Shen Gongbao defected from the Chan Sect

Outside the Jade Void Palace of the Chan Sect.

Shen Gongbao sat cross-legged in a distant corner.

His gaze was fixed intently on what lay ahead.

There was a mix of apprehension, nervousness, and anticipation.

What I hope for is to follow Jiang Ziya to the human world, accumulate good fortune, and take advantage of the great calamity to change myself.

Despite his anticipation, Jiang Ziya's character filled him with both apprehension and tension.

He even had a bad feeling.

I have a feeling something big is going to happen today!

My mind was occupied by these three emotions.

Shen Gongbao felt increasingly restless and impatient as time passed.

Half a day has now passed.

'I wonder how Ziya Brother Ziya is doing?'

Why aren't they out yet?

Shen Gongbao was somewhat anxious.

They didn't dare show it and continued to sit cross-legged in place.

He forced himself to wait for Jiang Ziya to emerge from the Jade Void Palace.

Only.

He didn't care.

However, some unpleasant whispers kept coming from one side.

This caused Shen Gongbao to frown deeply, feeling quite displeased.

"It's likely that the Investiture of the Gods was just a menial task, which is why Jiang Ziya was chosen."

"After all, Jiang Ziya is useless if he fails in his cultivation. Even if he stays in the Chan Sect, it would be a waste of the Chan Sect's spiritual energy."

"Even if Master uses a disciple like Jiang Ziya, why doesn't he use Shen Gongbao?"

"Heh, Shen Gongbao is nothing but a creature with fur and horns, unruly origins, and ugly appearance. What qualifications does he have... to wield the Investiture of the Gods?!"

"That's true! The Chan Sect is the righteous path, and the Investiture of the Gods was bestowed by the Dao Ancestor Hongjun. Although Jiang Ziya has incomplete spiritual roots and extremely poor talent, he is still Human Clan."

"They are all beings taught by our Taishang Master!"

"It's perfectly normal for Master to choose Jiang Ziya..."

"We can't let a leopard spirit tarnish the reputation of the Chan Sect."

As expected, the discussions among the Chan Sect Disciple reached Shen Gongbao's ears.

This immediately darkened Shen Gongbao's expression.

He didn't think much of it; these Chan Sect Disciples were just bored out of their minds.

What nonsense are you spouting?

As these discussions unfolded, Shen Gongbao began to feel somewhat uncomfortable.

His strength was already considerably greater than Jiang Ziya's.

After ten thousand years of diligent cultivation, one can be considered to have entered the ranks of immortals.

Even if it's just as a gofer, it's for the Chan Sect Investiture of the Gods.

Then why not choose him?

Shen Gongbao had just thought about this problem.

At first, I couldn't quite understand it.

But then he thought about it again.

Then we know why Yuanshi didn't choose him.

He was a leopard spirit, of lowly origin, a beast with fur and horns.

Yuanshi Master disliked people like him the most.

Therefore, how could he possibly be chosen for such an extremely important task as taking charge of the Investiture of the Gods and the God-Beating Whip?

Thinking about this...

Shen Gongbao felt helpless, disappointed, and even somewhat desperate.

In such a closed-minded sect, he truly saw no hope.

In his heart.

The entire sect was utterly cold.

There's no room for human warmth or coldness; only seniority and rank matter.

Yuanshi never taught him, much less imparted to him the orthodox immortal techniques of the Chan Sect.

It's like letting them roam free, letting them fend for themselves.

All the magical arts were discovered through his own enlightenment.

Not only will you learn nothing in the Chan Sect, but you will also be ridiculed, insulted, and even ganged up on and beaten by other Chan Sect Disciple!

He had actually had enough of this kind of life long ago.

If it weren't for the fact that he had Jiang Ziya to communicate with...

With Jiang Ziya as a 'close friend' around.

He had already broken down, his mind collapsed, he became possessed by demons, and he betrayed the Chan Sect.

'Forget it, there's no point in thinking about it.'

"Master doesn't like me at all, so it's understandable that he chose Ziya Brother Ziya. It's just that I come from a bad family..."

'When the time comes, I'll go with Ziya Brother Ziya to Investiture of the Gods, and I'll be able to earn some merit too!'

'I'll prove myself then!'

