In the Western Pure Land, beside the Eight Treasures Merit Pool.
Zhunti Daoist sat across from Jieyin Daoist.
Golden lotuses bloomed in the pool, and the sounds of Sanskrit chanting echoed through the air.
The two had been discussing the Dao for many days.
Heavenly flowers fell from the sky like rain, and golden lotuses surged from the earth.
“All phenomena arise from causes and conditions, and when those conditions cease, the phenomena perish.” Zhunti held the Seven Treasure Tree in his hand. “My master, the Great Shaman, often spoke thus.”
Jieyin Daoist nodded and smiled. “All conditioned things are like dreams, illusions, bubbles, and shadows. They are like dew and lightning. One should contemplate them in this way.”
As the two were discussing the Dao, Zhunti’s expression suddenly shifted. He pinched his fingers to perform a calculation, and a look of joy immediately crossed his face.
“A fated connection has arrived, and a marvelous bond is about to be formed!”
A mysterious sensation flooded his heart, making him feel as if he had found a priceless treasure.
Jieyin raised an eyebrow. “What cause and effect is this opportunity you speak of, Junior Brother?”
Zhunti smiled and pressed his palms together, only saying, “It cannot be spoken, it cannot be spoken.”
“Everything is a matter of karma and conditions. Follow the flow; there is no need for many words.”
Jieyin shook his head and sighed, “Since there is a connection, why not go quickly?”
Zhunti shook his head meaningfully. “No, the timing is not yet right.”
He had calculated that beyond the Nine Heavens, a peacock had attained the Dao. That peacock was the son of the Phoenix and shared a great karmic bond with him.
“When Jiang Ziya meets an obstacle and destiny begins to act against him, that will be the best time for me to strike.”
Jieyin thought for a moment and nodded. “Good. At that time, Yuanshi Tianzun will naturally owe our Western Sect a favor.”
Zhunti sighed softly. “Exactly.”
“Currently, our Western Sect is in its early stages. The sect is not flourishing, and our providence is thin. Establishing a good relationship with the Xuanmen is the proper path.”
“This assistance is both following the Mandate of Heaven and widely establishing karmic ties.”
Jieyin nodded in agreement. “Good. The distractions of the mortal world can all be guided to salvation.”
In other words, if it weren’t for the internal strife between the Chan Sect and the Sect of Interception, how would their Western Sect have any chance to recruit talent?
Currently, he and Zhunti were scouring everywhere for people. It was only through their hard work that they could gradually fill their sect’s ranks with talent.
He lamented, “When will we finally achieve the Eternal Bliss of the Pure Land?”
While he was lost in thought, the Golden Cicada sitting below them bowed respectfully and spoke, “Master, I have a plan that can greatly promote the Buddhist Doctrine and strengthen our Western Sect.”
The Golden Cicada wore a golden monk’s robe. His face was handsome and his gaze was pure.
Jieyin Daoist asked curiously, “Go on.”
The Golden Cicada pressed his palms together and spoke slowly, “In this Great Calamity of the Investiture of the Gods, the Xuanmen is consuming itself from within. This is the perfect opportunity for our Western Sect to spread the Buddhist Doctrine.”
“I have observed the reincarnation of the Three Realms and the cycle of cause and effect. Why not wait until after the calamity is over to set up a trial in the mortal world? We can send our Western disciples into the world to seek scriptures, undergoing eighty-one calamities…”
His voice was clear and bright. “At that time, we can let all living beings under heaven know the mercy of our Buddha and save all sentient beings.”
“This move will allow the Buddhist Doctrine to travel East, leading all beings to convert. Our Western Sect will naturally flourish!”
Zhunti and Jieyin looked at each other, both lost in thought.
Zhunti lightly stroked the Seven Treasure Tree and nodded. “Good! This plan is excellent!”
Jieyin also nodded. “In that case, once the Investiture of the Gods calamity concludes, we may carry out this plan.”
The Golden Cicada smiled slightly but added, “I believe we should begin laying the groundwork early…”
***
Shang Army Camp · Golden Chicken Ridge Main Tent.
A fierce fire blazed, and the aroma of roasting meat filled the air.
Kong Xuan sat in the tent, holding a bronze wine cup. Just as he was about to drain it in one gulp, he suddenly sneezed three times in a row, spilling a few drops of wine.
“Achoo! Achoo! Achoo!”
He rubbed his nose and wondered, “Strange, why is this happening today?”
The lieutenant beside him asked with concern, “General, have you caught a cold? Should I call the military doctor to take a look?”
Kong Xuan waved his hand. “No matter, my body is perfectly fine.”
He was a peacock born of this world; how could he fall ill?
However, he set down his wine cup and suddenly asked, “By the way, are Jiang Ziya and the others almost here?”
The lieutenant immediately bowed. “The scouts report they are thirty miles away and will arrive tomorrow.”
Kong Xuan stopped eating and stood up immediately, his expression proud. “Good! Order the entire army to prepare for battle!”
