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

Three days after Su Yunbai led his army on the expedition.

Chaoge, the backyard of the Tian Ce Mansion.

Because of her pregnancy, Daji became increasingly cautious in her actions. Jiang Xiaowu was busy with military affairs, shuttling between the Military Affairs Institute and the Imperial Palace all day long.

Yang Chan then took the initiative to take care of Daji.

On this day, she was taking a walk with Daji in the courtyard.

"Sister Yang Chan, you've had a hard time these past few days," Daji said softly. "I'm not feeling well, and I'm so grateful for your care."

Yang Chan shook her head: "Sister, you're too kind. I have no relatives or friends in Chaoge, so I'm happy to be of help."

She paused.

"Moreover... Brother Yunbai instructed me before he went to war to take good care of my sister."

When Su Yunbai was mentioned, Daji's eyes softened.

"He always worries too much."

The two sat down in the pavilion.

Looking at Daji's slightly protruding belly, Yang Chan couldn't help but ask, "Sister... what does it feel like to be pregnant?"

Daji stroked her belly, her smile gentle.

"It's amazing. I can feel a little life growing inside me, and it moves occasionally, like it's saying hello."

She looked at Yang Chan.

"I'll have a younger sister someday too."

Yang Chan blushed.

"I...I still have a long way to go."

She lowered her head, her voice growing softer.

"And... I don't know if that day will ever come."

Daji took her hand.

Why do you say that?

Yang Chan remained silent for a moment.

"I am a disciple of the Chan Sect. My senior brothers and master are both in Xiqi, assisting Ji Chang in his conquest of Shang. But I stayed in Chaoge to help Brother Yunbai..."

Pain flashed in her eyes.

"Sometimes I wonder if I have betrayed my sect and my brothers."

Daji said softly, "Sister, you chose to stay in Chaoge because you agree with Yunbai's ideals, right?"

Yang Chan nodded.

"Yes. Brother Yunbai said that the human race should strive for self-improvement and should not rely on immortals and gods. I think... he's right."

"When I was cultivating in Kunlun Mountain, I often heard my master and fellow disciples discussing matters of the human world. They always said that the human race was ignorant and needed the guidance of immortals and gods."

"But in Jizhou, in Chaoge, I saw that the people were hardworking and kind. They had their own wisdom, their own emotions, and their own pursuits."

"They shouldn't be treated as pawns."

Daji said with satisfaction, "Yunbai will be very happy to know that my sister has such insight."

Yang Chan gave a wry smile.

"But... my brother would never understand."

She thought of Yang Jian.

That proud elder brother was unwaveringly loyal to his sect and deeply believed in the ideals of the Chan Sect.

If he knew that he was staying in Chaoge to help Su Yunbai fight against Xiqi, I'm afraid...

"Sister," Daji said earnestly, "your brother may not understand now, but blood is thicker than water. If he truly cares for you, he will understand one day."

"I hope so," Yang Chan sighed softly.

afternoon.

Jiang Xiaowu hurriedly returned from the Military Intelligence Institute, her face solemn.

"Sister, Yang Chan, there's urgent military news."

"What is it?"

"The central army of Xiqi is stalled outside Youhun Pass, but the eastern army has broken through the Chentang Pass defense line and is marching towards Chaoge!"

Daji's expression changed.

Where is General Li Jing?

"General Li defended Chentang Pass to the death, but with the help of the True Man Puxian from Xiqi and the secret intervention of the Bodhisattva of the Western Sect, Chentang Pass... fell."

Yang Chan clenched her fist.

"Uncle-Master Puxian... he actually personally took action against the mortal army!"

While at Kunlun Mountain, although the True Man Samantabhadra was stern, he often taught his disciples to be compassionate.

But now...

"The Military Intelligence Bureau estimates that the enemy will be at the city gates within five days," Jiang Xiaowu said. "His Majesty has ordered martial law throughout the city, but Chaoge's troops are insufficient and urgent reinforcements are needed."

