The Investiture of the Gods

But he then revealed, "You possess the destiny of the Lord of the Flying Bear, an anomaly during this great calamity. If you can grasp it well, perhaps you can seize a sliver of hope."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Ziya was immensely excited and requested guidance from Li Er.

Li Er stated that he had come for this very purpose. His Green Ox slowly departed, leaving behind the words, "I will give you three days to settle your worldly affairs. Come to Xuandu Purple Mansion to see me in three days."

Jiang Ziya was shocked and thrilled. Seizing this opportunity with a Saint was unprecedented for him. Even if it were only as a registered disciple, he would be content.

Three days later, he arrived at Xuandu Purple Mansion as promised. Guided by the destiny of the Heavenly Scroll and the Investiture of the Gods List, he successfully seized this opportunity. Within the Eight Sceneries Palace, he cultivated Daoist magic and studied numerous military texts.

However, the Taishang lineage unexpectedly took in another human ** after Xuandu. This news spread like wind among all the Saints, stirring up a thousand waves. All the Saints were astonished, having never expected the passive and non-contending Li Er to actively accept a disciple. Even as a registered **, their seniority would be extremely high.

The Taishang lineage had only one direct disciple **: Xuandu. Xuandu was the Imperial Tutor to the Three Sovereigns, and under him were the Three Sovereigns Saints of the Human Race. Then, what capabilities did Jiang Ziya possess to be accepted into the Taishang lineage as their registered **?

The gazes of all the Saints turned towards Jiang Ziya. They were surprised to discover he bore the Visage of the Flying Bear. The emergence of two Visages of the Flying Bear during the Investiture of the Gods calamity sparked confusion among all the Saints.

However, this outcome also brought a sigh of relief to Tongtian. Yuanshi of the Heavenly Origin Sect felt the same. Compared to the Buddhist Sect's interception, all the Saints preferred Li Er to have another protagonist for the Investiture of the Gods with the Visage of the Flying Bear. Li Er represented the Daoist Sect's stance. He did not establish a sect, and none of his disciples ** were involved in the calamity, making him more acceptable than the Buddhist Sect.

Gradually, all the Saints understood that the so-called Investiture of the Gods would involve two Visages of the Flying Bear establishing opposing factions, ultimately competing to determine the victor. The victor would then act on behalf of Taishang to fulfill the duties of the Investiture of the Gods. However, whether Shen Gongbao or Jiang Ziya would become the person for the Investiture of the Gods remained unknown.

From a traditional and heartfelt perspective, Jiang Ziya seemed to hold all the advantages. But what left all the Saints helpless was Jiang Ziya's poor aptitude, almost making them doubt Li Er's judgment. After decades of cultivating the Dao, he hadn't even crossed the threshold of a mortal immortal; he couldn't even be considered an immortal.

After Jiang Ziya and Shen Gongbao respectively entered the Eight Sceneries Palace and the Western Spiritual Mountain for cultivation, the gap gradually became apparent. Shen Gongbao on the Spiritual Mountain, due to his superior aptitude and the meticulous guidance of the Two Sages of the West, progressed at an astonishing speed. Furthermore, with the nourishment of the Eight Treasures Merit Pool, his cultivation speed was truly remarkable. The Two Sages of the West had invested heavily in his hope for this great calamity. Since joining the Buddhist Sect, Shen Gongbao had advanced rapidly, now reaching the Golden Immortal realm.

In contrast, Jiang Ziya's immortal path was not yet complete. The vast difference between him and Shen Gongbao left all the Saints bewildered. They had never heard of a ** with such aptitude. Not even having established an immortal path, with such meager cultivation as Jiang Ziya, it seemed difficult for him to even utilize basic magical power, let alone control the Heavenly Scroll and the Investiture of the Gods List to complete the task of Investiture of the Gods. This made all the Saints begin to doubt the authenticity of the Visage of the Flying Bear on Jiang Ziya.

Compared to the second-generation ** of the Heavenly Origin and Jie Sects, Jiang Ziya's cultivation was far inferior. Even the third-generation ** recently accepted by the second-generation ** were not comparable to Jiang Ziya. Looking at the contrast between these two protagonists of the Investiture of the Gods, all the Saints couldn't help but shake their heads, beginning to suspect that Taishang had misjudged.

Jiang Ziya, by observing figures like the Dao Venerable Xuandu, Great Emperor Fengdu, the Three Sovereigns Saints of the Human Race, and the Ancestor of Earth Immortals, discovered that they all possessed great merit, great destiny, and exceptionally noble fates. This made him vaguely understand that being actively taken in by the Supreme Saint must have a deeper meaning. He understood that his time had not yet come. Therefore, Jiang Ziya was not impatient.

