Chapter Summaries

King Zhou revealed the immortals’ schemes to Li Jing and recruited him into a secret plan to preserve Great Shang’s strength while appearing to follow their designs. After Daji’s attempt to bring down Li Jing failed, she decided to target Bi Gan instead.

• Li Jing learned that immortals were using the mortal world as a battlefield and asked King Zhou whether they could be driven away.
• King Zhou vowed to overturn the immortals’ control and asked Li Jing to pretend to return to Chentang Pass while secretly gathering troops and safeguarding Great Shang’s resources.
• King Zhou and Li Jing conferred through the night, then sent Li Jing back to Chentang Pass with trusted escorts.
• Fei Zhong and You Hun visited King Zhou to ask about Li Jing, but King Zhou angrily dismissed them and declared Li Jing pardoned.
• Fei Zhong and You Hun reported the failure to Daji, who abandoned her plan against Li Jing and chose Bi Gan as her next target.

Li Jing returned to Chentang Pass and learned that Empress Nuwa had settled the conflict between the people and the Dragon Clan, restoring peace and bringing Ao Bing back to life. After Nezha suddenly attacked him, he seized Li Jing and flew with him into the East Sea.

• Li Jing returned to Chentang Pass and found its people and fields thriving under the Dragon Clan's protection.
• A soldier and an old man told Li Jing that Empress Nuwa had appeared, resolved the feud, and brought lasting peace to the pass.
• Li Jing reunited with Yin Shiniang, then learned that the youth playing with Nezha was the resurrected Ao Bing.
• Li Jing saw Nezha and considered using his Demon-Suppressing Pagoda to restrain him if he caused trouble again.
• Nezha suddenly attacked Li Jing with his Fire-Tipped Spear, but the Exquisite Pagoda blocked the strike.
• Nezha knocked the pagoda aside, grabbed Li Jing, and flew with him into the East Sea.

At the East Sea Dragon Palace, Nezha revealed that Li Jing’s Exquisite Pagoda was a Buddhist treasure meant to control him and bind Li Jing’s Primordial Spirit. Nezha explained Randeng’s history and began comparing him to powerful figures from the Western Teach before Ao Guang stopped him, fearing the saints’ wrath.

• Nezha and Li Jing entered the East Sea Dragon Palace peacefully, where Ao Guang welcomed them with a lavish feast.
• Nezha asked Li Jing about his pagoda and identified it as a Buddhist treasure designed to beguile and control its bearer.
• Ao Guang confirmed that the pagoda imprisoned souls and bound the Primordial Spirit, making Li Jing realize Randeng had trapped him.
• Li Jing recounted how Randeng had given him the pagoda and its incantation in Zhaoge, claiming it would protect him and suppress Nezha’s Violent Qi.
• Nezha condemned Randeng and described his standing and conduct within the Chan Sect, then began comparing him to figures in the Western Lands.
• Ao Guang interrupted Nezha and warned that speaking casually about the Western Teach’s saints could endanger them and the East Sea Dragon Clan.

Nezha revealed that he knew of the God Conferment tribulation, and Li Jing disclosed King Zhou’s secret preparations to preserve the Human Race. Nezha arranged for Chentang Pass’s reserves to be hidden in the East Sea Dragon Palace, with Ao Guang agreeing to help.

• Nezha used the Fire-Tipped Spear’s lotus Dao resonance to block outside scrutiny and told Ao Guang that even Saints could not overhear them.
• Li Jing realized King Zhou’s restriction on discussing the tribulation had vanished and told Nezha and Ao Guang what King Zhou had confided to him.
• Li Jing explained that King Zhou feigned incompetence while secretly preparing Chentang Pass to safeguard the Human Race during the God Conferment tribulation.
• Nezha and Ao Guang were shocked to learn that King Zhou’s tyrannical reputation concealed his plans to protect Great Shang and its people.
• Nezha asked Ao Guang to hide Chentang Pass’s reserves in the East Sea Dragon Palace, and Ao Guang readily agreed to help.