Daji pondered.

"Any news from Yunbai?"

"The battle at Youhun Pass is at a stalemate. Master Taiyi has set up the Nine Dragons Divine Fire Cover, and Lady Shiji is breaking the formation. Yunbai is temporarily unable to leave."

"Then... what can we do?"

Jiang Xiaowu looked at Yang Chan.

"Sister Yang Chan, you were once a disciple of the Chan Sect. Are you familiar with the methods of Samantabhadra and the Western Sect?"

Yang Chan nodded.

"Uncle-Master Puxian is skilled in formations and his magic weapon is the 'Wu Hook Sword', but his most powerful asset is his mount—the White Elephant Spirit, which is incredibly strong and can shake mountains."

"As for the Bodhisattvas of the Western Paradise... I'm not very familiar with them, but I've heard they are skilled in the arts of salvation and deception."

Jiang Xiaowu wrote it down.

"Good. This intelligence is very important."

She paused.

"In addition, His Majesty would like to ask Sister Yang Chan to assist in the defense of the city."

"Me?" Yang Chan was taken aback.

"Hmm," Jiang Xiaowu said, "My sister's cultivation has reached the Golden Immortal level, and she is also familiar with the methods of the Chan Sect. If she can participate in the defense of the city, it can reduce a lot of casualties."

Yang Chan hesitated.

"But if I were to take action, I would be openly making an enemy of my sect..."

"Sister," Daji grasped her hand, "if you don't act now, what will happen to the hundreds of thousands of people in Chaoge when it falls?"

"If the Xiqi army enters the city, with Ji Chang and Jiang Ziya's methods, they will surely purge all those who 'aided and abetted the tyrant.' At that time, we, and you, will all be doomed."

Yang Chan was startled.

Yes.

She's already caught in the middle; where is she supposed to turn back?

"I see."

She looked up, her eyes resolute.

"I will assist in defending the city."

East of Chaoge City, atop the city wall.

King Zhou personally supervised the battle, while generals such as Wen Zhong and Huang Feihu each guarded their respective areas.

Yang Chan stood on the city tower, gazing at the billowing smoke and dust in the distance.

The main army of Xiqi on the eastern route has arrived at the city.

Leading the group was none other than the Venerable Samantabhadra.

He rode on a white elephant, holding a Wu hook sword, his face cold and stern.

"Nephew Yang Chan," Master Puxian spoke, his voice echoing across the city walls, "you, as a disciple of the Chan Sect, have aided and abetted the wicked. Do you know your crime?"

Yang Chan took a deep breath.

"Uncle-Master, your disciple is innocent."

"Oh? Then why are you on the side of the Shang Dynasty?"

"Because I believe that the Shang Dynasty is innocent, and the human race is innocent," Yang Chan said loudly. "The Western Zhou's attack on the Shang is ostensibly to mourn the people and punish the guilty, but in reality, it is a collusion with the Western Religion, intending to enslave the human race. I refuse to be complicit in this."

Samantabhadra frowned.

"How dare you slander our sect!"

"I am merely stating the facts," Yang Chan said. "If my master truly cared for the human race, he should have advised Xiqi to withdraw its troops, instead of aiding and abetting the tyrant."

"Sharp-tongued!" Master Puxian roared. "Since you remain so stubborn, then don't blame your uncle for being ruthless!"

He raised his hand, and the Wu Hook Sword transformed into a golden light, slashing towards the city wall!

"Protect His Majesty!"

Wen Zhong unleashed his twin golden whips to meet the Wu hook sword.

However, Master Puxian is a Great Golden Immortal, and although Wen Zhong is strong, he is ultimately a step behind.

A golden light slashed down, shaking the city walls!

Just then, a sword light as bright as moonlight rose from the city wall, blocking the Wu Hook Sword.

It's Yang Chan!

