousand catties of Xuanbing iron, and countless spirit pearls, corals, and sea jade.

The Institute of Industrial Technology is fully engaged in the research and development of new equipment.

With the assistance of the dragon clan, the Water Conservancy Department began a comprehensive plan for the national water system.

Everything is back on track.

But Su Yunbai felt a vague unease in his heart.

"It went too smoothly..."

Inside the study, he stood in front of the map, his brows slightly furrowed.

Bixiao walked in and, seeing his solemn expression, asked, "What's wrong?"

"With the Dragon Clan forming an alliance, things are too quiet in Xiqi," Su Yunbai said. "Ji Chang and Jiang Ziya can't just sit idly by."

Bixiao thought for a moment.

"Perhaps they're plotting something in secret?"

"They're definitely plotting something," Su Yunbai said. "But the spies I sent out couldn't find anything."

This is the most terrible.

Xiqi is like a still pond, calm on the surface, but with turbulent undercurrents beneath.

"Should I go back to the Jie Sect to inquire about the situation?" Bixiao asked.

"Not for now." Su Yunbai shook his head. "The Jie Sect is currently maintaining neutrality and should not get too involved."

He turned around.

"By the way, where's Ao Ling?"

"She's in the Water Resources Department, assisting with the planning of the Yellow River diversion project." Bixiao paused. "You seem quite concerned about her?"

Su Yunbai chuckled.

"Are you jealous again?"

"No, I didn't," Bixiao scoffed. "I just felt that the way that dragon princess looked at you was a little different."

"Why is it different?"

"I can't quite put my finger on it," Bixiao said, "but...it's just different."

Su Yunbai hugged her.

"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing."

Bixiao leaned against him.

"I know. But you should also be careful; the dragon princess is no ordinary woman."

"clear."

At this moment, Fei Zhong hurriedly entered.

"General! There's movement from the Marquis of Dongbo's side!"

"explain."

"Jiang Huanchu's period of self-reflection has ended, and today he submits a memorial requesting an audience with the emperor."

Su Yunbai raised an eyebrow.

"I finally couldn't sit still any longer."

"Has His Majesty given his permission?"

"Granted. The Marquis of Dongbo will arrive in Chaoge in three days."

Su Yunbai pondered.

Jiang Huanchu's entry into the court at this time must have been for a purpose.

"Keep a close eye on him. Also, find out who he's been in contact with recently."

"yes!"

Fei Zhong withdrew.

Bixiao said worriedly, "Dongbo Hou's visit this time is probably not simple."

"Of course it's not simple." Su Yunbai sneered. "His daughter is Queen Jiang, and his grandson is a prince. If the Shang Dynasty falls, his entire family will be affected. Logically speaking, he should be fully supporting the Shang Dynasty."

"But he has always maintained an ambiguous attitude and even secretly colluded with Xiqi."

What does this mean?

Bixiao thought for a moment.

"Does this mean... he has bigger ambitions?"

"Or perhaps he received some kind of promise," Su Yunbai said, "a promise that would make him abandon his daughter and grandson."

Bixiao felt a chill run down her spine.

"What could it be?"

"I don't know," Su Yunbai shook his head, "but we'll find out soon enough."

He looked eastward.

That's the direction of the Marquis of Dongbo's fiefdom.

"We'll see in three days."

---

Three days later.

East Gate of Chaoge City.

The carriage of Marquis Jiang Huanchu of Dongbo slowly entered the city.

He rode in a six-horse golden carriage, with a grand procession before and after, attracting countless onlookers.

Jiang Huanchu sat in the car, his face calm, but a glint of shrewdness shone in his eyes.

He had two purposes for this trip to North Korea.

First, to test King Zhou's attitude.

Second, contact with certain people.

The carriage arrived at the post station.

As soon as Jiang Huanchu got out of the carriage, a palace attendant stepped forward.

"My lord, His Majesty has decreed that you must enter the palace immediately."

"Your subject obeys the decree."

Jiang Huanchu changed into his court robes and entered the palace with the eunuch.

---

The Imperial Palace, the Imperial Study.

King Zhou is reviewing memorials.

Upon seeing Jiang Huanchu enter, he put down his vermilion brush.

"Father-in-law, you must be tired from your journey."

Jiang Huanchu bowed and said, "Your subject pays respects to Your Majesty."

"No need for formalities." King Zhou gestured for him to sit down. "After three months of seclusion and reflection, has my father-in-law gained any insight?"

Jiang Huanchu said, "I feel deeply ashamed. I failed to manage my subordinates strictly, which allowed Zhou Ji and others to embezzle funds, and I have betrayed Your Majesty's trust."

"It's good that you know you're wrong," King Zhou said calmly. "Chaoge has changed a lot recently. Have you heard about it, Father-in-law?"

"I've heard a little about it," Jiang Huanchu said. "I've heard that General Su promoted the new weapon, the Dragon Clan formed an alliance, and merits have descended from heaven, truly a blessing for the Great Shang."

