What does it mean to feel each day pass like a year?
For Ling’e and Mixed Chaos Bell Zhong Ling, this period truly felt like each day was passing like a year.
They dared not leave Little Qiong Peak, dared not discuss matters freely, dared not tremble, dared not even breathe heavily…
Even Ling’e, who had initially maintained a calm attitude toward the Dao Ancestor’s arrival, began to grow anxious after experiencing that oppressive presence that came from the fundamental difference in their levels of existence.
However, the Dao Ancestor and her Senior Brother seemed to be engaged in a battle while in a trance-like state. After one meal, they remained motionless in the forest.
The atmosphere was even somewhat… peaceful.
Under the Mixed Chaos Bell, Ling’e looked at the ‘transparent’ bell wall before her and asked softly, “Is Senior Brother alright?”
“Seems fine,” Zhong Ling’s voice was full of uncertainty, “but also seems not fine. At this point, it’s between fine and not fine, and without going over there, we can’t determine if he’s fine or not.”
Ling’e couldn’t help but hold her head in her hand, “How long has it been now?”
“Several hundred days and nights, I suppose. They seem to be waiting for something,” Zhong Ling clicked her tongue. “Never expected your Senior Brother to be this impressive, even someone as formidable as the Dao Ancestor has to treat him with courtesy.”
Ling’e said softly, “Maybe that’s because Ancestral Master likes Senior Brother?”
“Impossible,” Zhong Ling hummed lightly. “Your Senior Brother’s Way of Balance destined him to have the most fundamental opposition with the Heavenly Dao.”
“Alright,” Ling’e pondered for a moment. “Should I perhaps invite His Majesty the Jade Emperor to come once?”
“Don’t create more trouble,” Zhong Ling advised. “The Jade Emperor is merely the Dao Ancestor’s disciple – what use would seek him out serve? Ask him to plead with the Dao Ancestor. The Jade Emperor’s position is quite awkward right now. His authority comes from the Dao Ancestor – if he sides with your Senior Brother against the Dao Ancestor, that would be the height of absurdity. At this point, calling for the Jade Emperor would be less useful than requesting Supreme Elder Taiqing.”
“Then, can we go find Teacher Taiqing?”
“You silly girl, Supreme Elder Taiqing is so powerful, how could he not see that the Dao Ancestor is here?”
A small hand formed from spiritual energy extended from the bell’s inner wall and knocked on Ling’e’s head.
“Just wait. Perhaps they’ll move soon.”
“Mm,” Ling’e continued watching through the transparent bell wall, observing the scene in the forest tea room, slightly lost in thought.
Without any warning, Li Changshou and the Dao Ancestor moved simultaneously.
Li Changshou opened his eyes to look at the sandbox before him, while the Dao Ancestor’s lips curved in a faint smile, though his eyes remained closed.
The sandbox showed points of light converging from all directions in the central region of the Southern Continent.
The Zhou attack on Shang had begun.
While the Great Shang’s eight directional strongholds were heavily guarded, large numbers of Shang’s elite troops were currently attacking the various feudal lords in the east, nearly breaking through the Jiang family’s forces.
Jiang Wenhuang, son of Jiang Huanchu, sought aid from the Zhou kingdom. King Wu of Zhou, Ji Fa, summoned the feudal lords to ally Chaoge City. The Shang nation was defending on all sides, pressure mounting rapidly.
Li Changshou gazed at the various checkpoints of the Shang nation shown on the sandbox, quietly observing the movements in all directions.
Half a month later.
Most of the feudal lords had achieved nothing, and the northern lords had even fallen into internal strife, with some pledging loyalty back to the Shang nation and being accepted by the Shang ruler.
On the western front, although Zhou had assistance from many Clearing Sect immortals, their military strength wasn’t particularly impressive. Though they broke through two major strongholds, their forces suffered heavy losses and couldn’t advance further.
The Clearing Sect immortals were quite concerned about their ‘reputation,’ mostly only dealing with cultivators mixed among the Shang troops.
Even disciples like Yang Jian, Nezha, and Thunder Child, who held military positions in the Clearing Sect, only fulfilled the responsibilities expected of mortal commanders during charges.
At this time, Dragon Princess Ji, daughter of the Heavenly Emperor and disciple of Great White, had entered the Zhou camp, specifically responsible for assisting Yang Jian and caring for little Nezha. She attended pre-battle meetings, but because her status was too intimidating, normally no one dared to provoke her.
