The Investiture of the Gods

Therefore, he did not hesitate to choose to follow Li Er, a master who deeply understood that profit drives people's hearts.

Li Er was well aware of Shen Gongbao's wit and cunning, knowing that he could see the situation clearly and weigh the pros and cons.

Thus, he made no promises to Shen Gongbao, yet Shen Gongbao could sense the potential benefits from his words and actions.

Without hesitation, he nodded and agreed to join the Buddhist Sect.

Li Er was pleased when Shen Gongbao agreed.

He knew the principle that fortune favors the bold, and although Shen Gongbao was a demon with a weak foundation, surviving this Investiture of the Gods tribulation would not be easy.

Now that he could receive Li Er's protection and later gain a Daoist Sect identity, how could he miss such a good opportunity?

Li Er knew that although Shen Gongbao possessed the Visage of the Flying Bear, his demon race identity destined him to be unable to control the Investiture of the Gods List.

To deepen Shen Gongbao's sense of belonging and loyalty to the Buddhist Sect, he decided to bestow another fortune upon him.

He knew that only greater benefits could make Shen Gongbao wholeheartedly serve the Buddhist Sect.

Li Er infused it with the Human Race Destiny and the power of the Investiture of the Gods tribulation.

After this change, Shen Gongbao's Visage of the Flying Bear completely transformed into an auspicious sign containing the Human Race Destiny, and his demon race origin was concealed by Li Er.

Most people, combining this with the luck of the Investiture of the Gods Heavenly Scroll, would regard Shen Gongbao as the true person destined for the Investiture of the Gods.

Li Er smiled with satisfaction.

The heavenly secrets within the tribulation had both disadvantages in concealment and advantages.

The Saints could not predict the direction of the tribulation or the true status and identity of the protagonist of the Investiture of the Gods, while Li Er, as a transmigrator, possessed the advantage of foreknowledge and could control the entire tribulation.

Shen Gongbao's opportunity to come to the Eight Sceneries Palace would also attract Jiang Ziya, the true protagonist of the Investiture of the Gods.

Li Er, controlling the Investiture of the Gods List, could attract two protagonists of the Investiture of the Gods.

If nothing unexpected happened, Jiang Ziya would also fall under Li Er's command.

In the Investiture of the Gods tribulation, the chess game between Jiang Ziya and Shen Gongbao was actually part of Li Er's plan, with both good and bad outcomes within his grasp.

Meanwhile, on Jieyin and Zhunti's side, after the Saints' Daoist Sects laid out their plans for the Human Race, the Buddhist Sect faced less targeting. Zhunti, in particular, used the Seven Treasures Wonderful Tree to collect numerous spiritual roots and plants, appearing like a thief stealing from heaven.

Anything Zhunti fancied was difficult to escape his collection.

Jieyin and Zhunti had converted many beings.

After some time, Zhunti seemed to be enjoying himself, actively operating in the Eastern lands.

The harvest was extremely rich, with all sorts of heavenly materials, earthly treasures, and spiritual roots of heaven and earth being collected.

Some beings with better origins were also taken away.

Such a harvest was like pie falling from the sky, and it was also a huge fortune for the Western Buddhist Sect.

Subhuti exclaimed in his heart, "The Eastern lands are indeed rich in talent and spirit!"

He planned to properly arrange the treasures he had plundered to promote the great prosperity of the Buddhist Sect.

Although Zhunti had gained some rewards, he did not personally go around plundering; instead, he sent his Dao Body of Slaying the Three Corpses.

Just as Subhuti was preparing to continue, a Daoist suddenly appeared. His voice seemed to contain a certain power that made Subhuti involuntarily stop.

Although Subhuti had no intention of stopping, his body paused for a moment as if an invisible force was acting upon him.

Subhuti became vigilant, turned to look, and was surprised to see who had arrived.

With just one glance, he discerned the other party's origin.

The Daoist before him actually bore the Visage of the Flying Bear, which surprised and delighted Subhuti.

This was because encountering such a tribulation omen often meant good luck.

Shen Gongbao wore a smile, giving off the aura of an enlightened master, which made Subhuti feel a sense of familiarity.

He extended an invitation to Subhuti: "Young friend, you have a connection with our West. Would you be willing to accompany me to the Western Paradise and pursue the Great Dao together?"

