Chapter 718: Guang Chengzi Devises a Plan for a Surprise Attack

What Does It Mean to Live Like a Year?

For Ling E and the spirit of Hun Yuan Zhong, this period truly felt like each day was a year.

They dared not leave Xiao Qiong Peak, dared not speak carelessly, dared not tremble, dared not even breathe too heavily...

Originally, Ling E had been quite composed about the arrival of Hong Jun Dao Zu, but after experiencing that profound sense of oppression from a being on a higher existential level, she began to feel anxious.

However, Hong Jun Dao Zu and her senior brother seemed to be locked in some ethereal contest. After sharing a meal, they sat motionless in the forest.

The atmosphere was even somewhat serene.

Beneath Hun Yuan Zhong, Ling E gazed at the transparent bell wall in front of her and asked softly:

“Shixiong, is he alright?”

“It seems like he’s fine,” the spirit of Hun Yuan Zhong replied, her voice full of uncertainty, “but it also seems like something’s wrong. Right now, it’s somewhere between fine and not fine. We can’t tell for sure unless we go over there.”

Ling E couldn’t help but press her hand to her forehead. “How long has it been?”

“A few hundred days and nights, I suppose,” the spirit sighed. “They seem to be waiting for something. I have to say, your shixiong is really something— even someone as formidable as Hong Jun Dao Zu is treating him with a smile.”

Ling E whispered, “Maybe it’s because our master ancestor really likes shixiong.”

“Impossible,” the spirit murmured. “Your shixiong’s path of equilibrium inherently puts him at odds with the Heavenly Dao.”

“Alright,” Ling E pondered for a moment. “How about I go invite Yu Di His Majesty to come?”

“Don’t stir up more trouble,” the spirit warned. “Yu Di His Majesty is just a disciple of Hong Jun Dao Zu—what good would it do to find him? Are you expecting him to plead with Hong Jun Dao Zu?

His position is already awkward enough. His authority was granted by Hong Jun Dao Zu, and if he turned against Hong Jun because of your shixiong, that would be utterly absurd.

So at a time like this, calling on Yu Di His Majesty would be less useful than seeking out Tai Qing Sheng Ren.”

“Then, can we go to Tai Qing Sheng Ren?”

“You’re being silly. If Tai Qing Sheng Ren is that powerful, how could he not notice Hong Jun Dao Zu is here?”

From the inner wall of Hun Yuan Zhong, a small hand formed of spiritual energy reached out and tapped Ling E on the head.

“Just wait. Maybe they’ll move soon.”

“Mm,” Ling E replied, continuing to stare at the transparent bell wall, watching the scene in the forest, lost in thought for a moment.

Without any warning, Li Changshou and Hong Jun Dao Zu both stirred.

Li Changshou opened his eyes and looked at the sand table in front of him, while Hong Jun Dao Zu smiled faintly at the corners of his mouth, though he did not open his eyes.

On the sand table, in the central region of Nan Zhan Bu Zhou, points of light were converging from all directions.

The matter of Zhou overthrowing Shang had begun.

Shang’s key border fortresses were heavily guarded, and its elite troops were currently attacking the various eastern vassals, nearly shattering the forces of the Jiang family.

Jiang Hunchu’s son, Jiang Wenhuan, sought aid from the Zhou state. Zhou’s King Wu, Ji Fa, summoned the vassals to ally at Chaoge City, putting immense pressure on Shang’s defenses from all sides.

Li Changshou stared intently at the sand table, observing the movements at each fortress.

Half a month later,

Most of the vassals achieved little success. In fact, the northern vassals even fell into internal strife, with some pledging loyalty to Shang again, which the Shang ruler accepted.

On the western front, although Zhou had the support of many Chan Jiao immortals, their own forces were not particularly strong. They broke through two fortresses in succession but suffered heavy losses, making further advances impossible.

The Chan Jiao immortals were quite concerned with their own reputations and mostly only targeted the qi refiners mixed in with Shang’s troops.

Even disciples like Yang Jian, Nezha, and Lei Zhenzi, who held military positions, only fulfilled the duties expected of ordinary mortal generals during battles.

