[“Show yourself… yourself… self…”]
On the calm sea surface, Li Changshou’s voice penetrated tens of thousands of miles of misty waves, seemingly receiving no response.
These two avatars weren’t anxious, just waiting quietly there, hands behind their backs, expressions quite calm.
Li Changshou’s calmness came from his understanding of ‘Bo Jian’.
He had previously received Yellow Emperor Xuan Yuan’s ‘commission’ to help Bo Jian escape his predicament through the Investiture of the Gods catastrophe, perhaps arranging a good future for him.
Who was Bo Jian?
This is a long story, so let’s keep it brief.
This Bo Jian was a great general of humanity’s sage Yellow Emperor Xuan Yuan at the end of ancient times, leading armies in battle against Chi You!
At that time, the human armies were all celestial soldiers, and the Witch-Human tribal forces were comparable to the ancient Witch Tribe elites; this Bo Jian was also a powerful human expert with vast divine abilities.
Continuing from the previous story, the Iron-Eating Beast, dissatisfied with the lack of honey-glazed cured meat at the evening feast, rose in anger on two legs, directly overturning Chi You, shouting that the Iron-Eating Beast would never be enslaved.
Xuan Yuan’s forces surged forward together, engaging Chi You in a great battle.
What a Chi You!
Carrying an ancient Witch Tribe bloodline, enjoying humanity’s protagonist fortune, with a tiger’s courage and liver to spare, he revealed his three-headed six-armed eight-legged form, wielding axes and halberds in fierce combat with Xuan Yuan’s generals, fighting from South Jambudvipa to North Uttarakuru Continent, from North Uttarakuru to East Victory Divine Continent, battling until heaven and earth grew dim.
Chi You grew more fierce with each battle, but human generals grew more numerous, celestial soldiers of Xuan Yuan’s tribe filling mountains and plains, while Chi You’s brothers had already died or been wounded.
Chi You knew he was defeated, that the Witch-Humans ultimately couldn’t match humanity, and that their plot to seize humanity’s great fortune had been exposed early.
Yet, his heart held battle intent, his chest burning with battle blood, this will be unextinguished, the Nine Li tribe undying!
Though his body bore hundreds of wounds, he still refused to submit, loudly calling Xuan Yuan’s name, wielding countless weapons in battle against various human heroes!
Suddenly a great shout was heard: ‘Chi You, dare you battle me?’
A golden-armored general flew in from the side, wielding a broad-bladed greatsword, cape fluttering behind him, bringing the sword down on Chi You’s head!
‘Away!’
Chi You roared, spitting true fire from his mouth which condensed into a long spear, which he gripped single-handedly to directly counter that greatsword!
Unexpectedly, this golden-armored general was no ordinary warrior, but Yellow Emperor Xuan Yuan’s great general Bo Jian. When Greatsword met a long spear, his strength was not at all inferior.
Chi You’s expression grew serious as he engaged Bo Jian in combat, his Witch Tribe battle blood burning, quickly gaining the upper hand over Bo Jian.
Just as Bo Jian was losing strength, heavenly fires blazed, and the human armies all made way as a beautiful woman with greenish skin came running swiftly across the ground!
It was the Yellow Emperor’s daughter Ba, who had fought many against one, slaying quite a few of Chi You’s good brothers!
She directly engaged Chi You while Bo Jian fought from the side. Several more divine generals came successively to assist, forcing Chi You into a death trap.
That battle left heaven and earth dim, leaving endless legends.
Later generations said that the Responding Dragon killed Chi You, while others said Yellow Emperor Xuan Yuan personally had Chi You drawn and quartered;
Some even said that Chi You was fighting when he saw his mount, the Iron-Eating Beast, deceived by Yellow Emperor Xuan Yuan’s Beautiful Bamboo Strategy, and died of pure anger.
Others said there never was a Chi You, that he was just a rebellious general during Yellow Emperor Xuan Yuan’s time, a figure fabricated by Yellow Emperor Xuan Yuan to suppress the resurgent Witch Tribe.
Though ancient times gradually receded, history did not fade.
Yellow Emperor Xuan Yuan’s great general Bo Jian was fighting Chi You at the border of East Victory Divine Continent and the Northern Continent when he was struck by Chi You’s spear into the North Sea, fire poison entered his heart, and his physical body scattered.