However, the Western Buddhist Sect felt anxious about this situation. Within the Spiritual Mountain, Jieyin and Zhunti saw Shen Gongbao's cultivation progress and began to discuss how to use this opportunity to bring Shen Gongbao into the Buddhist Sect, thereby strengthening its power. They sipped spiritual tea, discussing the inevitability of the Buddhist Sect's prosperity and the necessity of repaying the merit owed to the Four Realms Grand Origin.

Zhunti proposed that since they were already involved in the Investiture of the Gods calamity, they could not avoid the killing calamity. He had originally planned to use the people involved in the Investiture of the Gods to maneuver between the Heavenly Origin and Jie Sects, thereby developing the Buddhist Sect. He admitted that his and Jieyin's cultivation could not contend with Taishang, so they could only adopt this method to strengthen the Buddhist Sect.

However, Jieyin harbored doubts, fearing they would be defeated by Taishang again. He reminded Zhunti that they had both been defeated by Taishang in the past, and it was uncertain if this time would be an exception. As the Daoist Sect Leader, how could Taishang allow the Buddhist Sect to prosper? Compared to Daoist Jieyin, who was immersed in sorrowful emotions, Zhunti displayed his wisdom—understanding the importance of assessing the situation.

Facing Jieyin's confusion, Zhunti smiled and calmly accepted the reality of defeat. "Losing to Grand Supreme Elder Lord is nothing to be ashamed of. It's not the first time the two of us have lost to him.

If we lose again this time, it won't matter."

His tone shifted, and he said to Jieyin, "Senior Brother, I've discovered a significant problem with Shen Gongbao."

Jieyin inquired, "What problem?"

Zhunti continued, "Shen Gongbao and Jiang Ziya were born to face this calamity. The key to this Investiture of the Gods struggle lies between these two.

Therefore, I wish to take Shen Gongbao to the Eight Sceneries Palace to pay respects and request the Investiture of the Gods List from Grand Supreme Elder Lord."

Jieyin was somewhat puzzled. "Grand Supreme Elder Lord holds the Investiture of the Gods List, and Jiang Ziya is his disciple. How could he possibly hand it over?"

Zhunti smiled confidently. "Because Shen Gongbao is the legitimate one.

I've observed that the Human Race Destiny and the power of the Investiture of the Gods Calamity within him are things Jiang Ziya lacks.

I've determined that Shen Gongbao is the true protagonist of the Investiture of the Gods."

"If that's the case,"

Zhunti said firmly, "we only need to let the two of them fight. I will bring the momentum of the Investiture of the Gods to the Eight Sceneries Palace to pay my respects.

Grand Supreme Elder Lord will have no reason not to hand over the Investiture of the Gods List."

After Zhunti's analysis, Jieyin finally understood the logic.

Just as Zhunti said, although the Investiture of the Gods List was held by Li Er, in the midst of the great calamity, the key figure was the one who controlled the Investiture of the Gods List.

Shen Gongbao, with the Visage of the Flying Bear, was precisely that key figure.

Therefore, Zhunti's desire to take Shen Gongbao to demand the Investiture of the Gods List was reasonable.

After all, Jiang Ziya's cultivation hadn't even reached the immortal path, how could he control the Investiture of the Gods List? The final candidate could only be Shen Gongbao, who was under the Buddhist Sect.

Jieyin also chuckled. "Better a dead comrade than a living me. Who ends up on the list is still up to us in the Western Sect, isn't it?"

Hearing Zhunti's "better a dead comrade than a living me" for the first time, Jieyin questioned his junior brother Zhunti. "Junior Brother, have you had more contact with Shen Gongbao recently?"

Zhunti's tone always emphasized "dead comrade," which, at first hearing, seemed quite reasonable and bore a striking resemblance to Shen Gongbao's style.

Ever since he learned that Shen Gongbao's phrase "Fellow Daoist, please stay" hid a deeper meaning, Jieyin had tried to avoid too much contact with him.

However, to Jieyin's surprise, Zhunti did not seem to shy away from interacting with Shen Gongbao.

Zhunti nodded. "Yes, but I believe Shen Gongbao's words hold much truth. Although his understanding of Buddhist teachings is unorthodox, it's a unique and profound interpretation."

Listening to Zhunti's words, Jieyin felt a sense of foreboding. "Junior Brother, you won't encounter any misfortune on this trip, will you?"

Within the Eight Sceneries Palace, although Jiang Ziya's aptitude was less than ideal, his character was well-suited for cultivation.

Even though he had never achieved immortality, he maintained a calm demeanor.

From the moment he met Li Er, the latter had told him that his fate was only to enjoy the blessings of a mortal general and minister, with no chance of immortality.