Just as Shen Gongbao was thinking this...

In front of the Jade Void Palace.

Several beams of light shot into the sky.

After Manjushri, Cihang, Puxian, Juliusun, True Person Huang Long appeared.

The expressions on their faces were somewhat anxious.

After breaking out of the Jade Void Palace.

Then it disappeared from the spot.

They all flew off towards their respective dojos!

Only Jiang Ziya, dressed in hemp clothing and with an aged face, appeared before the crowd.

He appeared.

The chatter that had been taking place outside the Jade Void Palace abruptly ceased.

The space fell silent for a moment.

The next moment.

Those Chan Sect Disciple who were just moments before pessimistic about Jiang Ziya suddenly changed their tune.

They all stood up and went to greet Jiang Ziya.

"Ziya- Master Ziya is here!"

Congratulations! Congratulations!

Congratulations!

"Ziya- Master Ziya, I wonder how the Investiture of the Investiture of the Gods plan is going? Could you lead us to investigate?"

"We will serve our master faithfully. If you command us to go west, we will never go east."

"All arrangements are entirely up to Ziya -Master Ziya! I only ask that you give your disciple a chance to prove myself!"

The Chan Sect Disciple surrounded Jiang Ziya.

Each of them wore a fawning expression.

They were all scrambling to get a job working for Jiang Ziya.

They had completely forgotten how they had just belittled and mocked Jiang Ziya.

Jiang Ziya never expected to enjoy such a star-studded treatment.

He was ridiculed in the Chan Sect for decades; even a menial disciple dared to laugh at him for being a good-for-nothing.

I never imagined he would be able to stand up again.

He knew that by wielding the Investiture of the Gods and the God-Beating Whip, he could transform from a useless person with incomplete spiritual roots into a highly respected senior uncle!

At that moment, he looked around at the fawning smiles on the faces of his disciples.

I felt incredibly refreshed.

He finally understood what it felt like to be a strong person.

"Gentlemen, please don't stand on ceremony. I am deeply grateful to my master for giving me this opportunity. I will gladly go through fire and water for the sake of the Chan Sect!"

"You are all my junior disciples, so I will certainly give you a chance!"

"Take your time. I will naturally select some disciples to accompany me down the mountain to contribute to the Chan Sect!"

At first, Jiang Ziya was a little unaccustomed to it.

When he speaks, he doesn't have much of a strong voice; his words are still somewhat hesitant and lack assertiveness.

But gradually, he seemed to get used to being pampered.

His tone also became smug!

Upon hearing Jiang Ziya's words, the disciples around him all showed joy on their faces.

Now, in this Investiture of the Gods Calamity, anyone who can participate in the calamity, as long as they don't die, can obtain fortune.

This is an incredible opportunity!

Having good fortune is equivalent to having cultivation.

This lays the foundation for my future path to immortality!

In their view...

This Investiture of the Gods Calamity is a golden opportunity that came out of nowhere!

Dealing with those straw Interception Sect is a piece of cake!

They could easily send those weak and pathetic beasts of the Jie Sect to the Investiture of the Gods of the Interception Sect!

There is absolutely no risk involved!

Rather than calling it a great calamity, it's more accurate to describe it as a stepping stone to seize fortune!

Shen Gongbao, who was standing to one side, had originally been there after Jiang Ziya left Jade Void Palace.

He was so excited that he wanted to come and greet Jiang Ziya.

However, when he saw the Chan Sect Disciple crowding around him...

Shen Gongbao was taken aback for a moment, then stopped and looked at Jiang Ziya with a hint of envy.

In the end, he didn't go over, but stood aside quietly waiting for Jiang Ziya to finish dealing with the entanglement of the Chan Sect Disciple.

Only then did they see Jiang Ziya calmly walking out from the crowd.

Shen Gongbao was overjoyed and hurriedly ran over to greet him, his face beaming with excitement.

"Ziya, congratulations... congratulations... um?"

However, when Shen Gongbao walked up to Jiang Ziya and greeted Jiang Ziya with a smile...

Jiang Ziya, however, did not even glance at him, as if he hadn't seen him at all, and walked forward as if 'showing off his power'.

He brushed past Shen Gongbao.

Shen Gongbao froze on the spot.