Li Jing and Nezha staged a conflict to deceive Ran Deng, then quietly reunited at home. In Zhaoge, Daji feigned a grave illness to regain King Zhou’s attention and advance her schemes against Bi Gan.

• Li Jing used the Exquisite Pagoda to suppress Nezha on the East Sea shore while Yin Shiniang and Ao Bing arrived; Ao Bing recognized the confrontation as a performance.
• Ran Deng secretly watched Li Jing and Nezha, believed their staged conflict fulfilled the Saints’ plans, and left for the horizon.
• Li Jing brought Nezha back to the General’s Mansion and released him from the pagoda; the two concealed their understanding from Yin Shiniang.
• Daji, resentful after King Zhou foiled her scheme involving Nezha’s Heaven-Shaking Arrow, turned her attention toward Bi Gan.
• When King Zhou’s behavior changed and Daji feared losing his favor, she weakened her appearance with demonic power and pretended to be gravely ill.
• Palace maids panicked and rushed to report Daji’s illness to King Zhou, throwing Shouxian Palace into confusion.

King Zhou panicked over Daji’s feigned illness, while Bi Gan and Huang Feihu discovered her demon origins and burned Xuanyuan Tomb, killing her fox kin. Daji and her sisters plotted revenge by arranging a ritual on Lutai, where King Zhou watched the alchemist’s performance with suspicion.

• King Zhou rushed to Shouxian Palace and summoned physicians and alchemists to treat Daji, whose illness alarmed Zhaoge.
• Bi Gan revealed to Huang Feihu that Daji was a thousand-year-old Nine-Tailed Fox, and they agreed to destroy her fox kin at Xuanyuan Tomb.
• Bi Gan and Huang Feihu led guards to Xuanyuan Tomb, burned the caves, and took an intact fox pelt to present to King Zhou.
• Daji recognized her kin’s auras on the pelt and silently resolved to kill Bi Gan, while Lady Wang and Hu Ximei joined her in plotting revenge.
• Lady Wang and Hu Ximei brought an alchemist who claimed a ritual on Lutai would cure Daji, and King Zhou approved the plan.
• At the altar on Lutai, the alchemist began his ritual while King Zhou watched him and privately mocked his tricks.

King Zhou demanded Bi Gan’s Seven-Orifice Exquisite Heart to save Daji, and Bi Gan cut it from his own body. Jiang Ziya’s talisman preserved Bi Gan’s life, and King Zhou secretly restored a heart within him as Bi Gan prepared to leave.

• Daji collapsed during the alchemist’s ritual, and Hu Ximei claimed only Bi Gan’s Seven-Orifice Exquisite Heart could save her.
• Bi Gan found a life-saving talisman and warning from Jiang Ziya, then learned King Zhou had summoned him to the palace.
• King Zhou asked Bi Gan for his heart, and Bi Gan protested before accepting that he could not refuse his ruler.
• Bi Gan lamented Yin Shang’s coming ruin, cut open his body, and removed his Exquisite Heart.
• Jiang Ziya’s talisman protected Bi Gan’s wound, and King Zhou secretly caused a new heart to form within him.

King Zhou revealed to Bi Gan that he had saved him and explained the gods’ scheme against the Human Race, then sent him out under a staged quarrel. Daji killed Bi Gan in the market after his protective talisman failed, while an unknown red light took his body away.

• King Zhou told Bi Gan that he knew Su Daji was a fox demon and explained the Investiture of the Gods Calamity and the immortals’ plans for the Human Race.
• At King Zhou’s direction, Bi Gan pretended to curse him and left the palace, while Daji watched and recognized the Divine Power protecting Bi Gan.
• Daji transformed into an old vegetable seller and confronted Bi Gan with Jiang Ziya’s warning about heartless vegetables.
• Daji’s words caused Bi Gan’s protective Spirit Talisman to fail, and he collapsed and died from his chest wound.
• Daji vowed to kill Jiang Ziya next and vanished, then a flash of red light carried Bi Gan’s corpse away before officials arrived.

After Bi Gan survived in hiding, King Zhou continued feasting as Xia Zhao died protesting his rule, and Huang Feihu fled Zhaoge with his family. Great Shang’s court fell further into the hands of corrupt officials, while Xiqi considered recruiting Huang Feihu.