He could only rely on seawater to suppress the fire poison, allowing his primordial spirit to survive.
Today!
This was the moment to witness history, uncover the truth of the Chi You battles of that year, and excavate part of the truth of humanity’s rise in the primitive world!
Together we approach Bo Jian, approach the truth of that year’s ‘Yellow Emperor battles Chi You’!
And so…
Silence.
After half an hour, the sea surface remained quiet, with Li Changshou and the Jade Emperor still relatively calm.
The several Orthodox Sect experts who happened to be watching this place through the Cloud Mirror technique, seeing only two blurry figures, all picked up their tea to watch the entertainment.
True Lord Yellow Dragon asked puzzledly: “This Bo Jian, who is he?”
Broad Achievement Elder calculated through his memories, revealing a faint smile, saying:
“A general from humanity’s Yellow Emperor era, following humanity’s then-popular path of cultivating both internal and external powers.
His Dao realm seems to be eighth-grade Golden Immortal, but his actual strength far exceeded his realm. He did indeed fight Chi You back then, but was knocked into the sea after just a few exchanges.”
“Oh~”
Yellow Dragon showed a thoughtful expression.
Beside him, Pure Yang Elder said deeply: “If this Bo Jian is here, why doesn’t he respond?”
“Most of the Yellow Emperor’s generals were proud,” Broad Achievement Elder explained with a smile. “Back then, humanity was rising in momentum, slaying the Demon Tribe, defeating the Witch Tribe, occupying the primitive world’s Five Continents, with immortal methods becoming widespread.
That generation of human experts, especially imperial generals like this, only recognized the Human Emperor, not respecting the Heavenly Emperor.
Never mind prospects and destiny, even if Bo Jian were to vanish like smoke and clouds, he wouldn’t pay attention to people from the Heavenly Court.
Today our Brother Long Geng will likely suffer a setback.”
“That’s true,” Spirit Treasure Elder, who rarely spoke, also sighed lightly. “Humanity and the Witch Tribe overthrew the Demon Court, then humanity defeated the Witch Tribe. The position of Heavenly Emperor should have gone to the Human Emperor or their successor.”
“Don’t speak carelessly,” Pure Yang Elder stroked his beard in admonishment. “The position of Heavenly Emperor is decided by the Ancestral Master and the Heavenly Dao, not by humanity.”
Yellow Dragon asked: “Senior Brother, you were the Yellow Emperor’s teacher, and our Orthodox Sect fully supported the Yellow Emperor then. By rights, this Bo Jian should give our Orthodox Sect face…
Why don’t we take this opportunity to show goodwill to the Heavenly Court and Brother Long Geng?”
True Lord Tai Yi smiled: “Brother Yellow Dragon has rarely come up with a good idea this time.”
Yellow Dragon immediately smiled somewhat embarrassedly.
True Lord Yu Ding also said: “This is feasible, hope Senior Brother will consider it.”
But Broad Achievement Elder was hesitant.
Pure Yang Elder stroked his beard and smiled: “Rather than going proactively, better to wait for Long Geng to seek us out.”
“Heh.”
True Lord Tai Yi couldn’t help but squint and laugh lightly. As the other Daoists’ gazes fell on him, Tai Yi just shrugged and spread his hands like an accordion.
He hadn’t said anything, just laughed once.
Just then, dialogue came again from the Cloud Mirror.
“Long Geng, are you sure that Bo Jian is at the bottom of this sea?”
“Should be here. This minor deity has used the water deity’s divine authority to investigate various sea regions, and it shows he’s here.”
“Let me calculate… mm, he is indeed here, right below in a mansion at the sea bottom, his primordial spirit self-sealed there.”
Quan Tong smiled: “An ancient remnant soul, both heavily injured and using seawater for self-suppression, it’s normal not to hear calls right away.
Try again?”
Li Changshou’s brows furrowed slightly, his expression growing solemn as he called out:
“Human Bo Jian, will you not show yourself?”
As Li Changshou’s words fell, thunder crashed behind him, thunder dragons roaring and howling as if trying to wake someone.
But the sea surface remained quiet, with just some timid shrimp, crabs, and big fish trembling.