Ju Liusun’s disciple Earth-Walking Sun, Pure Void Virtue True Lord’s disciples Huang Tianhua and Yang Ren had also successively entered the Zhou military camp.
That Earth-Walking Sun was skilled in earth traversal, but his character was somewhat improper. Previously, he had taken a fancy to a female general in the Shang army camp, captured her using immortal methods, planning for evening pleasure.
When Yang Jian, Nezha, and Thunder Child heard of this matter, they immediately frowned.
This wasn’t the first time Earth-Walking Sun had done such things.
Dragon Princess Ji was particularly angry and directly cited her master’s earnest teachings, persuading Yang Jian and Nezha to act together.
Yang Jian used transformation methods to turn a wooden carving into the form of an alluring woman. Nezha knocked out Earth-Walking Sun and placed him with the fake wooden woman. Dragon Princess Ji directly took out two types of pills given by her master.
Heart Fire pills for Earth-Walking Sun to take internally and apply externally, and Beast-Nature Suppression pills to control the drug’s effects afterward.
That night…
It’s hard to say, very complicated, the light of humanity and the darkness of bestial nature constantly intertwined, and the evil flower that finally bloomed withered rapidly.
After that, Earth-Walking Sun seemed to have changed his personality completely. When he saw female generals on the enemy side, he would strike ruthlessly without any mercy, and when he saw Dragon Princess Ji and other female immortals in the army, he wouldn’t even look at them directly.
A permanent version of the Sage’s Moment.
On the Shang army’s side, with the death of Grand Preceptor Wen Zhong, they seemed to lack the support of Severing Sect immortals.
However, in recent years, Shen Bao had been constantly persuading various immortals on different immortal islands not to clash head-on with the Clearing Sect, causing many Severing Sect immortals to become agitated and come to the Southern Continent in scattered groups, also gathering a large batch of calamity ash.
To block Zhou’s army’s advance, King Zhou relocated several hundred thousand troops responsible for defending Chaoge City to the western side.
King Zhou personally led the eastern expedition, hoping to end the eastern campaign early and deal with Zhou with full force.
The Great Shang seemed to have reached a deadly tribulation, and pacifying the East and West Feudal Lords was the key to Shang surviving this tribulation.
As mortal warfare blazed in all four directions, the power of the great calamity slowly but steadily receded with the loss of each immortal cultivator.
King Zhou’s eastern expedition greatly boosted the Shang army’s morale. The various feudal lords in the east continuously retreated and defended, seemingly about to be completely subdued by King Zhou within a year or two.
The Great Shang’s path grew increasingly wide, while the feudal lords’ path gradually became blocked.
On Little Qiong Peak.
Li Changshou gazed at the various situations shown in the sandbox, his eyes revealing slight contemplation but without any sense of assured victory.
On the contrary, Li Changshou had already seen the great pit in King Zhou’s path ahead.
One could only say that while personally leading the eastern expedition seemed clever, it took King Zhou away from the core power center of the Shang nation. Royal Uncle Bigan, who temporarily managed state affairs, might be unparalleled in judging cases, but his deterrent effect was somewhat insufficient.
For a time, undercurrents surged in Chaoge City, and these undercurrents were almost coming to the surface.
For some individuals with ulterior motives, this was also their last opportunity.
If King Zhou pacified the eastern regions and the feudal lords’ influence declined, even with the support of otherworldly immortals, Zhou might not be a match for King Zhou.
Unless the immortals disregarded the rules and directly slaughtered mortals.
“Why does Changgeng show no joy?”
The Dao Ancestor smiled and asked: “The current situation looks very favorable for the Shang nation, and you seem about to win this second round as well. Is there something you find amiss?”
Li Changshou smiled and sighed: “At this point, Shang’s chances of victory are no more than thirty percent.”
“Your prediction of victory chances is too pessimistic,” Hongjun Dao Ancestor said gently. “Many things can be estimated more optimistically, and you don’t need to assume the worst for everything.”
Li Changshou suddenly asked: “Ancestral Master, what do you think of King Zhou as a Human Emperor?”
The Dao Ancestor replied:
“Among mortals, he truly counts as a dragon among men. If he had been born in ancient times, say during the war between Xuanyuan and Chiyou, he could have fully displayed his abilities.
His previous ninety-nine lives were all under this poor Dao’s observation. His true nature, what temperament lies in his bones – this poor Dao understands it all clearly.