• Golden Phoenix saved Bi Gan, who reunited with the supposedly dead Shang Rong and learned that King Zhou had arranged their survival and concealment.
• After drinking the medicine made from Bi Gan’s heart, Daji regained her vitality, while King Zhou held a lavish feast on Lutai and ignored the outrage over Bi Gan’s death.
• Xia Zhao confronted King Zhou, attempted to kill him, and leaped from Lutai to his death after guards stopped him.
• Huang Feihu lost faith in Yin Shang, secretly gathered his forces and family, and fled Zhaoge under cover of night.
• Xiqi began discussing how to recruit Huang Feihu, while Fei Zhong and You Hun gained power and loyal ministers vanished from Great Shang’s court.

Ji Chang and Ji Fa decided to strengthen Xiqi before challenging Great Shang, while Jiang Ziya’s prediction led Wu Ji to reveal the hidden master’s powers to Ji Chang. Ji Chang dreamed of a Flying Bear and auspicious flames, leaving him convinced that a remarkable sign had appeared.

• Ji Chang and Ji Fa resolved to recruit talent, train troops, and gather provisions rather than attack Great Shang before Xiqi was ready.
• Jiang Ziya predicted that Wu Ji would kill someone, and Wu Ji accidentally struck the soldier Wang Xiang dead while carrying firewood through Xiqi’s crowded southern gate.
• Ji Chang sentenced Wu Ji to death, but San Yisheng secured a temporary release so Wu Ji could settle his elderly mother at home before his execution.
• Wu Ji sought Jiang Ziya’s help, followed his instructions to hide in a pit, and escaped execution; Ji Chang later believed he had drowned according to the results of his divination.
• When Ji Chang encountered Wu Ji alive, Wu Ji explained Jiang Ziya’s intervention, and Ji Chang forgave him and returned to Xiqi, eager to visit the master.
• Ji Chang dreamed that a winged Flying Bear leapt into his command tent as flames and auspicious Dragon and Phoenix shapes filled the sky, then awoke in shock.

After dreaming of a Flying Bear, Ji Chang took it as a sign that a worthy minister awaited him at Pan Creek. His first visit found Jiang Ziya absent, but after fasting for three days, Ji Chang returned with proper ceremony and finally met Jiang Ziya, welcoming him with deep respect.

• Ji Chang told San Yisheng about his Flying Bear dream, and San Yisheng interpreted it as an omen of a great worthy minister.
• Remembering Wu Ji’s account of Jiang Ziya, Ji Chang led San Yisheng, Nangong Kuo, and his officials to Pan Creek, where they found Jiang Ziya’s empty cottage and fishing rod.
• Ji Chang left gifts and his calling card, then returned to Xiqi without meeting Jiang Ziya; San Yisheng advised him to fast and return with greater ceremony.
• Ji Chang fasted for three days and led a quiet procession back to Pan Creek with generous gifts.
• Ji Chang found Jiang Ziya fishing by the Wei River, waited respectfully until he turned around, and helped him rise when Jiang Ziya tried to bow.
• Ji Chang bowed to Jiang Ziya and told him that meeting him was Xiqi’s greatest fortune.

Jiang Ziya accepted Ji Chang’s invitation and became Xiqi’s chancellor, while Wen Zhong returned to Zhaoge and forced King Zhou to approve ten policies to restore Yin Shang. Daji resolved to eliminate Wen Zhong, setting up a conflict within the court.

• Jiang Ziya accepted Ji Chang’s offer to serve Zhou, and Ji Chang personally pulled his carriage back to Xiqi.
• Ji Chang appointed Jiang Ziya Right Chancellor and gave him authority over Xiqi’s civil and military affairs.
• Wen Zhong returned from the North Sea, confronted King Zhou with the King-Striking Whip, and condemned the disorder in the court.
• Wen Zhong presented ten policies, including removing Daji, executing Fei Zhong and You Hun, easing taxes, and placating the feudal lords.
• King Zhou agreed to approve the policies, and Wen Zhong warned that he would oversee their implementation.
• Daji watched Wen Zhong leave and resolved to eliminate him, then urged King Zhou not to fear the Grand Preceptor.

