Jiang Ziya Awakens and Breaks the Curse

Within Thunder Marsh's cultivation grounds, Shen Gongbao, who had been quietly meditating in cultivation, suddenly felt his heart jolt as an invisible thread of karmic aura abruptly snapped.

His eyes flew open, a layer of gloom instantly settling over his brow. His face darkened as he muttered coldly, "A pack of fools!"

With that, he gathered his thoughts, straightened his robes, rose to his feet, and strode steadily toward the main hall of the cultivation grounds.

In the hall, Thunder Marsh sat in the seat of honor. Seeing Shen Gongbao hurry in with a grave expression, he asked in slight puzzlement, "Why have you suddenly come here? Have you encountered an obstacle in cultivation, or does your Dao Heart hold some confusion?"

Shen Gongbao bowed respectfully, though his voice carried a heavy solemnity. "Master, Chong City's defensive line has fallen. This disciple fears he must return at once."

Thunder Marsh pondered briefly at those words, then slowly nodded, understanding in his eyes. "Go. Your Dao does not lie in the pure cultivation of this place, but amid the mortal dust of the Nine Provinces. The karmic ties of the secular world must ultimately be resolved by your own hand."

Having received his master's permission, Shen Gongbao did not linger. After bidding Thunder Marsh farewell, his figure flashed away, and he headed straight for Chong City in the Nine Provinces.

Time rewound to the days since Shen Gongbao's departure.

Though Shen Gongbao had withdrawn, he had left behind one hundred thousand elite Yin Shang troops stationed in Chong City.

With this mighty army holding the city, Chong Houhu, who had originally relied on outside aid, was instantly filled with confidence and once more began to grow arrogant.

Especially since Jiang Ziya had not appeared outside the city for days, his mentality