"Does your father-in-law think this is a blessing?"

"That is a blessing."

King Zhou laughed.

"That's good. I was worried that my father-in-law would think I was too radical and that I was undermining the foundation of the country."

Jiang Huanchu felt a chill run down his spine.

There's more to that than meets the eye.

"Your Majesty is wise and all your actions are for the benefit of the nation. How dare I presume to speak out?"

"It's good that you wouldn't dare." King Zhou stood up and walked to the window. "Father-in-law, you are my father-in-law and the maternal grandfather of my two princes. I hope that you can truly stand on my side."

Jiang Huanchu quickly got up.

"Your Majesty, my loyalty is unwavering, and Heaven and Earth bear witness!"

"Loyalty?" King Zhou turned to look at him. "Then why have I heard that you have had contact with the people of Xiqi?"

Jiang Huanchu's expression changed.

"Your Majesty! This is a frame-up!"

"Is that so?" King Zhou took a letter from his sleeve and threw it on the table.

"See for yourself."

Jiang Huanchu picked up the letter with trembling hands.

Upon seeing it, his face turned ashen.

This is a secret letter between him and the envoy from Xiqi!

How did it end up in the hands of King Zhou?!

"Father-in-law, explain yourself?" King Zhou said coldly.

Jiang Huanchu knelt down with a thud.

"Your Majesty! I...I was momentarily confused! The envoy from Xiqi said that if I remained neutral, once Xiqi gained control of the world, I would be granted the title of 'King of the East Sea,' a hereditary title...I...I was bewitched, please forgive me, Your Majesty!"

King Zhou looked at him, a flash of disappointment in his eyes.

"Father-in-law, you are my family, and I did not intend to make things difficult for you."

"But you have disappointed me greatly."

Jiang Huanchu kowtowed repeatedly.

"Your Majesty, I know my crime! Your Majesty, I know my crime!"

King Zhou remained silent for a long time.

Finally, he sighed.

"That's enough."

"For the sake of the Queen and the two princes, I will give you one more chance."

Jiang Huanchu was as if he had been granted a general amnesty.

"Thank you, Your Majesty! Thank you, Your Majesty!"

"Get up," King Zhou said, "but you may be spared the death penalty, but you cannot escape punishment."

"The fiefdom of the Marquis of Dongbo will be reduced by 30%. His private army shall not exceed 50,000."

"Furthermore, remain in Chaoge and do not return to your fiefdom for the time being."

Jiang Huanchu's face turned deathly pale.

This is practically putting him under house arrest!

But he dared not resist.

"I... obey your order."

"Step down."

Jiang Huanchu staggered out of the imperial study.

King Zhou watched his departing figure with icy eyes.

"System, scan Jiang Huanchu."

[Ding! Scanning...]

[Target: Jiang Huanchu]

Loyalty: 30 (Fear)

Current state: resentment, fear, and discontent.

[Recommendation: Close monitoring is necessary to prevent desperate measures.]

King Zhou nodded.

"understood."

He looked towards the direction of Tian Ce Mansion.

"Su Yunbai, a thorn in the side of the court, I have removed."

"The rest is up to you."

---

Tiance Mansion.

Su Yunbai soon learned that Jiang Huanchu had been placed under house arrest.

"Your Majesty is ruthless," he said to Bixiao.

"But it's a last resort," Bixiao said. "The power of the Marquis of Dongbo is too great. If it is not checked and balanced, there will be endless troubles in the future."

Su Yunbai nodded.

"However, this will probably make the Dongbo Marquis's faction uneasy."

No sooner had he finished speaking than Fei Zhong arrived.

"General! Liu Hong, the Vice Minister of Works, along with eight other officials, has submitted a memorial pleading for leniency for the Marquis of Dongbo!"

Su Yunbai sneered.

"They've arrived as expected."

"What should we do?"

"Hold your positions," Su Yunbai said. "Let them make a scene. The bigger the scene, the better."

"what?"

"Your Majesty just reprimanded the Marquis of Dongbo, and they jumped out, giving Your Majesty the perfect opportunity to wipe them all out in one fell swoop."

Fei Zhong understood.

"Then let's..."

"Gather evidence," Su Yunbai said. "When His Majesty makes his move, we'll add fuel to the fire."

"yes!"

Fei Zhong went there excitedly.

Bixiao looked at Su Yunbai and said softly, "Yunbai, you're becoming more and more like a chess player."

"Really?" Su Yunbai smiled.

"Mm." Bixiao leaned on his shoulder. "But you must remember, no matter how important the chess pieces are, they are not as important as yourself."

"Don't worry." Su Yunbai hugged her. "I know what I'm doing."

He looked out the window.

The sky over Chaoge remains clear.

But a storm is brewing.

The confinement of the Marquis of Dongbo was just the beginning.

What follows is the real game.