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

Ten days have passed.

Everything in Chaoge proceeded smoothly according to plan.

Xiqi is too quiet.

It was unusually quiet.

That day, he was handling official business at the Tian Ce Mansion when Fei Zhong rushed in.

"General! Something terrible has happened!"

"What is it?"

"Xiqi...Xiqi has released the 'New Agricultural Implements Blueprints'! The design drawings for the curved plow, waterwheel, and spinning machine are now publicly available! All the feudal lords of the land can use them for free!"

Su Yunbai paused, his pen still.

"free?"

"Yes!" Fei Zhong replied urgently, "They've also sent craftsmen to various vassal states to teach their techniques for free! Now many vassal states are gravitating towards Xiqi!"

Su Yunbai sneered.

"What a brilliant Ji Chang! What a brilliant Jiang Ziya!"

"This is a radical solution."

He promoted the new tools to benefit the people, but also to consolidate the rule of the Shang Dynasty.

Now that Xiqi has done this, its technological advantage has vanished.

Moreover, it can win people's hearts.

"Any other news?"

"Xiqi also announced that it is willing to 'share the Way of Heaven' with all forces and jointly deal with the great calamity," Fei Zhong said. "It is said that many independent cultivators and small sects have already joined Xiqi."

"What about Western religions?"

"Three Arhats from the Western Sect resided in Xiqi and preached the doctrine."

Su Yunbai pondered.

Xiqi's move was indeed impressive.

Technology sharing, and winning over other powers.

Sharing the Dao of Heaven attracts cultivators.

In addition, there is support from Western religions.

In just ten days, Xiqi's influence surpassed that of Chaoge.

"General, what should we do?" Fei Zhong asked.

Su Yunbai got up and walked to the map.

"They make a move, we respond."

"Pass on the order."

"First, the Industrial Technology Research Institute must accelerate the research and development of the 'hydraulic forging hammer,' 'wind-powered mill,' and 'improved papermaking technology,' and mass production must be achieved within half a month."

"Secondly, the Tian Ce Mansion has established a 'Hall for Recruiting Talented Individuals' to attract the best talents from all over the world. All those who come to serve will be granted official positions and resources according to their abilities."

"Third, to the Dragon Clan, please have Ao Ling send a message to increase resource input, especially strategic materials such as Xuanbing Iron and Shuichenmu."

"Fourth, the Ordnance Bureau should accelerate the production of new crossbows and armor, prioritizing their deployment on the Ironblood Army and the Dragon Guard."

Fei Zhong wrote them down one by one.

"yes!"

"Also," Su Yunbai looked at him, "send someone to find out where the technical blueprints for Xiqi were leaked from."

Fei Zhong's expression changed.

"The general suspects... there's a traitor?"

"Definitely," Su Yunbai said coldly. "Otherwise, Xiqi wouldn't have been able to master all the technical details so quickly."

"Understood!"

After Fei Zhong left, Bi Xiao walked in.

"Yunbai, has Xiqi made its move?"

"Yes." Su Yunbai nodded, "It's faster than expected."

"Should I return to the Jie Sect for help?"

"Not for now," Su Yunbai said. "The Jie Sect's attitude is unclear. Seeking help now would be a bad move."

He grasped Bixiao's hand.

"Don't worry, I'm prepared."

Bixiao nodded.

"I trust you."

---

That night.

Su Yunbai summoned the four women to discuss the matter.

"Xiqi's move is aimed at destroying our foundation," he said bluntly. "We've lost our technological advantage, and they might even win over our hearts and minds."

Ao Ling said, "The Dragon Clan can increase its support. My father said that we have money and resources if we need them."

Jiang Xiaowu said, "The Iron-Blooded Army has been fully reorganized and is ready for battle at any time."

Daji said softly, "I can assist in handling domestic affairs and appease the people."

Bixiao looked at Su Yunbai: "I will do my best to win over the Jie Sect."

Su Yunbai felt a warmth in his heart.

"With you all here, I have confidence."

He paused.

"However, the most important thing now is to find the traitor."

"A traitor?" The four women were all taken aback.