If Li Er were present and heard the conversation between Shen Gongbao and Subhuti, he might have shown a very surprised expression.

In this Investiture of the Gods tribulation, no matter who it was, their words often became a killing move, and whoever encountered them might fall into misfortune.

However, Zhunti and Shen Gongbao seemed unconcerned and directly invited Subhuti to join the Buddhist Sect.

As Shen Gongbao was conversing with the Daoist Subhuti, the Daoist Yuqing suddenly appeared, interrupting their conversation.

He extended an invitation to Shen Gongbao, hoping he would join the Heavenly Origin Sect.

Meanwhile, the Daoist Subhuti attempted to persuade Shen Gongbao to join the Buddhist Sect.

Facing the competition between two Saints, Shen Gongbao's inner thoughts were particularly crucial.

Every decision he made would affect the future course of events.

At this moment, Shen Gongbao, having gained Li Er's favor, was filled with confidence.

Even when facing two Saints, he no longer wavered in his resolve easily.

What he needed was a force that could contend with the Buddhist Sect, but he leaned more towards Buddhism, hoping to one day lead this force in the direction of Buddhism.

The appearance of the Daoist Yuqing, while unexpected, also reflected Shen Gongbao's undeniable importance.

Faced with the rivalry of two major powers, Shen Gongbao's choice would undoubtedly ignite a great war.

And his choice would not only concern his own destiny but also influence the direction of the entire world.

How the story would unfold next was truly something to anticipate.

The Yuqing Daoist glanced at Subhuti, a slight smirk playing on his lips, "You say the young friend's affinity with me is not yet exhausted?"

He then calmly added, "Affinity does not necessarily mean discipleship."

The Heavenly Origin Sect Leader, Daoist Zhunti, sincerely invited, "If the young friend is willing to join the Heavenly Origin Sect, I will certainly accept you as an inner disciple, placing you as the thirteenth Golden Immortal of the Heavenly Origin Sect."

At the same time, Daoist Subhuti also extended an invitation, "I also wish to accept the young friend as a disciple and promise to bestow upon you the position of a Buddha."

Faced with the invitations from both, Shen Gongbao, after deep consideration, chose to join Western Buddhism, "Thank you, Western Saint. I have decided to dedicate myself to the Buddhist Sect."

This greatly angered Venerable Yuanshi, who secretly resented the decisions of Daoist Zhunti and Shen Gongbao.

The Yuqing Daoist congratulated with a smile that didn't reach his eyes, "Congratulations, fellow Daoist, on gaining an excellent disciple."

Daoist Subhuti, however, was unconcerned, as he had successfully recruited the protagonist of the Investiture of the Gods, bringing him into the Buddhist Sect on Spirit Mountain.

All of this was observed by Li Er, who found the struggle amusing.

He knew that Shen Gongbao's joining might bring unknown changes to Buddhism.

Seeing this, the Yuqing Daoist chose to leave.

Daoist Zhunti smiled at Shen Gongbao, "Good disciple, today you have truly brought me great satisfaction."

Subhuti watched the receding figure of the Yuqing Daoist, then turned to Shen Gongbao before him. His smile made Subhuti feel a sense of familiarity.

However, Subhuti felt an inexplicable unease in his heart, as if something bad was about to happen.

This feeling was strong yet elusive, and despite his efforts to find its source, he found nothing.

As a manifestation of a Saint's Dao Body, Subhuti's cultivation and insight were extraordinary.

Such strange feelings were not common for him, yet they appeared frequently now, leaving him somewhat perplexed.

Just as Shen Gongbao called out to Subhuti, a crow flew by and dropped something.

Subhuti smelled a peculiar odor and reached up to touch his forehead, only to find it was bird droppings.

This Quasi-Saint level being had actually been hit by bird droppings from a crow without noticing.

This was mainly because a word from Shen Gongbao had relaxed his vigilance.

Subhuti's expression turned grim when he realized this.

Shen Gongbao actually possessed such an ability; it seemed his protagonist status in the great calamity of Investiture of the Gods was indeed extraordinary.

However, this situation only applied to Quasi-Saint level beings, who were unaffected by the great calamity.

For those below the Quasi-Saint level, such as Grand Unity Golden Immortals, under Shen Gongbao's "Please stay," they might be listed on the Investiture of the Gods List without even realizing it.