King Zhou revealed to Wen Zhong that his foolish conduct had been a performance while he secretly resisted the celestial beings’ designs on Great Shang. He asked Wen Zhong to keep publicly rebuking him so their enemies would believe the kingdom was doomed, setting their plan in motion.

• King Zhou explained Daji’s departure and secretly summoned Wen Zhong to his bedchamber through Golden Phoenix.
• Golden Phoenix brought Wen Zhong to King Zhou, who revealed that Empress Nuwa had secretly opposed the celestial beings’ plans for the Human Race.
• Wen Zhong realized the God Conferment matter had begun and learned that King Zhou’s apparent misrule had been an act.
• Wen Zhong pledged to help King Zhou defend Great Shang, but King Zhou said they should follow the expected course while concealing their true aim.
• King Zhou instructed Wen Zhong to keep holding the King-Striking Whip and publicly rebuking him to deceive the immortals and gods watching Zhaoge.

Sunlight Illuminating Bodhisattva Rizhao manipulated King Pingling into rebelling against Great Shang to draw Wen Zhong away from Zhaoge. After the rebellion disrupted Wen Zhong’s plans to stabilize the court, King Zhou ordered him to lead the army to the East Sea.

• Zhunti ordered Medicine Master to send a disciple to the East Sea and stir up trouble, and Sunlight Illuminating Bodhisattva went to King Pingling’s mansion disguised as a Daoist.
• Rizhao inflamed King Pingling’s resentment toward King Zhou and promised him Immortal Arts and military support.
• King Pingling raised an army, gathered supplies and recruits, and openly rebelled against Great Shang in the East Sea region.
• A military report of the rebellion reached Zhaoge and interrupted Wen Zhong’s plans to stabilize the court.
• Fei Zhong and You Hun urged King Zhou to send Wen Zhong to suppress the rebellion, while Daji praised Wen Zhong as the only suitable commander.
• King Zhou ordered Wen Zhong to lead the army to the East Sea and quell King Pingling’s rebellion.

Wen Zhong marched east to suppress King Pingling's rebellion, allowing Fei Zhong, You Hun, and Daji to undo his reforms while King Zhou hid his true intentions. Yunxiao sent Shen Gongbao to aid Wen Zhong, and the chapter left the two armies facing off outside Pingling City as Bodhisattva Rizhao's scheme faltered.

• Wen Zhong left Zhaoge for the East Sea, and Fei Zhong, You Hun, and Daji abolished his Ten Policies for Governing the State.
• King Zhou concealed his anger and resumed his indulgent public role with Daji in Lutai.
• Yunxiao summoned Shen Gongbao and ordered him to leave Golden Ao Island and follow the tribulation.
• Shen Gongbao resolved to support the Jie Sect, but Yunxiao directed him to help Wen Zhong suppress King Pingling's rebellion.
• Wen Zhong's army arrived outside Pingling City, frightening King Pingling's rebels and frustrating Bodhisattva Rizhao.

Wen Zhong exposed Buddhism’s secret aid to King Pingling’s rebels and used his Heavenly Eye and divine arts to break their enhancement and strike down hidden Buddhist cultivators. Rizhao then confronted Wen Zhong, blocking his attacks and accusing him of going too far.

• Rizhao used Buddha Rhyme to restore the rebel soldiers’ courage as King Pingling accused King Zhou of tyranny and called for his overthrow.
• Wen Zhong rebuked King Pingling, who ordered his army to charge from Pingling City and attack the Great Shang forces.
• Wen Zhong used his Heavenly Eye to discover Buddha Light enhancing the rebel army and denounced Buddhism for interfering in the war.
• Wen Zhong unleashed divine thunder and Insight Divine Light, dispelling the Buddha Light and exposing the Buddhist cultivators hidden among the rebels.
• Wen Zhong attacked the exposed cultivators with Mysterious Yellow Sword Qi, but Rizhao’s Buddhist chime blocked the attack and restored the rebels’ formation.
• Rizhao appeared before Wen Zhong and told him that he had gone too far.