This time, Quan Tong also showed displeasure, calling out:
“That Bo Jian!
The Heavenly Court’s Venus Star-Lord is here, commissioned by the ancient Human Emperor, coming to give you an opportunity.
If you fail to appreciate the favor, beware!”
“Your Majesty, Your Majesty,” Li Changshou quickly transmitted his voice to stop Quan Tong’s harsh words, having already made his calculations.
Quan Tong naturally cared nothing for Bo Jian.
The reason they came here today was that Li Changshou and Quan Tong got excited while chatting, mentioning Yellow Emperor Xuan Yuan’s previous request, and Quan Tong, caught up in the moment, brought Li Changshou straight here.
They just hadn’t expected to be given the cold shoulder.
Li Changshou had been wondering if perhaps it wasn’t yet time for Bo Jian’s emergence, hence the Heavenly Dao’s deliberate obstruction.
But Bo Jian’s role in the Investiture of the Gods was as the guardian of the Investiture Platform, independent of the great catastrophe. Coming out earlier or later wouldn’t affect the situation at all.
Now, after calling twice without Bo Jian appearing…
Even if His Majesty the Jade Emperor’s avatar wasn’t angry, he had to express some angry emotions to maintain the Heavenly Court’s dignity.
Even if this person was an ancient human general, if he held onto past merits affecting the construction of the Heavenly Court’s order, his arrogance must be suppressed, at most giving more benefits in other areas.
Thinking of this, Li Changshou withdrew his smile, stepped forward three paces on the clouds, and said calmly:
“If that Bo Jian isn’t here, we might as well return.
What a pity, Elder Yellow Emperor Xuan Yuan personally requested, asking this deity to save Bo Jian from his sea of suffering. This deity hesitated long before agreeing to give Bo Jian such an opportunity.
Unexpectedly, he’s just a coward hiding at the bottom of the sea, afraid to show his face.”
A bit of reverse psychology.
As soon as Li Changshou’s words fell, the seawater raised waves upon waves, parting left and right as a figure leaped up from the seabed. Reaching mid-air, he glared at Li Changshou.
Look at this general: towering in stature, proper in features, his battle armor full of damage, the greatsword in his hand covered in cracks.
He glared at Li Changshou. Though only a primordial spirit, with traces of black qi coiling around his body, his imposing presence was significant.
He truly had the bearing of an ancient human general.
Bo Jian cursed: “What kind of immortal or deity are you? How dare you speak such nonsense here! How could my emperor possibly ask anything of you!”
Li Changshou’s lips curled, deliberately maintaining an arrogant expression as he said calmly: “Is it I who speak nonsense, or is it you who has dwelt too long in the sea, failing to recognize the situation?”
Veins bulged on Bo Jian’s arms, his aura trembling continuously, on the edge of eruption.
He asked coldly: “Who are you?”
“Me?”
Li Changshou smiled, hands behind his back, only glancing at Bo Jian from the corner of his eye, continuing to pluck at the ancient general’s heartstrings:
“Second-rank righteous deity of the Heavenly Court, Venus Star Lord personally appointed by His Majesty the Jade Emperor, governing change and controlling killing force.”
Beside him, Quan Tong smiled: “Star-Lord, your introduction is too simple. I fear this follower of the ancient Human Emperor already takes you for just any random immortal of the Heavenly Court.
Wait a moment.”
After speaking, Quan Tong, under Li Changshou’s curious, worried, and slightly doubting gaze, gestured toward the distance, and an azure dragon immediately flew out from the sea surface, transforming into an elder with a dragon’s head.
—Li Changshou and Quan Tong had been here so long, that the Dragon Tribe couldn’t possibly not have responded.
This dragon-headed elder hurriedly performed a Daoist bow, calling out: “This minor dragon pays respects to Lord Star-Lord, pays respects to… Marshal Quan!”
Quan Tong nodded with satisfaction, smiling: “Tell this Bo Jian exactly who stands before him.”
“This…”
Li Changshou, who had just been trying to use presence to pressure others and lead with force before courtesy, suddenly felt a kind of… a kind of subtle sense of embarrassment.
Quan Tong winked at Li Changshou as the old dragon cleared his throat and shouted at the currently somewhat dazed Bo Jian:
“Hey!”