“I want to personally meet this Zhou army that claims to be backed by destiny and see what they are truly capable of!”
As the Regional Commander of Sanshan Pass, defending the Shang Dynasty’s territory was his duty.
As for the “Phoenix crying on Qishan,” in Kong Xuan’s view, it was absolute nonsense—nothing more than propaganda created by the Zhou people!
He was the son of the Phoenix. Did they really think he wouldn’t know exactly where a phoenix was crying?
King Zhou was the one truly favored by destiny!
Furthermore, King Zhou trusted him deeply and placed great expectations on him. He could not betray that trust.
Just then, a messenger ran in hurriedly. “Report! General Kong, there is a letter for you!”
“A letter?” Kong Xuan frowned. “Who would write a letter to me?”
He reached out to take it and was instantly stunned. The envelope was clearly embossed with a phoenix spreading its wings to fly.
Kong Xuan’s heart shook. ‘The Phoenix Clan?’
The Phoenix Clan had been in seclusion at the Nanming Undying Volcano for a long time. Why would they suddenly send him a letter?
Puzzled, Kong Xuan opened the paper. There were only a few lines:
[My son, Kong Xuan:]
[I am deeply comforted to hear you are guarding Golden Chicken Ridge. However, the Mandate of Heaven has changed; it cannot be forced.]
[I have returned through nirvana and we shall meet before long.]
“……?”
He stared at those words, his fingers trembling slightly.
Who? Was back to life?!
“General?” The lieutenant cautiously approached. “General, is something wrong?”
Kong Xuan did not answer. His eyes were somewhat dazed as he reread the contents, especially the phrase “returned through nirvana.”
“Absurd!” Kong Xuan roared. A flame ignited, instantly turning the letter to ash.
His mother, Yuan Feng, had fallen during the initial Great Calamity of the Dragon and Phoenix. Nirvana? Returning?
It was utter nonsense!
In that great war where the three clans fought for supremacy, she had exhausted all her energy just to ensure the continuation of the Phoenix Clan.
How could she possibly return? It was impossible.
Who was so bold as to use his mother’s name to play tricks?
A cold killing intent flickered in Kong Xuan’s eyes, making the lieutenant and the others tremble in fear.
The General was usually strict, but he had never been this enraged.
What exactly was written in that letter?
It was probably an ill omen.
Everyone stood trembling, not daring to speak, wishing they could stop breathing entirely.
Kong Xuan forced himself to take a deep breath and calm down… he had to be calm.
As a commander who had survived countless battles, he quickly realized this was very likely a trick by the Zhou army.
“Jiang Ziya… it must be Jiang Ziya’s doing!”
“Absolutely shameless, trying to use such despicable methods to shake my resolve?”
“Impossible.”
But on second thought, Kong Xuan’s brow furrowed again.
The problem was, how could Jiang Ziya and the others know his true form?
He had lived under a pseudonym in the mortal world for many years, practicing his cultivation. Not even the soldiers under his command knew his true identity.
His status as the son of the Phoenix was a top-secret matter that almost no one knew.
Could it be that Jiang Ziya had obtained some supreme treasure capable of revealing one’s true origin? An Origin-Reflecting Mirror?
But that wasn’t right either; that wouldn’t be enough to see through his Five-Colored Divine Light protection.
Magical treasures capable of revealing his true form were almost nonexistent in this world.
Thinking it over, he became even more convinced it was a Zhou trick.
“Good for you, Jiang Ziya! To think you would use such a lowly tactic, hoping to make me surrender and clear the way? Laughable!”
He, Kong Xuan, was the first peacock in heaven and earth to attain the Dao, the dignified son of the Phoenix. How could he be fooled by such a small trick?
He angrily ordered:
“Pass down the command! Tomorrow morning, we will strike with the full force of the army! Leave no one alive!”
He gritted his teeth. Since they dared to bring up his mother, he would show them the meaning of regret.
“As you command!”
The lieutenant, Zhao Wuji, and the others took their orders and retreated.
Once everyone had left, Kong Xuan stood alone in the tent. For some reason, he still felt a sense of unease in his heart.
‘An illusion, it must be an illusion.’
He muttered to himself, ‘Mother fell long ago. That is an indisputable fact.’
***
The massive Xiqi army marched majestically toward Golden Chicken Ridge.
They had been unstoppable, taking city after city, and the morale of the entire army was high.
Jiang Ziya rode upon the Sibuxiang, stroking his beard with a smile. “Once we pass Golden Chicken Ridge, there are only a few passes left before we reach Chao Ge. King Zhou’s time is up. Why should we worry about our great cause not succeeding?”
Yang Jian responded, “According to the scouts, the commander of Golden Chicken Ridge is named Kong Xuan, but his origins are unknown.”
Leizhenzi said boastfully, “Who cares who he is? We’ve fought our way here and even Wen Zhong was defeated. Can a mere garrison commander turn the world upside down?”
The surrounding generals all shouted in agreement.