"Hmm," Su Yunbai said, "The technical blueprints of Xiqi must have been leaked by Chaoge. And only a handful of people have access to the core blueprints."

Bi Xiao frowned: "Could it be... Fei Zhong or You Hun?"

"It shouldn't be," Su Yunbai shook his head. "I promoted them myself, and their interests are deeply intertwined with mine. There's no reason for them to betray me."

"Who could it be?"

A cold glint flashed in Su Yunbai's eyes.

"There are people from Xiqi in the workshop."

---

The next day.

Zhang Qian, the head of the Construction Institute, was urgently summoned to the Tian Ce Mansion.

"General, you wanted to see me?"

Su Yunbai looked at Zhang Qian.

This Vice Minister of Works was promoted by him personally; he was exceptionally capable and upright.

"Zhang Qian, the technical drawings that Xiqi released are almost identical to ours."

Zhang Qian's expression changed.

"Does the general suspect there's a traitor within the Engineering Institute?"

"It's not doubt, it's certain," Su Yunbai said. "There are no more than ten people who have access to all the core blueprints. You are one of them."

Zhang Qian knelt down with a thud.

"General! I swear to God, I have not revealed a single word!"

Su Yunbai helped him up.

"I didn't say it was you."

He took out a list.

"This is a list of personnel who have access to the core blueprints. Take a close look, who is the most suspicious?"

Zhang Qian took the list and examined it carefully.

After a long pause, he pointed to a name.

"If anything is suspicious... this person is somewhat unusual."

"Who?"

"Liu Ming is the deputy director of the Construction Institute," Zhang Qian said. "He was recommended by the Marquis of Dongbo and originally worked in the Ministry of Works. When the Construction Institute was established, the Marquis of Dongbo specifically wrote a letter asking me to take care of him."

Marquis of Dongbo?

Su Yunbai's eyes narrowed.

"Go on."

"Liu Ming is quite capable, but he acts cautiously and rarely forms deep friendships," Zhang Qian said. "Moreover... he has been frequently contacting merchants from Xiqi recently."

"Xiqi merchant?"

"Yes. The Institute of Industrial Engineering needs to procure some special materials, some of which are only available to merchants from Xiqi. Liu Ming is in charge of the procurement, so it's normal for him to contact those merchants. But now that I think about it, perhaps..."

Su Yunbai understood.

"Take Liu Ming into custody immediately."

"yes!"

---

Half an hour later.

Liu Ming was taken to the secret prison of the Tian Ce Mansion.

He was pale, but tried to remain calm.

"General, what crime have I committed?"

Su Yunbai sat in the chair, looking at him coldly.

"Liu Ming, you were recommended by the Marquis of Dongbo, weren't you?"

"Yes...Lord Dongbo has shown great kindness and recognition to his subordinates."

"Then why did you betray the Marquis of Dongbo and defect to Xiqi?"

Liu Ming's expression changed drastically.

"General! What makes you say that? I am utterly loyal to Chaoge, how could I be accused of betrayal?"

Su Yunbai took out several secret letters.

"These are the letters between you and the spies from Xiqi that were found in your home. They detail the technical blueprints you leaked and the rewards you received."

Liu Ming trembled all over.

"This...this is a frame-up!"

"Still not admitting it?" Su Yunbai sneered. "Then look who this is!"

The prison door opened, and a merchant from Xiqi was brought in.

Upon seeing Liu Ming, the merchant immediately pointed him out: "It's him! He's always the one who gives me the blueprints, and I give him gold and spirit stones in return!"

Liu Ming's face was ashen.

He knelt down with a thud.

"General, spare my life! I... I was just confused for a moment!"

"Why do you do this?"

"With the Marquis of Dongbo under house arrest, I feel that Chaoge's fate is sealed, and Xiqi is the rightful heir..." Liu Ming cried. "Moreover, Xiqi has given me many benefits, promising me future titles and high-ranking positions..."

Su Yunbai's eyes were icy cold.

"Drag him out and behead him."

"General, spare me! Spare me!"

Liu Ming was dragged away.

Zhang Qian stood to the side, sweating profusely.

"General, it was my oversight..."