A sense of foreboding flashed through his mind, and he couldn't help but block Jiang Ziya's path.

"Ziya, what do you mean by this?"

"You were chatting and laughing with the Chan Sect Disciple just now, so why did you ignore me?"

What have I done to offend you?

Upon hearing Shen Gongbao's words...

Jiang Ziya glanced at Shen Gongbao with a slightly puzzled look, and said calmly.

"Shen Gongbao, you are nothing but a beast with fur and horns, what right do you have to make me pay you any attention?"

Hearing Jiang Ziya's voice, it was as if he were a complete stranger.

Shen Gongbao's eyes twitched instantly, and the ominous premonition he had felt earlier intensified.

Jiang Ziya has changed!

"Ziya Brother Ziya, I just wanted to congratulate you on obtaining the Investiture of the Gods..."

Shen Gongbao was interrupted by Jiang Ziya before he could finish speaking.

What are you Yinyang about?!

"What business is it of yours if I take the Investiture of the Gods? Do you, a beast, need to congratulate me?"

"Do you want to discuss the Investiture of the Investiture of the Gods with me?"

"Are you resentful? Do you think you're more powerful than me, and we're of the same generation, so why weren't you on the Investiture of the Gods?"

Jiang Ziya seemed to be talking to himself, and finally chuckled mockingly.

I'm not making fun of you.

"You're a leopard spirit; even if you cultivate in the Chan Sect for a thousand years, your master still won't give you a second glance."

"Otherwise, they wouldn't have given me the Investiture of the Gods edition!"

"Get out of the way!"

Jiang Ziya glanced at Shen Gongbao with disdain, his contempt undisguised.

His aged face was filled with indifference.

The previous friendship has vanished completely.

Look at Jiang Ziya now.

Shen Gongbao was struck dumb, his neck stiffened, and his eyes turned bloodshot.

It seems they didn't expect Jiang Ziya to have this attitude!

That's not what Jiang Ziya meant at all!

They never coveted the Investiture of the Gods!

Why is Jiang Ziya such a petty person!

Could this be Jiang Ziya's true nature?!

Shen Gongbao was unwilling to admit it, but couldn't help but say it.

"Senior Brother Ziya? Didn't you say that all things have spirits, and that as long as one works hard, one can attain enlightenment? You've never mocked my humble origins before."

"Why are you acting this way now? You weren't like this when you asked me for guidance on magic!"

"Moreover, Shen Gongbao wasn't referring to the Investiture of the Gods of the Gods, he was simply..."

Jiang Ziya glanced at Shen Gongbao with disdain, and then, Shen Gongbao's words in a silent tone, replied.

"Who has ever asked you for magic? Stop flattering yourself."

"All things have a spirit, except for animals!"

"You are a leopard spirit, and your evil nature is hard to eradicate. You shouldn't stay in the Chan Sect!"

"If you know what's good for you, get out of here while you can! Otherwise, you'll drag down the fortunes of the Chan Sect!"

Boom!

Jiang Ziya's words were like countless sharp swords.

It struck Shen Gongbao's primordial spirit directly.

This extinguished all of Shen Gongbao's goodwill towards Jiang Ziya!

He originally thought that Jiang Ziya was his close friend, and he carefully maintained their relationship.

He imparted all the magic he knew to the best of his ability.

Unexpectedly,

Now that Jiang Ziya has been given the responsibility of Investiture of the Gods, he has completely disregarded the relationship between them.

They even refuse to admit they're giving up!

Not only that, they also mocked him as livestock!

Jiang Ziya used to say that regardless of one's origin, all beings are the spirit of all things and can attain enlightenment.

This was also Shen Gongbao's motivation to stay in the Chan Sect!

Unexpected.

After Jiang Ziya received the Investiture of the Gods and gained everyone's respect, he revealed his true nature!

How is Jiang Ziya any different from those hypocritical Chan Sect Disciple?

This wasn't his close friend!

Shen Gongbao, who was already sensitive, was on the verge of a breakdown.

He stared at Jiang Ziya in disbelief, his eyes flashing with boundless rage.

"Jiang Ziya! You are not worthy to be my friend!"

His anger had no effect.

Jiang Ziya didn't even consider Shen Gongbao a human being, so how could he be a friend to him?