Therefore, Jiang Ziya knew clearly that his future depended on his position.

On the Human Race front, Emperor Yi of Shang had reached the time to decide the succession of the Human King.

The eldest son, Wei Zi Qi, the second son, Wei Zi Yan, and the third son, Zi Shou, each had their own unique qualities.

Ultimately, Wei Zi Qi could not inherit the throne due to his mother's low status. Zi Shou, as the legitimate son, was established as the heir.

After Emperor Yi's death, the Grand Tutor Wen Zhong was entrusted with the guardianship. Prince Shou was established as Emperor Xin of Shang, also known as King Zhou.

Since King Zhou's ascension, the Investiture of the Gods Calamity had intensified.

It was clear that this calamity was destined to erupt during Emperor Xin's reign.

In the Eight Sceneries Palace, atop a waterfall, Jiang Ziya sat cross-legged before a chessboard, facing Li Er.

Li Er lightly placed a chess piece, sensing something unusual about the Investiture of the Gods List and the God-Beating Whip.

Jiang Ziya asked the reason, and Li Er smiled faintly, knowing that someone was starting to stir.

Zhunti, with Shen Gongbao, arrived outside the gates of the Eight Sceneries Palace, intending to request an audience with Li Er.

His visit this time was for the Heavenly Scroll, the Investiture of the Gods List, and the God-Beating Whip.

With Shen Gongbao, the Visage of the Flying Bear, by his side, his confidence soared.

However, Li Er had no intention of acknowledging them and continued to play chess with Jiang Ziya.

Just as the chess game was nearing its end, Zhunti and Shen Gongbao suddenly appeared before them. Zhunti's expression seemed somewhat displeased.

"Senior Brother Taishang,"

Zhunti began.

"The Buddhist Sect has come to pay respects today, and your ignoring us like this seems improper."

I, Zhunti, came in person, my shouts known to all the Saints, yet Li Er ignored me, leisurely playing chess and leaving me stranded outside his mountain gate.

Though I don't care about losing face, I must maintain my image in front of **.

Today is not just about forcing my way in, but also about obtaining the Heavenly Scroll and the Investiture of the Gods List.

I arrived with great momentum, only to be directly suppressed. If I were to speak gently now, I fear my remaining momentum would vanish completely.

However, Shen Gongbao followed me here, his heart churning and his expression strange.

He laughed and cursed me, saying that after years of "Master, please stay," I had embarked on a path of self-destruction.

He understood that my power for the Investiture of the Gods Calamity and the Human Race Destiny all originated from Li Er.

Yet now I was humiliating myself, displaying the Buddhist Sect's presence to Li Er. He probably thought I was very foolish.

Li Er naturally sensed my awkwardness and gaze. He showed no fear, even stating with a hint of mockery that since I had left the Daoist Sect and established the Buddhist Sect, I had no right to see him. He called me Senior Brother, saying I was unworthy.

His attitude left me extremely helpless.

So I changed the subject, stating my intention was for the Investiture of the Gods List and the God-Beating Whip.

I mentioned that we both had the Visage of the Flying Bear, that Shen Gongbao was accompanied by great destiny, while Jiang Ziya, Li Er's disciple, had a difficult path to immortality.

A new Human King had succeeded to the throne, the Calamity had begun, and it was time to hand over the Investiture of the Gods List.

However, Li Er was indifferent to this. He lightly mocked me, saying that since I knew the Investiture of the Gods List was in his hands, how dare I demand it. Was I, Zhunti, too arrogant, or did I think Taishang couldn't make a move?

I merely raised an eyebrow in response, then looked at the calm-faced Jiang Ziya.

I proposed that the Investiture of the Gods List choose its own master, to see who it would ultimately choose.

Li Er calmly replied, proposing the Green Lotus Precious Color Flag as the stake.

Shen Gongbao was quite shocked to hear this suggestion.

He realized that although Zhunti was usually stingy, he was willing to use a precious Innate Spiritual Treasure as a stake this time, which he found incredible.

After weighing it in his heart, he decided that if they lost the competition, he would rather Zhunti obtain this treasure than let an outsider get it.

As this thought flashed through Shen Gongbao's mind, he and Zhunti saw a golden light erupting towards the sky from the depths of the ninth scenery of the Eight Sceneries Palace.

Immediately after, the ninth scenery, Chaos and Primordial Chaos, began to tremble. Then they saw the scene within the chaos begin to shift, and a golden light burst forth from where it had moved.

It turned out that after Li Er created the ninth scenery, he had kept the Heavenly Scroll and the Investiture of the Gods List sealed there, waiting for the opportune moment.