This point had already been confirmed by numerous disciples of the Intercepting Sect through the results of the Investiture of the Gods List.

As Subhuti believed he had successfully taken in the protagonist of the Investiture of the Gods, joy and worry coexisted.

In the Eight Sceneries Palace, Li Er observed this scene and felt a sense of emotion.

Due to the chaos of heavenly secrets, no one could accurately predict the future destiny of their disciples. Only Li Er, with his advantage of foresight, could meticulously plan and navigate this great calamity of Investiture of the Gods with unparalleled precision.

He withdrew his gaze from Shen Gongbao and prepared to seek out Jiang Ziya.

With the aid of Human Race Destiny, Li Er easily investigated all of Jiang Ziya's past. Although Jiang Ziya was the destined protagonist of the Investiture of the Gods, before reaching the Quasi-Saint realm, he was still influenced by Human Race Destiny.

Li Er smiled slightly and, with just a thought, located this highly anticipated protagonist of the Investiture of the Gods.

Subsequently, Li Er summoned the Horned Green Ox and quietly headed to Song Family Village to find Jiang Ziya.

Although Song Family Village lacked the magnificent scenery of a Saint's dojo, it was filled with the vibrant atmosphere of the human world, possessing a unique charm.

The Green Ox walked across the wilderness, with a young man riding it backward, deeply hidden and revealing no heavenly secrets.

He appeared like an ordinary young man tending cattle in the countryside, making it impossible for anyone to perceive his true cultivation.

Inside Song Family Village, Song Yiren, as Jiang Ziya's sworn elder brother, was quite worried about his cultivation, chiding him for being too old with no hope of success.

However, Jiang Ziya did not wish to endure the nagging and chose to go fishing to avoid the argument.

After leaving Song Family Village, Jiang Ziya felt an inexplicable pull, as if some force was guiding him.

He attempted to use his divination skills to deduce the situation but found no results.

At this moment, he unexpectedly noticed a Green Ox walking leisurely, with a young man on its back, appearing relaxed and at ease.

Jiang Ziya's heart stirred, as if he had thought of something, and he quickly walked towards the Green Ox.

Facing the Green Ox and the young man on it, Jiang Ziya unhesitatingly prostrated himself, respectfully addressing the other as "Saint."

The young man on the ox's back spoke, his voice making it impossible for Jiang Ziya to remain kneeling.

"How did you know I am a Saint?"

The other party inquired.

Jiang Ziya responded with confidence, "A Saint rides a Green Ox, and green symbolizes vitality and the spirituality of the East. Your existence is like a shadow in the mist, difficult to discern, which further solidifies the guess in my heart."

The Green Ox rode backward, and the Saint appeared.

Jiang Ziya understood the principle of the Dao following nature, and the figure of the Daoist Sect Leader appeared in his mind. He knew in his heart that this Saint should be Saint Taishang. However, he did not reveal it directly, fearing he might offend the Saint. At this moment, Jiang Ziya's heart was stirred; seeing a Saint was a long-cherished encounter he had dreamed of. He imagined that becoming a disciple of a Saint and achieving immortality was no longer an unattainable dream. He did not hesitate to express his wish, hoping the Saint would take him as a disciple.

Saint Taishang, Li Er, heard Jiang Ziya's inner thoughts. His face clearly appeared from atop the Green Ox, wearing a smile as warm as a spring breeze. He asked Jiang Ziya if he wished to become immortal. Jiang Ziya answered "yes" without hesitation. He frankly stated that if he could become immortal, he could escape the Three Realms and be free from the suffering of reincarnation. He only wished to share tea and discuss the Dao with a few good friends, which was the carefree path he yearned for.

Li Er's gaze swept over Jiang Ziya as he continued to converse with him. Li Er smiled and said, "Your philosophy aligns somewhat with the tranquility and non-contention of my Taishang lineage." However, his expression changed, and he regretfully stated, "Your destiny is set, and you cannot achieve the true fruit of enlightenment. You can only enjoy glory and wealth in the human world."

Hearing that his philosophy aligned with the Taishang lineage, Jiang Ziya felt a surge of hope, only to be crushed by Li Er's subsequent words, leaving him dejected. He knelt before Li Er, begging for mercy for his earnest pursuit of the Dao. Li Er smiled faintly and helped Jiang Ziya up, saying, "Your fate is set from birth; even a Saint cannot change it."