Defection

They're getting more and more unruly.

Guangchengzi raised his hand and swung it at Shen Gongbao.

Shen Gongbao was injured by Guangchengzi in one move, and almost spat out a mouthful of blood.

He gazed at the ethereal Jade Void Palace Kunlun Mountain, the hatred and resentment in his eyes almost tangible.

Why should I?!

Why is Shen Gongbao, with his extraordinary talent, being so looked down upon simply because of his human form?

Why was Jiang Ziya, a mediocre and incompetent man, able to wield the Investiture of the Gods and Investiture of the Gods on behalf of Heaven?

He is not convinced!

He couldn't swallow this insult!

"Yuanshi... Jiang Ziya... you just wait!"

Shen Gongbao wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, his eyes turning completely cold, and he never looked back.

He rode on a black cloud, heading west, straight to Chaoge, the place where human fortune was at its peak!

Midway through the journey, a fragrant breeze suddenly wafted by, accompanied by ethereal celestial music.

A fairy, riding on auspicious clouds, blocked the way; Hanzhixian, Disciples of the Sect of Interception.

Seeing that Shen Gongbao's aura was mixed and complex, although he had the foundation of Orthodox Xuanmen, it was mixed with a soaring resentment, she couldn't help but feel curious.

"Fellow Daoist, I see your immortal foundation is unstable and you are plagued by resentment. Have you encountered any difficulties?"

Hanzhixian smiled charmingly, "Fellow Daoist, why are you so fixated on the strictly regulated Jade Void Palace? My master, the Tongtian Sect Master, teaches without discrimination; anyone with a heart set on the Dao can enter my Jade Pure Palace. I wonder..."

In the past, this invitation might have tempted Eunuch Shen.

But now, all that remains in his heart is raging anger and an obsession with proving himself.

He waved his hand, interrupting Hanzhixian, "Thank you for your kindness, fairy, but what I need now is not the protection of a sect, but an opportunity to prove myself!"

Having said that, he ignored Hanzhixian, his gaze piercing through the clouds, fixed on the distant direction of Chaoge, a sinister sneer appearing on his face.

"Jiang Ziya can assist Xiqi? Good! Very good!"

"I, Shen Gongbao, will help this King of Shang to be as solid as a rock, unshakeable for ten thousand generations! I want to see whether your Xiqi, which follows the will of Heaven and the people, is more powerful, or my Yin Shang Dynasty, which defies Heaven, is more prosperous!"

"I will make Yuanshi, the Twelve Golden Immortals of Chan, and all those who look down on me open their eyes and see what they have missed!"

Before he finished speaking, dark clouds rolled in, carrying Shen Gongbao's figure, and shot towards Chaoge at an even greater speed.

Meanwhile, deep within the royal Chaoge City.

Inside Empress Jiang, the air was filled with the fragrance of sandalwood and a spiritual atmosphere.

Empress Jiang sat cross-legged, her appearance solemn and dignified. A series of earth-yellow Mystic Light flowed around her, and behind her, a thick and boundless phantom image of the Kun trigram was faintly formed.

This was a sign that she had reached the third level of her cultivation of the Kun Yuan Scripture.

This technique was bestowed upon the Holy Mother of the Human Race, Empress Nuwa.

Suddenly, the void rippled slightly, and a holy celestial light descended from nowhere, revealing the image of Nuwa.

"Foolish child, the path of cultivation requires a balance of tension and relaxation. Your restless mind and eagerness for quick results have led you astray."

Nuwa's voice was gentle, like a spring breeze, instantly calming the restless magical power within Empress Jiang's body.

Empress Jiang quickly rose and respectfully bowed. "This disciple greets Your Empress. This disciple..."

This disciple is only concerned about the affairs of the state, and fears that my cultivation is insufficient to share Your Majesty's burdens."

"How could I not know what you're thinking?"

Nuwa nodded slightly, and a wisp of spiritual light from her fingertip entered Empress Jiang's brow. "Remember, the Kun Yuan Scripture must be based on benevolence and with the protection of the clan in mind."

Human Race, you must not be impatient for quick success, or you risk going mad with evil spirits."

"Your Highness, I will obey Empress teachings!"

Empress Jiang felt a sudden clarity in her mind, and the many obstacles she had encountered in her previous cultivation suddenly became clear.

She composed herself and asked again, "Your Empress, I have been observing the celestial phenomena at night recently, and I always feel that there is a strange light flashing in the west, as if a powerful being is secretly watching."

I wonder if there have been any unusual developments in Western Religion recently?

Jieyin Zhunti have always enjoyed taking advantage of troubled situations.

"Now that the great calamity of the Investiture of the Gods is about to begin, they are secretly rallying the feudal lords of the world, plotting to seize the destiny of our East."

"You don't need to ask any more questions. Just remind Di Xin to be more vigilant and not become a pawn in someone else's game."

"Yes, disciple understands!"

Empress Jiang's expression hardened, and she immediately formed a plan in her mind.

In Xiqi, within the Prime Minister's residence.

Jiang Ziya, with his white hair and beard, exuding an air of otherworldly wisdom, was speaking eloquently to King Wen of King Wen of Zhou Ji Chang.

"Your Majesty, I have three strategies for enriching the country and strengthening its military, which I wish to present to you!"