Wen Zhong confronted Bodhisattva Rizhao over Buddhism’s interference in Great Shang, but Rizhao prepared to kill him with Maitreya’s Duer Purple Gold Zen Staff. Just as Wen Zhong faced death, Shen Gongbao arrived and halted the attack with Calamity Qi.

• Wen Zhong accused Rizhao and Buddhism of meddling in Great Shang and seeking to seize Human Dao Fortune.
• Rizhao summoned Maitreya’s Duer Purple Gold Zen Staff and prepared to strike down Wen Zhong.
• Wen Zhong chose to defend Great Shang and drew an ancient, unremarkable short sword despite Rizhao’s mockery.
• Shen Gongbao appeared between Wen Zhong and Rizhao, and his Calamity Qi froze Rizhao’s power and stopped the Zen Staff from striking.
• Shen Gongbao introduced himself as a disciple of Saint Yuanshi and greeted Wen Zhong and Rizhao.

Shen Gongbao appeared before Wen Zhong and claimed to be helping on Yunxiao’s orders, then challenged Rizhao’s Buddhist intervention in Great Shang. He left the confrontation hiding behind Wen Zhong, admitting his cultivation was too shallow to fight Rizhao.

• Rizhao and Wen Zhong questioned Shen Gongbao’s sudden intervention, while Shen secretly told Wen Zhong that Yunxiao had sent him to help.
• Wen Zhong recognized Yunxiao’s distinctive calamity destiny aura in the message and cautiously accepted that Shen was telling the truth.
• Rizhao accused Shen of meddling in a dispute and defended Buddhism’s entry into the God Conferment tribulation as following the Heavenly Dao.
• Shen rejected Rizhao’s arguments and declared that they should settle the matter with their hands.
• Instead of attacking, Shen darted behind Wen Zhong and confessed that his cultivation was too shallow to contend with Rizhao and the Maitreya Zen Staff.

Rizhao’s attack on Wen Zhong mysteriously went astray, prompting the Four Seas Dragon Kings to confront him over the destruction in the East Sea. Trapped by their Four Seas Heaven-Locking Array, Rizhao fled toward Spirit Mountain.

• Rizhao’s Zen Staff strike suddenly veered into the East Sea, and Wen Zhong suspected Shen Gongbao had interfered, though Shen denied it.
• Ao Guang and the other three Dragon Kings emerged and accused Rizhao of killing Water Clan members and damaging the East Sea.
• Rizhao denied intending to harm the Dragon Clan and offered compensation, but Ao Guang rejected the offer and demanded that the debt be settled.
• The four Dragon Kings joined their innate treasures to form the Four Seas Heaven-Locking Array and attacked Rizhao.
• Rizhao abandoned the confrontation and fled toward Spirit Mountain using Buddhism’s escape technique.

Wen Zhong crushed King Pingling’s East Sea rebellion and returned toward Zhaoge with Shen Gongbao, while Primordial Heavenly Venerate viewed Shen as a hidden instrument in the Investiture of the Gods calamity. In Xiqi, Jiang Ziya persuaded Ji Chang to approve an attack on Chong Houhu, leaving Xiqi preparing to move against King Zhou’s trusted vassal.

• After Rizhao fled, Wen Zhong led the Shang Army in defeating King Pingling’s forces and capturing him.
• Wen Zhong thanked the Four Seas Dragon Kings, then departed for Zhaoge with King Pingling and Shen Gongbao.
• At Jade Void Palace, Primordial Heavenly Venerate recognized Shen Gongbao’s Calamity Qi and regarded him as a piece in his plan to draw Jie Sect immortals into the calamity.
• Jiang Ziya received news that Wen Zhong had left Zhaoge and urged Ji Chang to exploit the opportunity by attacking Chong Houhu.
• Ji Chang hesitated over attacking a fellow vassal without a royal decree, but recalled Chong Houhu’s past slander and accepted Jiang Ziya’s proposal.