Bo Jian was quite familiar with the Dragon Tribe—Yellow Emperor Xuan Yuan had dealt extensively with the Dragon Tribe in his time, with several dragon ladies and dozens of sea tribe women in his back palace.
This old dragon must be a Dragon Tribe elder, his presence majestic and dao realm profound, yet showing such respect to this youth?
Lord Star Lord?
Which Star-Lord? He had never even heard of him.
Bo Jian coldly snorted, about to speak…
“Bo Jian, such great audacity!”
The old dragon, well-versed in such matters, shouted again, as if having done this many times before, a string of words bursting from his dragon mouth:
“The Star Lord before you is of your kind!
He is His Majesty the Jade Emperor’s most trusted minister, now the overall controller of the Three Realms’ order!
Speaking of status, you’re just a human general, and a defeated one at that.
While Lord Star-Lord has cultivated for barely a thousand years, he was taken as a second disciple by the Grand Pure Sage, betrothed to Immortal Cloud by Patriarch Tong Tian, allowed to enter the Fire Cloud Cave at will, and revered as a deity by the current Human Emperor!
Speaking of merits, he eliminated the remaining demon plague, countless karmic barrier great demons dying by his hand!
The long-standing matter of immortals oppressing mortals in the South Continent was also ended by his hand!
Demon Teacher Kun Peng was outmaneuvered by him, no longer able to stir up trouble; he slew the minor Demon Prince, cutting off the demon race’s resurgent fortune!
The South Continent had long been in chaos, mortals suffering beyond endurance, and it was Lord Star-Lord who single-handedly planned and supported the current Human Emperor’s rise to power.
You, a mere general, don’t amount to one ten-thousandth of him!
He comes here to give you an opportunity, naturally at Yellow Emperor Xuan Yuan’s request!”
Li Changshou: …
Well, better have thick skin, after all, this old dragon meant well.
Looking at Bo Jian again, his expression now showed both shock and doubt, staring constantly at Li Changshou’s face, not knowing how to advance or retreat for a moment.
Unexpectedly, that old dragon, either caught up in the excitement or trying to take the opportunity to regain some goodwill from Li Changshou for the Dragon Tribe, continued without pause:
“Bo Jian, do you know!
This Venus Star Lord Long Geng’s strategies are unmatched, his wisdom peerless, assisting His Majesty the Jade Emperor in dividing the boundaries of the Six Paths.
He’s been struck by the Ancestral Master in the Purple Void Palace, all for speaking up righteously for humanity!
In the primitive world, who doesn’t know, who hasn’t heard, that the Heavenly Court’s Venus Star Li Chang Geng protects humanity to his very bones—what witch, demon, spirit, ghost, or monster now dares harm mortals?
Now as the great catastrophe descends and the Sages’ great teachings enter the catastrophe, Lord Star Lord is the one controlling it.
He comes here to transform you and give you an opportunity, yet you remain so arrogant…
What, perhaps you still want to hold onto your status as a human ancestor and order him about?
Truly failing to appreciate favor!”
Li Changshou raised an eyebrow, feeling this old dragon was promising material.
Bo Jian had already been somewhat frightened by his reputation and deeds, but the old dragon’s last two sentences provoked his anger again.
This must have been the old dragon’s deliberate intent, allowing Li Changshou to play the good cop.
Having an elder is like having a treasure—the Dragon Tribe truly sat on a treasure trove, though their younger generation had willingly degraded…
At this moment, Bo Jian’s face alternated between green and white, the black smoke around him seeming to increase.
He looked at Li Changshou, the anger gone from his eyes, but still showing some indignation and unwillingness, about to steel himself and throw down some harsh words.
Li Changshou, however, sighed lightly, his face showing some helplessness.
He said: “This elder’s words are somewhat exaggerated. I merely did what a child of humanity should do.
Moreover, facing a human elder, I should have first sent a visiting card before coming to pay respects.”
Pausing his words, Li Changshou showed an ashamed expression and cupped his hands to Bo Jian:
“It’s only because of Grand Pure Master’s favor and His Majesty the Jade Emperor’s recognition that I have so many empty titles today.
But in the end, they’re just empty titles. I’ve been flattered too much by the immortals and deities around me lately, developing some floating instability, and losing reverence for elders.