It’s just a pity he was born a mortal and at the end of Great Shang’s destiny.
Changgeng, what do you think of King Zhou?”
“Average.”
Li Changshou said: “From the Shang nation’s perspective, though he hasn’t made many mistakes, he hasn’t achieved much either.
For example, when he wanted to purge Jiang Huanchu’s influence from Chaoge City and instructed Fei Zhong and You Hun to work with Daji to frame Queen Jiang, though he tried to harden his heart to kill all the queen’s sons, both eldest and second.
But he ultimately hesitated, giving Yin Hong and Yin Jiao the chance to be rescued by Bigan.
For the environment he was in, wanting to be ruthless but unable to follow through – this was one of his great failures.
Of course, this matter lost righteousness, but that’s just analyzing it from the perspective of Shang’s internal and external difficulties.”
“You see,” the Dao Ancestor smiled, “you are just a bit too harsh.”
Li Changshou smiled and continued gazing at Chaoge City in the sandbox, then quickly added: “However, there is one point where I quite admire King Zhou.”
“Oh? Which point?”
“His backbone.”
Li Changshou smiled and said:
“Although King Zhou as a Human Emperor is indecisive at his core, his actions fall short of his ambitions, and he becomes inflated when flattered, since ascending the throne until now, he has always maintained a certain pride.
When this disciple was disguised as a Grand Historian in Chaoge City, he had already learned from Wen Zhong that this disciple could help them, but after this disciple refused once, he never mentioned it again.
Even when seeing me at Goddess Nuwa’s temple, he only exchanged a few greetings.
Now, Daji has surely told King Zhou about the conflict between the Clearing and Severing Sects, yet he has not once actively sought aid from the Severing Sect.
What makes me admire him even more is that he still observes his ancestral precepts, and has never once mentioned to his teacher Wen Zhong about cultivating himself or taking pills to extend his life.
This is the backbone of a mortal Human Emperor.”
The Dao Ancestor slowly nodded and smiled: “Mere self-righteousness.”
“Perhaps.”
Li Changshou smiled and continued observing the situation within, asking: “If this disciple loses this round, will Ancestral Master directly take Lord Wood’s life?”
Hongjun Dao Ancestor said: “Certainly not, just arrange some tribulations after the great calamity.
Haotian is now the ruler of the Three Realms, and this poor Dao lives in seclusion behind the scenes. Naturally, this poor Dao must consider the face of Haotian as Heavenly Emperor and won’t directly move against his beloved minister.”
“Then this disciple can rest assured.”
Li Changshou cupped his hands, and at this moment happened to see the golden light point representing King Zhou quickly returning to Chaoge City from the east. He couldn’t help but sigh softly and close his eyes.
Nine times out of ten, he had lost.
…
On a starry night, the rumbling sound of hoofbeats arose from the east of Chaoge City, disturbing many sleeping mortals.
The Great King’s Palace, quiet for several months, was now brightly lit. Bright lanterns were once again hung on the Star-Plucking Tower, and the most favored consort in the palace was preparing her appearance at her dressing table.
Soon, a palace maid came forward to report: “Your Highness, the Great King has first gone to the hall to gather the ministers for discussion.”
“He’s only just returned.”
Daji pursed her lips, and couldn’t help but complain, throwing aside the paper in her hand, “Call me when the Great King comes. I’ll sleep first.”
The surrounding palace maids each responded and attended to Daji as she went to rest on her couch.
In a side hall of the Great King’s Palace.
King Zhou sat on the throne, hand supporting his forehead, his face showing deep fatigue, yet he forced himself to stay alert as he listened to the ministers below reporting on military and government affairs from various places.
After Bigan finished reporting on the situation in Chaoge City, he seemed somewhat hesitant to continue.
King Zhou said: “Royal Uncle, just speak directly.”
“Great King, should we recall some troops from the border?”
Bigan said seriously: “Currently there aren’t many garrison troops in Chaoge City. If anyone causes trouble, the defensive deployment will be quite strained.”
“Aren’t there still many guards in the palace,” King Zhou frowned and said, “Now feudal lords everywhere are rebelling, Zhou kingdom repeatedly invades relying on those otherworldly immortals – without sufficient troops we fear we cannot hold on.
Chaoge City’s walls are high and strong, so there’s no need to worry too much.
Do this – let Feilian recruit some young and strong Shang civilians to fill the city’s defenses.”