She held the Moonlit Sword, the magic weapon left to her by her mother.

"Uncle-Master, please forgive me!"

She flew out of the city and fought against the immortal Samantabhadra.

Moonflower Sword versus Wu Hook Sword.

Golden Immortal versus Great Immortal.

Although Yang Chan was at a disadvantage, she managed to hold on by virtue of her exquisite swordsmanship and familiarity with the moves of Master Puxian.

"Junior Nephew Yang Chan, you are indeed exceptionally talented," praised Master Puxian. "Unfortunately, you have gone astray."

He summoned the white elephant.

The white elephant roared and crashed into Yang Chan like a mountain!

If this attack lands squarely, even a Golden Immortal would be seriously injured!

In a moment of crisis—

A figure descended from the sky and stood in front of Yang Chan.

Raise your hand and press gently.

The white elephant crashed into an iron wall and was thrown backward with a thunderous roar!

"Who?!" Master Puxian exclaimed in surprise.

The smoke and dust cleared.

Su Yunbai, clad in black armor, stood before the city.

He looked at Samantabhadra and said calmly:

"Whoever harmed me, did they ask me beforehand?"

---

It turns out that the battle at Youhun Pass has temporarily come to an end.

Lady Shiji used the Nine Heavens Breath Soil to restrain the Nine Dragons Divine Fire Cover, and fought Taiyi Zhenren to a standstill.

The Xiqi central army temporarily retreated.

Upon learning of the crisis in Chaoge, Su Yunbai immediately ordered Bixiao and Ao Ling to stay and guard Youhun Pass, while he rushed back at full speed.

Just then, Yang Chan encountered danger.

"Su Yunbai!" Master Puxian's face was grim. "You weren't even at Youhun Pass, yet you dared to return to Chaoge?"

"My home is here, why can't I go back?" Su Yunbai said. "But you, a dignified Golden Immortal of the Chan Sect, bullying a little girl, don't you feel ashamed?"

Master Puxian sneered, "Yang Chan betrayed the sect, so what's wrong with me cleaning up the sect?"

"Clean house?" Su Yunbai laughed. "She's a member of Chaoge now. If you want to clean house, you'll have to ask me first."

He looked at Yang Chan.

"Are you alright?"

Yang Chan shook her head, tears welling up in her eyes.

"Brother Yunbai...you're back."

"Okay." Su Yunbai nodded. "Leave the rest to me."

He turned around and faced Samantabhadra.

"I'll give you two choices."

"First, retreat immediately, and I'll spare your life."

"Secondly, I'll put you on the list and have you report to the Investiture of the Gods Platform."

The immortal Samantabhadra was furious.

"Arrogant! Although you are a quasi-saint, how could you possibly fathom the divine powers of my Chan Sect!"

He activated the Wu Hook Sword with all his might, and the white elephant charged forward once again.

Su Yunbai shook his head.

"Stubborn and obstinate."

He raised his hand, and his affections became apparent.

This time, it's no longer tender feelings.

Instead, it contains the intent to kill—the Love Thread Severing Technique!

The laws of emotion can nourish life, or they can sever it!

Countless threads of emotion rained down upon Samantabhadra.

Master Puxian raised his sword to defend, but the threads of emotion, invisible and intangible, pierced through the sword light and entered his sea of ​​consciousness!

"ah--"

He screamed in agony as blood flowed from his seven orifices.

The Love Thread Slash directly attacks the soul!

Seeing its master injured, the white elephant charged in a frenzy.

Su Yunbai didn't even look at it, and casually threw a punch.

Nine Revolutions Mystic Technique, Four Revolutions of Physical Body!

The fist, like a dragon, struck the white elephant's head.

The white elephant flew backward and crashed into the Xiqi army, causing countless deaths and injuries.

Master Puxian looked at Su Yunbai in horror.

"What...what kind of supernatural power is this?!"