"Oh? Please speak, sir!"

Although Ji Chang was old, he was still vigorous and had bright, piercing eyes.

"Firstly, taxes and levies were light, allowing the people to accumulate wealth."

A prosperous people leads to a secure nation; the will of the people is the foundation of true governance!

Secondly, we should broaden the public's knowledge and promote martial arts education.

"Let all children in the country study and practice martial arts, so that they can govern the country with their knowledge and defend it with their skills!"

Thirdly, they established military settlements and trained troops to await the opportune moment.

We will secretly train elite soldiers, cultivate wasteland, and stockpile grain and fodder, so that when the world changes, our Xiqi can rise up in the right direction!

Wow! These three strategies are all spot on.

King Wen of Zhou clapped his hands and laughed, "Your strategy is exactly what I wanted! Approved! Absolutely approved!"

He immediately ordered that the Prime Minister's policy be adopted as national policy and implemented with all efforts.

For a time, the people of Xiqi reclaimed wasteland, reduced taxes, and established martial arts schools, and they all applauded and lived in peace and contentment.

The strength of Xiqi as a whole is growing day by day at a visible speed.

San Yisheng, a senior minister beside King Wen, was completely convinced and bowed deeply to Jiang Ziya: "Sir, your strategy is truly a panacea! With your assistance, Xiqi will surely prosper and its future is bright!"

Jiang Ziya showed no joy, but instead stroked his long beard and looked eastward toward Chaoge, his eyes filled with worry.

"The Yin Shang Dynasty was at its peak, and its foundation was far deeper than imagined."

He sighed softly, "The War of Investiture of the Investiture of the Gods will likely be exceptionally arduous, and the task ahead is long and arduous."

Chaoge, the Golden Palace.

Grand Tutor Wen Zhong returned from suppressing the rebellion in the North Sea, travel-worn and still carrying the lingering aura of killing intent.

He stood below the throne, looking at the increasingly composed and majestic emperor on the dragon throne, and felt quite satisfied.

During the years he was away from the court, the Di Xin in government affairs, day and night, and governed the Great Shang in an orderly manner, making the country stronger than ever before.

"Your Majesty, upon returning to the capital, I am deeply gratified to see that Chaoge remains prosperous and the country is at peace. Your Majesty's achievements are as bright as the sun and moon!"

Di Xin put down the memorial in his hand and smiled, "Grand Tutor, you flatter me. If it weren't for you sweeping away the border troubles for me, how could I be sitting here in the court?"

The conversation between the emperor and his minister was harmonious.

Wen Zhong changed the subject, his tone becoming serious. "Although Your Majesty is a wise ruler, this old minister has heard that the palace's expenses are becoming increasingly extravagant."

Your Majesty, the foundation of a nation lies in the hearts of its people; extravagance must never be allowed to continue!

As he spoke, the Divine Eye on his forehead opened slightly, emitting golden light and exuding unparalleled majesty.

Di Xin's heart tightened, and he pondered, "The Grand Tutor is absolutely right. However, some measures are also intended to demonstrate the Shang Kingdom, and we must proceed gradually."

The two treacherous officials, Fei Zhong You Hun, standing to the side, felt a chill run through their bodies when Wen Zhong swept his golden Divine Eye over them.

The two men gritted their teeth in secret, feeling both respect and fear towards the old Grand Tutor who was a man of his word and would readily wield the King-Beating Golden Whip.

That afternoon, outside the Chaoge.

Shen Gongbao straightened his slightly disheveled Daoist robe, raised his head high, introduced himself, and requested an audience with the current Human King Di Xin.

The guards looked him up and down, noting that he had a pointed chin, sunken cheeks, a leopard-like head, and piercing eyes; his appearance was so unusual that it seemed a bit too peculiar, unlike that of a proper Immortal Master.

"Hahaha! Where did this heretical Daoist priest come from, daring to trespass into the imperial palace?"

"Exactly! Look at him, he's probably just trying to freeload, isn't he? Get lost!"

The guards' jeers rose and fell, extremely grating.

Shen Gongbao was still furious from the humiliation he suffered on Kunlun Mountain, and now being ridiculed by a few mortals like this, his anger instantly surged to its peak.

"How could you mortals with your limited vision recognize the talents of a true immortal?!"

He roared and swung his horsetail whisk violently!

call--

A sudden gust of wind arose from the ground, whipping up sand and stones, causing the guards to stumble and fall, their bodies and horses tumbling over, leaving them in a sorry state.

"How dare you! You actually use magic at the Meridian Gate!"

The commander of the guards was terrified and was about to draw his sword and step forward.

Just then, a magnificent carriage slowly approached, and when the curtain was lifted, it revealed Grand Tutor Wen Zhong, who had just finished court.

Seeing that Shen Gongbao's whisk possessed such power, and that his magic was extraordinary and not from an ordinary Daoist priest, he spoke up and stopped the guards.

"Stop!"

Wen Zhong stepped down from the carriage, his gaze falling on Shen Gongbao, and asked in a deep voice, "Who are you, fellow Daoist? What brings you to Chaoge?"

P. S.: I caught a cold, but I forced myself to write a chapter for this book today just to let everyone know.

Moreover, updating two books simultaneously is taking a toll on my health. I will resume updates once I recover.

Friendly reminder: Please remember to keep warm.