Here, I first offer my apologies to Elder Bo Jian.”
Beside him, Quan Tong smiled while looking at the sky.
Here it comes, comes beloved minister Long Geng’s thousand-layer pastry.
Bo Jian’s expression softened slightly as he said calmly: “If you had shown this attitude earlier, I wouldn’t have refused to meet.
However, you now hold the noble position of second-rank righteous deity in the Heavenly Court and are the direct disciple of the Human Teaching Sage. Looking down somewhat on a human general who only has a remnant soul is understandable.
Never mind, never mind, after all, the new wave pushes the old, this remnant soul should pass away now.
Here I offer my apologies to Lord Star-Lord, I was blind not to recognize you, offending you just now.”
After speaking, Bo Jian raised his head with a light sigh, actually preparing to give up suppressing his primordial spirit’s fire poison.
“Marshal Bo Jian, don’t be hasty, please hear me out!”
Li Changshou said seriously: “Now the great catastrophe is about to arise, the three teachings’ battle can no longer be avoided, but the catastrophe falls on the mortal world of the South Continent!
Marshal, do you know that humanity now fills every corner of the South Continent? If great powers battle with divine methods, one mistake could kill hundreds of thousands or millions of mortals!”
“Oh?”
Bo Jian showed concern, asking softly: “Is there such a matter?”
“This is the main reason I’ve come to ask Marshal to emerge,” Li Changshou said. “I need Marshal’s help to do everything possible to protect the mortals from being killed in the three teachings’ battles.”
Bo Jian smiled bitterly: “I’m just a remnant soul, what can I do?”
Li Changshou’s expression grew solemn as he switched to voice transmission, saying:
“Marshal Bo Jian, my seeking you today has two deeper meanings.
First, naturally, because Elder Xuan Yuan made the request, I have the utmost respect for our human ancestors.
Elder Xuan Yuan spoke up, and I can help Marshal—even if overcoming many difficulties, I must extend aid!
Second, it’s also because Marshal Bo Jian only has a remnant soul remaining.
I intend to establish an Investiture Platform, using it to draw upon the Heavenly Dao’s power to protect various parts of the South Continent, establish rules for this great catastrophe, and delineate areas for divine battle.
Make immortals and deities’ battles have constraints and restrictions, and establish some detailed rules, preventing them from killing innocents indiscriminately.
This Investiture Platform lacks a guardian divine general, and this divine general must be a primordial spirit soul.
If we had current living human experts take this role, it would be equivalent to harming their lives, but Marshal Bo Jian can use this to escape the fire-poison predicament and become the divine general guarding the Investiture Platform.
Moreover, after the Investiture of the Gods catastrophe, the Marshal can also take office in the Heavenly Court…
If humanity could have more voice in the Heavenly Court, Marshal’s contribution to humanity would surely flow through generations and be praised by all.”
Bo Jian frowned deeply, seeming to fall into deep thought.
Suddenly, he stepped forward several paces, kneeling on one knee above the sea surface, calling out loudly:
“This humble general Bo Jian is willing to serve under Lord Star-Lord! As long as this remnant soul has any warmth left, I am at my lord’s disposal!”
Li Changshou nodded slowly, exchanged a glance with Quan Tong, and hurried forward to help Bo Jian up…
And so, half a day later.
Below the Middle Heaven Gate, on the immortal island where the ‘Rumor-Crushing Stele’ originally stood, a newly born golden light divine general, bare-chested and carrying a huge solid stone, began piling up a square high platform.
He worked with full enthusiasm, his eyes full of determination, his heart full of glory.
Lord Star-Lord was right.
This Investiture Platform should be arranged by his own hands—otherwise, he wouldn’t be at ease, every stone’s placement must be completed by him personally.
What flowed through generations, being praised by all—none of that was important!
Was he, Bo Jian, someone who coveted fame? Was he the type to care about such things?
He just wanted to expend his remaining heat, and continue doing some practical things for humanity, completely not thinking about scenarios like the whole city shouting ‘Marshal Bo Jian’, ‘Marshal Bo Jian is a true hero’, and such exaggerated situations!
Speaking of which, Lord Star-Lord was truly a remarkable person, worthy of admiration, and truly admirable…
“Hehe.”