"A divine power to subdue those who dare to defy you." Su Yunbai said calmly, "I'll ask you one last time: Retreat, or die?"

Samantabhadra gritted his teeth.

He looked towards the walls of Chaoge.

There, King Zhou held the Xuanyuan Sword, and his destiny was sealed.

Wen Zhong and Huang Feihu were on high alert.

Yang Chan stood behind Su Yunbai, her eyes resolute.

The Xiqi army was already filled with fear.

"……withdraw!"

Samantabhadra gritted his teeth and gave the order.

The Xiqi army, as if granted a general amnesty, hastily retreated.

Cheers erupted from the city walls.

"General Su is mighty!"

"Great merchants will surely prevail!"

Su Yunbai did not pursue.

He turned around and looked at Yang Chan.

"Thank you for protecting Chaoge."

Yang Chan shook her head.

"It's thanks to Brother Yunbai that you arrived just in time."

She paused, then said in a low voice.

"Actually... I was very scared just now. I was afraid I wouldn't be able to defend the city, afraid I would let down my sisters' trust, afraid... I would never see you again."

Su Yunbai felt a pang of tenderness in his heart.

He reached out and gently patted Yang Chan's head.

"Silly girl, with me here, no one can hurt you."

Yang Chan looked up and saw Su Yunbai's gentle gaze. A corner of her heart was completely captivated.

[Ding! Potential binding partner Yang Chan's favorability has greatly increased!]

[Current favorability rating: 80→95!]

[Recommendation: When the time is right, you can try binding.]

Su Yunbai's heart stirred.

95 years old...

It was so close.

But he wasn't in a hurry.

When it comes to matters of the heart, it's best to let things develop naturally.

"Let's go back to the city."

He took Yang Chan's hand and flew back to the city wall.

That night.

After the celebration banquet, Su Yunbai went to Yang Chan's courtyard.

Yang Chan was practicing her sword in the courtyard when she saw him arrive, and she quickly put away her sword.

"Brother Yunbai."

"Still practicing your sword?"

"Hmm," Yang Chan said, "Today's battle made me realize that I'm still too weak. If I were stronger, I could be of more help."

Su Yunbai walked to her side.

"You've done a great job."

He paused.

"Yang Chan, there's something I want to ask you."

"Please speak, brother."

"If one day, your elder brother Yang Jian sides with Xiqi and becomes my enemy... what will you choose?"

Yang Chan remained silent.

After a long silence, she said softly.

I will persuade my brother to turn back.

"What if he doesn't listen?"

"Then..." A trace of pain flashed in Yang Chan's eyes, "I can only stand on Brother Yun Bai's side."

Why?

"Because my brother chose the sect, the so-called 'destiny'." Yang Chan looked up, her eyes firm, "while I chose my heart, the human race, and you."

Su Yunbai was shaken.

He took Yang Chan's hand.

"Yang Chan, would you... be willing to become my Daoist partner?"

Yang Chan trembled all over.

Her face turned bright red instantly.

"I...I..."

"No need to answer now," Su Yunbai said. "I'll give you time to think it over."

He released his grip and turned to leave.

"I do!"

Yang Chan suddenly spoke.

The voice was soft, yet incredibly firm.

Su Yunbai turned around.

Yang Chan looked at him, her eyes filled with tears, yet she smiled.

"From our first meeting in Jizhou to our reunion in Chaoge, my heart... has long held my elder brother."

"I just never dared to say it, because I was afraid that my elder brother would look down on me for being a disciple of the Chan Sect, and I was afraid of causing him trouble."

"But today, I don't want to run away anymore."

She stepped forward and threw herself into Su Yunbai's arms.

"Brother Yunbai, I am willing to be your Daoist partner. No matter what the future holds, I will walk with you."

Su Yunbai hugged her tightly.

"it is good."

Under the moonlight, the two embraced.

P.S.: Happy New Year! Thank you everyone for the gifts! And to those who didn't mind sending some free electricity...