When they arrived at the gates of Golden Chicken Ridge, they saw the defending general standing atop the city wall. He shouted:
“Listen, Zhou army! I am the Commander of Golden Chicken Ridge, Kong Xuan!”
After introducing himself, he began to curse. “I didn’t expect the dignified Zhou army to use such despicable tactics! To think you could shake my army’s morale? Utterly ridiculous!”
Jiang Ziya and the others looked at each other, completely baffled.
Stunned, Jiang Ziya quickly cupped his hands. “General Kong, I do not know what you are talking about.”
“We are following the Mandate of Heaven to overthrow the tyrant Zhou. The Shang Dynasty is without the Dao. I hope the General will follow heaven’s will and not lead himself astray!”
“Heaven’s will?” Kong Xuan sneered. “A bunch of sinister villains like you are fit to talk about heaven’s will?”
“Since you chose to use such despicable means, do not blame me for showing no mercy!”
Nezha had a fiery temper and couldn’t stand it. He charged forward with his spear. “What nonsense! Take this!”
Kong Xuan wasn’t afraid at all. He immediately revealed his Five-Colored Divine Light. The radiance was blinding.
*Whoosh!*
Nezha’s magical treasure vanished instantly.
Yang Jian was shocked and hurriedly summoned his Three-Pointed Double-Edged Blade, shouting, “Nezha, be careful!”
*Whoosh!*
The same colorless light flashed, and the Three-Pointed Double-Edged Blade vanished as well.
Leizhenzi, Li Jing, and the others charged one after another. But regardless of the treasure, the moment it touched the Five-Colored Divine Light, it was like a mud cow entering the sea—instantly absorbed and vanished without a trace.
Immediately after, Kong Xuan aimed the divine light at Yang Jian, Nezha, and the others. The group was swept up by the light and taken directly into it.
Jiang Ziya turned pale with fright and quickly summoned the Investiture Whip. “Kong Xuan, do not be so arrogant!”
Kong Xuan glanced at him and said flatly, “The Investiture Whip? Hmph!”
*Whoosh!*
The Investiture Whip disappeared in an instant, scaring Jiang Ziya into a panicked retreat.
Lu Ya and Master Ran Deng also took the field, but without exception, they were beaten and fled in a sorry state.
In the blink of an eye, the Xiqi army was in shambles. Their magical treasures were gone, most of their generals had been captured, and the rest were fleeing in all directions.
The scene was in total chaos.
Su Fu had long since slipped away. Chesia watched the Xiqi army being beaten to a pulp, her shock immense.
“Kong Xuan is way too powerful, isn’t he? It’s like he can clear them all out in one sweep!”
Su Fu said calmly, “The Five-Colored Divine Light can sweep away anything and everything. What did you expect?”
Chesia swallowed hard. “I’m realizing that the further we go in the Investiture of the Gods, the harder it gets. By the way, can you beat him?”
Su Fu replied nonchalantly, “Of course.”
“A Phoenix against a Peacock—that’s bloodline suppression. Do you think the title ‘King of a Hundred Birds’ is just for show?”
“Not to mention the ‘Mom Buff’ against the peacock. It’s a sure win. Don’t worry.”
Chesia was half-skeptical. “Really? He looks so fierce…”
Meanwhile, the Great Desolation channel was also in a heated discussion.
[Wait, what’s the deal with this Kong Xuan? One person just wiped out the entire Xiqi army!]
[Where does this Kong Xuan come from? He can collect everything—people and treasures all in one go?]
[Our Fenrir wolf could at least be bound by chains, but this Five-Colored Divine Light can even sweep away Immortal-Binding Ropes! How are we supposed to play?]
[Even our Lord Brahma’s Lotus Seat was swept away! Is the difficulty of this China Instance tuned too high?]
[Is there any powerhouse who dares to step up?]
[You go then!]
[Are you kidding? He literally captures your physical body! It’s not even certain if you can get back out. This is a dimensional strike! Absolutely a dimensional strike!]
[Those of you still alive should know the importance of low-key development. After fighting in the Great Desolation Dungeon for so long, I’m completely humbled now.]
[Exactly. The heritage of the Chinese Pantheon is too deep. I’ve started over as a new person, just hoping to survive until the end. I need to learn from Big Boss Su Fu!]
[Wait, Kong Xuan is so strong. I suddenly feel like there’s hope for our Shang army camp? Is Xiqi going to fall here?]
[What are you thinking? When things go wrong for Xiqi, they just summon a Saint. My guess is a Saint is about to step onto the stage.]
[Definitely. Otherwise, who could take down this Kong Xuan?]
[Dammit! Where are the Saints of the Sect of Interception? Why haven’t they stepped in yet? The enemy Saints are coming down to bully us and he’s still playing dead. I really picked the wrong side!]
[…]
In the Xiqi camp, gloom hung heavy.
After their pathetic retreat, Jiang Ziya and the others hastily set up camp and hung the “Avoid Battle” sign. They hurriedly gathered the remaining generals to discuss a strategy.
“Does anyone have a way to break this?”
The remaining people looked at each other in silence. No one answered.