Jiang Ziya scoffed, "What right do you, a beast, have to be my friend?"

"Thanks to my master's favor, who instructed me to be granted Investiture of the Gods, my immortal destiny will surely continue, and I will surely be able to join the ranks of immortals."

"How could I possibly know a beast like you?"

"Get out of here now!"

Jiang Ziya's words resonated with the surrounding Chan Sect Disciple.

"Haha, Ziya- Master Ziya is right!"

"The Chan Sect truly does not welcome beasts!"

"What right do those creatures with fur and horns have to be included in the Chan Sect!"

"I don't know what Master was thinking, that he was willing to accept Shen Gongbao as his disciple..."

"Haha, perhaps his master has already forgotten about him, and doesn't even intend to teach him anymore, leaving him to fend for himself, without imparting any immortal arts to him for hundreds of years!"

"I reckon Master wouldn't dare to Shen Gongbao away, so he's just waiting for him to leave on his own, right?"

"Who knew he'd be so shameless, staying here for thousands of years?"

"..."

The mocking voices of the Chan Sect Disciple were extremely grating.

Just like when they were secretly mocking Jiang Ziya earlier.

Even though Shen Gongbao had heard countless mocking voices over the past few thousand years.

At this moment.

He couldn't accept it either, and felt incredibly distressed!

Jiang Ziya's change of attitude was a real blow to him!

He was a poor judge of character and never expected that Jiang Ziya would be such a despicable person!

All that heartfelt effort he put in was for nothing!

What a waste of his feelings for Jiang Ziya!

He watched as Jiang Ziya left without looking back.

Shen Gongbao opened his mouth, wanting to shout angrily.

Yet they knew this was Human Dao.

He quickly suppressed the anger in his heart!

For this reason, Shen Gongbao's body trembled slightly, and he became somewhat stiff, his eyes scanning his surroundings.

A chilling glint flashed in his eyes.

He remembered what these people looked like now.

Jiang Ziya, he remembered it too!

These people of the Chan Sect are utterly hypocritical!

They are all hypocritical scoundrels!

No wonder the Interception Sect attacked them en masse!

That's the kind of sect they are!

They even claim to be from a prestigious and orthodox sect, Orthodox Xuanmen!

Pooh!

If the upper beam is crooked, the lower beam will be crooked too!

It's nothing short of a utterly corrupt and utterly worthless cult!

I'd already had enough of this place, and now that Jiang Ziya is such a despicable person...

Then let's not stay here any longer!

Shen Gongbao's anger surged, as if he had made a crucial decision!

If they won't keep you here, there are plenty of other places that will!

"The Chan Sect has gone too far, why invite trouble upon themselves!"

"The Primordial World is so vast, where is there not a place for me to settle down!"

Muttering to himself, Shen Gongbao's eyes flickered as he gazed in the direction Jiang Ziya had left, a chilling killing intent flashing within them.

"Jiang Ziya possesses the Investiture of the Gods God-Beating Whip; he is already blessed with great fortune and cannot be killed!"

"I will do everything in my power to stop Jiang Ziya from bestowing Investiture of the Gods!"

"Help the Interception Sect, obstruct the Chan Sect!"

"Let those scoundrels from the Chan Sect know that I, Shen Gongbao, can endure, but I am not to be trifled with!"

Shen Gongbao made this decision.

His eyes flickered for a moment.

With a flash, he also left the Kunlun Mountain.

He returned to his simple monastery.

I tidied up briefly.

After putting away some personal belongings and the meager resources available for cultivation.

Look around.

A shadowy glint flashed in his gloomy eyes.

"With this departure, I can be considered a traitor to the Chan Sect!"

"So what!"

"The way the Chan Sect treats me is forcing me to leave!"

If we meet again, we'll be enemies!

"I'll go to the Interception Sect first and see if their Interception Sect will accept me!"

That's what they said.

Shen Gongbao, however, felt that this idea was impossible.

He's a traitor to the Chan Sect, how could the Interception Sect possibly take him in!?

"... Never mind, I'll just try my luck."

"If that doesn't work, then go to the Great Shang of the Human Clan and assist them!"

P. S.: Shen Gongbao will have a significant role later in the story, so this is just a brief introduction.