The Clarify Sect's third-generation disciples descended the mountain to aid Great Zhou
Before Sishui Pass, the Xiqi Camp.
Inside the command tent, Ji Fa and Shen Gongbao were discussing the attack on the pass while looking at a map.
Just then, a personal guard came to report from outside the tent.
"Report! Your the King, Prime Minister! Twelve Golden Light have descended from the sky outside the camp; Twelve Immortal Lords request an audience!"
Ji Fa suddenly raised his head, his face filled with wild joy.
Shen Gongbao also opened his eyes, a glint of light flashing within them.
They've arrived.
We've finally arrived.
"Please come quickly!"
As soon as the two stepped out of the command tent, they saw more than a dozen figures approaching together. Each of them had an air of otherworldly grace, carried rare treasures, and had Surrounding Body Magic Power flowing around them. They were clearly disciples Mystic Gate the orthodox Xuanmen sect of the Clarify Sect.
The leaders, in particular, possessed extraordinary bearing.
Ji Fa recognized one of them at a glance.
Fourth Brother!
One of the twelve men, a young man, bowed deeply to Ji Fa.
"Shudan greets Second Brother."
He was Ji Shudan, the fourth son of Ji Chang, who became a disciple of Guangchengzi.
"Lei Zhenzi greets Second Brother."
Another Daoist priest with wings and a face as blue as indigo stepped forward to pay his respects. He was none other than Lei Zhenzi, the disciple of Yun Zhongzi and the adopted son of Ji Chang.
Ji Fa was overjoyed and quickly stepped forward to help the two up.
"Good! Good! You're all here!"
He then turned to the rest of the group and solemnly bowed.
"Esteemed immortals, you have come from afar. I, Ji Fa, have failed to greet you properly. Please forgive me!"
"With your assistance, our Great Zhou is like a tiger with wings! What is there to fear in achieving our great cause!"
Ji Fa looked at the impressive lineup before him and his face flushed with excitement.
These people are the cream of the crop among the Third-generation disciples of the Clarify Sect; they are true immortals!
Jin Zha and the others stepped forward and bowed to Ji Fa.
"Second Young Master, you flatter me."
"We are here to assist Xiqi in its Campaign Against Shang, as ordered by our master. This is our duty."
Everyone then turned their attention to Shen Gongbao, who stood to the side. Jin Zha gave a forced smile and cupped his hands in greeting.
"Jin Zha greets Martial Uncle Shen."
The others echoed this sentiment.
"We greet Martial Uncle Shen."
Although they addressed him as "Martial Uncle," the respect they showed was almost nonexistent.
More than anything, it's a sense of alienation stemming from a purely businesslike attitude.
This group of people were all Direct Disciple of the Twelve Golden Immortals, with impeccable lineage and lofty aspirations.
Their master usually had a lot of complaints about Shen Gongbao, this Named Disciple who had become a leopard spirit, and his words were often disdainful.
Having been influenced by what they saw and heard, they naturally couldn't develop any goodwill towards Shen Gonggongbao.
If Shen Gongbao hadn't been incredibly lucky to become a disciple of his Grandmaster, he wouldn't even be worthy of carrying their shoes.
Now, having to address him as "Martial Uncle" (a term of respect for one's senior uncle) fills me with a thousand reluctances.
Only two were exceptions.
Lei Zhenzi greets Martial Uncle Shen.
"Ji Shudan greets Martial Uncle."
Lei Zhenzi was one of Ji Chang's 100 sons and a disciple of Yun Zhongzi.
Yun Zhongzi had no prejudice against Shen Gongbao, so Lei Zhenzi naturally wouldn't offend him without reason.
As a member of the Ji Clan, Ji Shudan naturally had to maintain harmony within Xiqi.
Shen Gongbao's smile remained unchanged, as if he was completely unaware of the embarrassment and rudeness.
He understood perfectly.
The Yuanshi Tianzun disliked him, and the Twelve Golden Immortals all looked down on him for being a creature with fur and horns, born from moisture and eggs.
If I weren't currently in charge of the Investiture of the Gods and the nominal executor of this Tribulation, these kids probably wouldn't even bother to call me "Martial Uncle."
Do you really think that going down the mountain for training is just for sightseeing?
Very well, under the Tribulation, all are but ants.
Now that you're on the Investiture of the Gods, let's see how arrogant you still are.
Although he thought this in his heart, he still wore his signature smile and stood up.
"My fellow Martial Nephew, there's no need for such formalities."
"Now that the Great Shang Dynasty is ruled by a tyrannical and incompetent ruler, we, as disciples of the Clarify Sect, should unite as one to assist the King of Zhou, in accordance with the will of Heaven and the people."
"With such strong reinforcements as my Martial Nephew, Xiqi is like a tiger with wings; breaking through Sishui Pass is just around the corner!"
Ji Fa was unaware of this Undercurrent.
"The Prime Minister is absolutely right!"
"Now that our Xiqi army is strong and well-equipped, and with the assistance of all you immortals, what is there to fear in our great undertaking!"