Another minister said: “Your Majesty, the ancestral sacrifice ceremony will be ready in half a month. Will you return to the east immediately afterward?”
“Indeed,” King Zhou said slowly. “With my personal command, our Great Shang warriors fight bravely, winning battle after battle, the situation looks very promising.
In another half year, the east can be settled decisively.
The Great Shang’s only danger will be little Ji Fa in the west – nothing to worry about.
This time I’ve returned to Chaoge City, firstly to stabilize the overall situation, and secondly to sacrifice to the ancestors.
However, the ancestral sacrifice ceremony need not be too grand – slaughtering some cattle and sheep for offerings will do. Don’t let those shamans stay idle either, use them when needed.
Now that Great Shang is in the midst of battling treacherous officials, our ancestors surely won’t mind this matter.”
“We obey your command.”
“Hah—”
King Zhou yawned, and the elderly ministers below were about to take their leave when they heard him say: “The beloved ministers responsible for various departments’ grain and military equipment deployment, stay behind and report to me in detail about the expenditures these past few months.”
Several elderly ministers bowed to receive the order, while Bigan and other ministers took their leave.
In the great hall, the candlelight flickered constantly, and the Great King on the throne, looking increasingly aged, though weary in expression, maintained an unwavering gleam in his eyes.
On Little Qiong Peak, Li Changshou still sat with closed eyes.
However, Hongjun Dao Ancestor now had his eyes half-open, watching the situation in the Southern Continent with great interest, as if watching something amusing.
In the central region of the Southern Continent, in the main camp of Zhou’s eastern expedition army.
Several generals of the Ji surname bowed and withdrew, and King Wu Ji Fa’s great tent became quiet once again.
Palace maids came forward to help the King remove his armor, and this ‘Great King’ with a middle-aged face soon lay down on his bed, his eyes full of worry.
Why was the situation somewhat different from what the Clearing Sect immortals had said?
Hadn’t they said Great Shang only had a few years of destiny left? Why did it now show signs of revival?
With King Zhou’s eastern expedition, the collapse of the Jiang family in the east was far faster than any feudal lord had predicted.
Now most feudal lords harbored doubts – if Great Shang could subdue the six hundred cities in the east in a short time, surely many feudal lords would pledge loyalty to Great Shang again.
Ji Fa was no stranger to such situations.
He was now the patriarch of the Ji family, and both inside and outside the Zhou kingdom were controlled by the Ji family. Most feudal lords were in similar situations.
Kinship was trust.
Many great families could, when necessary, sacrifice their patriarch in exchange for the entire clan’s glory.
If these feudal lords pledged allegiance to Great Shang again, they naturally had their methods…
“Ah.”
Ji Fa sighed softly.
The Clearing Sect immortals had too many rules – they wouldn’t give him a single pill when he asked, refused when he requested immortals to directly participate in battle, and had many requirements regarding his conduct as Zhou’s king.
They truly had become a group of ancestors to answer to.
These thoughts he kept to himself – Ji Fa naturally understood that the Zhou kingdom now relied entirely on the Clearing Sect’s support.
Their previous national strength had first been depleted by North Feudal Lord Chong Houhu, then further consumed by Wen Zhong’s consecutive Western expeditions.
If they lost this eastern expedition, their Zhou kingdom couldn’t bear the cost either.
‘The last chance.’
“Great King, Great King!”
Several calls came from outside the tent, and Ji Fa immediately sat up, reaching for the long sword beside his pillow.
“What is it?”
“Great King, the Clearing Sect immortal Master Guangcheng Zi requests an audience!”
Guangcheng Zi?
Ji Fa instantly became energized, “Quickly invite him in!”
Those outside responded, and Guangcheng Zi directly rode his cloud into the great tent, with an elderly man in brocade robes on the cloud with him.
Ji Fa quickly arranged his clothes and stepped forward, clasping his hands in greeting to Guangcheng Zi.
Guangcheng Zi got straight to the point, saying seriously: “Great King, now is the time to attack Shang. King Zhou has returned to Chaoge City to prepare for the ancestral sacrifice ceremony.
Great King can lead light cavalry in a surprise attack on Chaoge.
When the time comes, the city gates will open of their own accord, and you can directly storm into King Zhou’s palace, deciding everything in one stroke.”
Ji Fa couldn’t help but frown, looking at Guangcheng Zi’s serious expression, trying to see if this immortal was joking.
A surprise attack… on Chaoge City?