Chapter One Hundred and Forty: The Martial King’s Campaign Against Zhou

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Time passed, and soon Marquis Xi Bo Ji Chang passed away, succeeded by Ji Fa. At that time, Emperor Xin, under the counsel of the Nine-Tailed Fox, constructed the Lu Platform, causing the people to suffer greatly. Ji Fa, determined to rescue the suffering populace, proclaimed himself King Wu and declared the campaign against the tyrant King Zhou of Shang, rallying a multitude of supporters.

Yet, Emperor Xin, long lost to indulgence in wine and women, paid little heed to this threat. Following the Nine-Tailed Fox's advice, he appointed the Grand Master of the State, Shen Gongbao, to lead the army to crush Xi Qi and capture Ji Fa’s youngest son.

Shen Gongbao, like Jiang Ziya, was a disciple under the Primordial Sect, but the two had always been at odds. Upon learning of Jiang Ziya's allegiance to Xi Qi, Shen Gongbao allied with the Nine-Tailed Fox and joined the Yin-Shang side.

With the vast Yin-Shang forces marching towards Xi Qi, the War of the Investiture of the Gods was set to begin. Many powerful beings focused their attention on the mortal realm, including Haotian and Yaochi, who were in charge of the investiture. As the chief examiners, they did not intervene directly like Jiang Ziya but oversaw the entire situation, recording the outstanding individuals for future enfeoffment.

...

In the heavenly court, Nuwa took Li Tian by the hand, and they looked down upon the mortal world. Initially, Li Tian was somewhat disinterested, but a glance below left him stunned. Li You—how did he end up in Xi Qi?

Calculating briefly, Li Tian realized he had been in the heavenly court for over four years, feeling somewhat embarrassed. To be honest, if not for seeing Li You, he might have completely forgotten about the four members of the Daji family down below. Perhaps he would recall them someday, but maybe only after hundreds or even thousands of years.

“I’ll find a chance to visit later,” he murmured to himself, suppressing the thought for now. With Nuwa beside him, he couldn’t act freely, and after all, four years had already passed; a little longer wouldn’t matter.

...

At this moment, the armies of Yin-Shang and Xi Qi had already met and erupted into fierce battles. At first, Xi Qi was slightly outmatched, but as Jiang Ziya invited many third-generation disciples of the Primordial Sect to join, the tide began to turn in favor of Xi Qi.

Seeing this, Shen Gongbao also employed tactics to recruit some third-generation disciples, leveling the battlefield. However, before Shen Gongbao could revel in this, Jiang Ziya secretly approached these disciples, persuading them with reason and emotion, effortlessly drawing them into Xi Qi’s camp.

Suddenly, the situation reversed, and the Yin-Shang forces suffered a crushing defeat. The news reached Chaoge, incensing Emperor Xin. Fortunately, the Nine-Tailed Fox’s influence restrained his wrath, sparing Shen Gongbao from punishment for his initial failure.

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At that moment, the Nine-Tailed Fox was deeply conflicted. By all rights, as one sent by Nuwa to undermine the Yin-Shang dynasty, she should have rejoiced at Shen Gongbao’s defeat. Yet, inexplicably, she felt uneasy.

Reflecting on her days at Mount Buzhou and the devotion Emperor Xin had shown her after arriving in Chaoge, she couldn’t help but slip away from the palace under the cover of night.

Since the Xi Qi battlefield was only a few million li from Chaoge, the Nine-Tailed Fox soon arrived at the military camp.

“Your Majesty, what wind blew you here?” Shen Gongbao, pondering his next move, was startled but quickly forced a smile and greeted her.

“Shen Gongbao, what did you say before? How is it you’ve already lost after such a short time?” The Nine-Tailed Fox’s face was cold upon seeing him.

“Your Majesty, you can’t blame me,” Shen Gongbao sniffed helplessly. “That Jiang Shang is truly skilled at winning hearts, plus... that Ji Fa boy is quite the actor, earning the reputation of a wise ruler. Naturally, many are drawn to Xi Qi. What else can I do?”

“Hmph. I’m not interested in your excuses. If you can’t repel Xi Qi soon, I won’t speak for you to the king again!” She scoffed and, with a flick of her sleeve, flew out of the camp.

“Your Majesty!” Shen Gongbao hurried after her, but she vanished before he could catch up.

“What am I to do now?” Shen Gongbao frowned deeply. Facing Xi Qi, bolstered by many third-generation disciples of the Primordial Sect, he was at a loss. Though cultivators typically avoided killing ordinary soldiers, Xi Qi’s forces were numerous.

After a night of contemplation, Shen Gongbao remembered Zhao Gongming, a second-generation disciple of the Jiejiao Sect, whom he once met. An idea stirred within him.

“Very well, I shall try him. If he comes, great; if not, it is fate...” Resolving this, Shen Gongbao suspended all battles and used his teleportation skill to reach Zhao Gongming’s secluded retreat.

“Ah, it’s Shen Gongbao. I thought you were attacking Xi Qi. Why come here?” Zhao Gongming emerged from his cave, surprised.

“Brother Zhao Gongming, good to see you well.” Shen Gongbao offered a smiling, insincere salute.

“Enough chit-chat. Speak—why has the Grand Master of the Great Shang come to me?” Zhao Gongming invited him inside and sat down, ready to hear his purpose.

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“To be frank, that cunning Ji Fa has swayed many third-generation disciples of the Primordial Sect to his side, leaving me no chance. So I hoped Brother Zhao Gongming...”

“I'm afraid I must disappoint you. I have no intention of interfering in mortal affairs,” Zhao Gongming interrupted, standing and waving his hand to decline.

“Brother, please wait!” Shen Gongbao grew anxious.

“Do you have more to say?”

“Please sit and listen.” Shen Gongbao sensed a possible turn and quickly invited Zhao Gongming back down. He then spoke at length about the precarious situation among mortals and lavishly praised Zhao Gongming’s strength, implying that with his help, Xi Qi’s defeat would be assured.

He also outlined the benefits Zhao Gongming might gain after Xi Qi’s downfall. Having some knowledge of the Investiture of the Gods, Shen Gongbao spun a compelling tale that deeply tempted Zhao Gongming.

After careful consideration, Zhao Gongming, confident with his twenty-four Sea-Calming Pearls protecting him, saw no fear in facing those third-generation disciples and tentatively agreed.

“Brother, your noble spirit is much appreciated. I thank you on behalf of the king,” Shen Gongbao rejoiced. Zhao Gongming, a near-Saint, would easily handle those disciples.

“No trouble. Let’s deal with Xi Qi first,” Zhao Gongming replied casually.

...

All these scenes were, of course, not hidden from Li Tian and Nuwa, who closely monitored the mortal realm. Even the Nine-Tailed Fox’s nocturnal visit to Shen Gongbao was within their awareness. They discerned that the Nine-Tailed Fox had developed feelings for Emperor Xin, seeming to lean towards the Yin-Shang side.

Yet, they remained unmoved. The Yin-Shang dynasty was already nearing collapse, rendering the Nine-Tailed Fox’s role increasingly insignificant. Moreover, due to her karmic entanglements, Li Tian and Nuwa had long intended to discard this pawn.

Now was the perfect time...