"It's not your fault," Su Yunbai said. "Human hearts are unpredictable. However, after this incident, the Institute of Construction Engineering will conduct a thorough investigation."

"Yes! I'll take care of it immediately!"

---

News of Liu Ming's execution spread quickly.

The government and the public were shaken.

No one expected that the deputy director of the Industrial Construction Institute was actually a spy from Xiqi.

Even more unexpectedly, Su Yunbai handled the situation so decisively.

For a time, those in the court who had secret dealings with Xiqi were terrified.

---

The Imperial Palace.

When King Zhou learned of this, he slapped the table and cheered.

"Well done! This is how you deter the wicked!"

[Ding! Internal traitors eliminated, court cohesion increased, human race's fortune +1000.]

[Current Luck Points: 6500.]

King Zhou was in a good mood.

"System, exchange for the third level of 'Emperor's Majesty'."

[Ding! 3000 Luck Points consumed to exchange for 'Emperor's Majesty (Advanced)'!]

[Current Luck Points: 3500.]

The pressure intensifies once again.

Now, he can suppress Nascent Soul cultivators with just his aura.

If they were in Chaoge, with the help of the nation's fortune, they might even be able to briefly contend with the early days of the Great Luo.

"Not enough..."

King Zhou clenched his fist.

"At least be able to protect yourself."

He looked in the direction of Tian Ce Mansion.

"Su Yunbai, you have to hold on."

"Once I become powerful, we will work together to overturn this chessboard."

---

The backyard of Tian Ce Mansion.

The four women breathed a sigh of relief upon learning that the traitor had been eliminated.

"I never expected that the people of Dongbo Hou would actually submit to Xiqi," Daji sighed.

"When faced with self-interest, people's hearts are hard to fathom," Bixiao said. "Fortunately, Yunbai discovered it in time, otherwise the consequences would have been unimaginable."

Ao Ling said, "We also need to investigate the Dragon Clan. Although the Dragon Clan is loyal, it's inevitable that some members have been bribed."

Jiang Xiaowu nodded: "The military should also strengthen its vetting process."

Su Yunbai walked in.

"Are they all discussing it?"

Four women came forward.

"Yunbai, what should we do next?" Bixiao asked.

"Since Xiqi has made its move, we'll accept it," Su Yunbai said. "Technology sharing? Then let's see whose technology updates faster."

He took out a stack of blueprints.

"These are 'Improved Papermaking Technique,' 'Modular Type Printing Technique,' and 'Simplified Gunpowder Formula.' Starting tomorrow, the Industrial Design Institute will dedicate all its efforts to their research and development."

"Papermaking? Printing? Gunpowder?" The four women were all puzzled.

Su Yunbai gave a simple explanation.

Upon hearing this, the four women's eyes lit up.

"If it really succeeds, it will change the world once again!" Bixiao said excitedly.

"So Xiqi's technology sharing is nothing more than picking up scraps from others," Su Yunbai said. "What we need to do is lead the change."

He looked at the four women.

"However, this will take time. In the meantime, Xiqi may exert pressure from other sources."

"for example?"

"For example... border friction, economic blockade, or even assassination," Su Yunbai said. "We need to be prepared."

The four goddesses looked solemn.

"clear."

---

late at night.

Su Yunbai stood alone in the courtyard, gazing up at the starry sky.

A system notification sounded:

[Ding! A significant increase in the fortune of Xiqi has been detected. Current fortune: 60 (Shang Dynasty: 75).]

[Warning: If Xiqi's fortune reverses, it may lead to a shift in destiny.]

Su Yunbai frowned.

The gap in fortune is narrowing.

"System, how can I quickly improve the human race's fortune?"

【suggestion:】

[1. Promoting new technologies to improve people's livelihoods (in progress).]

[2. Win the war (not triggered).]

[3. Gain more support from other factions (this has been achieved by the Dragon Clan, but not by the Jie Sect).]

[4. Increase the number of Daoist partners and their affinity (in progress).]

Daoist companions...

Su Yunbai's heart stirred.

One more person missing.

Moreover, none of the four women have a favorability rating of 100.

"Looks like I need to step up my efforts."