He suddenly drew his sword from his waist, the blade pointing directly towards Sishui Pass.
"Pass on my orders!"
"Tomorrow morning, the entire army will launch an attack to capture Sishui Pass!"
at the same time.
Sishui Pass, General's Mansion.
Jiang Ziya sat upright in the main seat, holding a scroll of military reports in his hands, his expression calm.
Beneath the tent, Nezha, clad in fiery red armor, stood with his hand on the Universe Ring, looking around listlessly.
Just then, a guard entered to report.
"Reporting to the Grand Tutor, General Kong Xuan has arrived as ordered and is waiting outside the residence."
"Please let him in." Jiang Ziya put down the military report.
Before long, a tall, burly military general with a rustic face strode into the hall.
He was dressed in ordinary iron armor, which was still covered in dust. He had an average appearance and a reserved demeanor, and looked like an ordinary veteran general.
If the King hadn't pointed it out himself, even if Jiang Ziya had seen through the case file, he would never have connected this person with the legendary phoenix descendant.
Is this Kong Xuan?
A hint of doubt arose in Jiang Ziya's heart, but he still rose to greet him.
"General Kong Xuan, you must be tired from your journey."
Kong Xuan gave Jiang Ziya a solemn military salute, neither humble nor arrogant.
"This humble general, Kong Xuan, pays his respects to the Grand Tutor."
"General Kong, there's no need for such formalities. Please have a seat."
"The general was summoned here so urgently; I imagine the general also has his own doubts."
Kong Xuan nodded without speaking, waiting for Jiang Ziya to continue.
Jiang Ziya didn't beat around the bush and went straight to the point.
"I, the general, will not beat around the bush."
He stared at Kong Xuan, speaking slowly and deliberately.
"General Kong Xuan, this Grand Tutor knows your background."
"The general is the first peacock in the world, a descendant of the Phoenix Clan."
This statement directly reveals Kong Xuan's background.
Boom!
A five-colored killing intent, almost solidified, flashed past Kong Xuan's Surrounding Body, so fast that it seemed like an illusion.
But in the end, he did not make a move.
He just stared intently at Jiang Ziya.
"Grand Tutor, what makes you say that?"
Jiang Ziya met his gaze calmly.
"General, there's no need to be nervous. I mean no harm."
"His the King told me about the general's identity."
Kong Xuan's pupils contracted.
Your the King?
Di Xin?
He actually knew!
Jiang Ziya stopped being mysterious and spoke frankly.
"By order of the King."
"If the general would be willing to protect the Great Shang Dynasty during this Investiture of the Gods Tribulation."
"If Saint were to make a sudden move, the general only needs to hold Saint off for a moment!"
"When the Tribulation ends and Human Clan is unified, the King will proclaim to heaven and earth that the Phoenix Clan will be officially recognized and made the Phoenix the totem of the Human Clan!"
"From this day forward, like the Dragon Clan, we shall forever share in the Fortune of our Human Clan!"
When Jiang Ziya uttered the last sentence, Kong Xuan's perpetually icy face finally showed a dramatic change.
What did he hear?
The Phoenix Clan was bestowed upon the Human Clan its totem!
Like the Dragon Clan, may they forever enjoy the Fortune of the Human Clan!
Kong Xuan's breathing instantly became heavy.
The Phoenix Clan has envied the Dragon Clan for far too long.
The fact that Dragon Clan can help Human Clan Merit the weather and Fortune the four seasons is a well-known fact throughout the Primordial Wilderness Human Clan.
But what about the Phoenix Clan?
Besides that useless pride, what's left?
They lacked the ability to summon clouds and rain, and were unable to provide shelter for the Human Clan, thus missing the best opportunity to form an alliance with the Human Clan.
They could only watch helplessly as the Dragon Clan rose again, riding the wave of the Human Clan's rise.
They can only cling to their former glory, barely surviving in the Undying Volcano.
Now, this Human Emperor has actually given them a chance!
An opportunity that could change the Fate of the entire Phoenix Clan!
The price is merely for him to fight Saint once?
Against Saint?
That's tantamount to courting death!
But what if... what if it succeeds?
Failure was merely the death and dissipation of Kong Xuan's Dao, returning him to the world.
But if it succeeds...
That was the Phoenix Clan's rebirth from the ashes!
Worth!
This deal was absolutely worth it!
Compared to the future of the entire clan, what is the life of Kong Xuan alone?
Having figured all this out, the tense killing intent emanating from Kong Xuan vanished instantly.
Is this really true?
Kong Xuan's voice trembled slightly with extreme excitement.
"The Human Emperor's words are as good as gold, Nine Cauldrons." Jiang Ziya nodded solemnly.
Kong Xuan closed his eyes.
a long time.
He bowed deeply and solemnly to Jiang Ziya.
"Rest assured, Grand Tutor!"
"If Saint truly descends, he will seek to harm the Grand Tutor."
"Kong Xuan, even if it means being shattered to pieces, I will stop him for the Grand Tutor!"
"Good!"
With the general's promise, I have no worries in this battle!