At this time, the daughter of the Heavenly Emperor and disciple of Taibai Jinxing, Longji Gongzhu, had entered the Zhou camp. She was specifically there to assist Yang Jian and look after young Nezha, occasionally attending pre-battle meetings. Due to her intimidating reputation, few dared to provoke her.

Disciples such as Tuxing Sun from Master Fuliu Sun’s line, Huang Tianhua from Master Qingxu Daode Zhenjun’s line, and Yang Ren had also successively joined the Zhou army.

Tuxing Sun was skilled in earth escape, but his character was somewhat unreliable. Earlier, he had set his sights on a female general in the Shang army and used his immortal arts to capture her, intending to have his way with her that night.

When Yang Jian, Nezha, and Lei Zhenzi heard about this, they frowned deeply.

This wasn’t the first time Tuxing Sun had done something like this.

Longji Gongzhu was particularly angry and invoked the strict teachings of her master, persuading Yang Jian and Nezha to take action together.

Yang Jian used his transformation arts to turn a wooden carving into a seductive woman’s form. Nezha knocked Tuxing Sun unconscious and placed him next to the wooden figure. Longji Gongzhu then produced two types of pills given to her by her master.

One was the Heart Fire Pill, to be taken internally and applied externally, and the other was the Immortal Beast Tempering Pill to control the effects.

That night...

It’s hard to say—it was complicated, a mix of humanity’s light and darkness intertwining, with the flowers of vice blooming and wilting rapidly.

After that, Tuxing Sun seemed to have a complete change of heart. Whenever he encountered enemy female generals, he showed no mercy, killing them outright, and in the army, he wouldn’t even glance at female immortals like Longji Gongzhu.

A moment of sage-like wisdom, eternally engraved.

On Shang’s side, with the death of Grand Preceptor Wen Zhong, it appeared they lacked support from Jie Jiao immortals.

However, Shen Bao had spent the past few years traveling to various immortal islands, urging fellow immortals not to clash directly with Chan Jiao, which led many Jie Jiao immortals to arrive sporadically in Nan Zhan Bu Zhou, gathering a large group of tribulation-tainted individuals.

To block Zhou’s advance, Di Xin transferred hundreds of thousands of troops originally guarding Chaoge City to the west.

Di Xin personally led an eastern campaign, aiming to quickly end the eastern conquests and focus on dealing with Zhou.

Shang seemed to be facing its final calamity, and subduing the eastern and western lords was key to surviving it.

The flames of mortal war burned fiercely, and as immortal warriors fell one by one, the power of the great tribulation slowly but steadily waned.

Di Xin’s eastern campaign greatly boosted Shang’s morale, forcing the eastern vassals to retreat and defend, seemingly on the verge of being fully subdued by him within a year or two.

Shang’s path grew wider, while the vassals’ roads began to narrow.

On Xiao Qiong Peak,

Li Changshou gazed at the various scenarios on the sand table, his eyes reflecting deep thought, but he showed no sign of confidence in victory.

Instead, Li Changshou had already spotted the major pitfall ahead for Di Xin.

One could only say that leading the campaign personally seemed clever but actually distanced Di Xin from Shang’s core of power. The regent, Wang Shu Bigan, was exceptional at handling cases and judgments but lacked sufficient authority.

For a time, Chaoge City was rife with undercurrents, nearly surfacing openly.

For those with ulterior motives, this was their last chance.

If Di Xin managed to stabilize the east, the vassals’ momentum would decline, and even with external immortal support, Zhou might not stand against him.

Unless the immortals ignored all rules and slaughtered mortals directly.

“Why does Changgeng show no sign of joy?”

Hong Jun Dao Zu asked with a smile, “The situation is clearly favorable for Shang now, and it seems your second move will succeed. Is there something you find amiss?”

Li Changshou sighed with a smile, “At this point, Shang’s chances of victory are only about thirty percent.”

“Your prediction of the odds is too pessimistic,” Hong Jun Dao Zu said warmly. “Many things can be viewed more optimistically, and you don’t need to plan for the worst in everything.”

Li Changshou suddenly asked, “Master ancestor, what do you think of Di Xin as a human emperor?”

Hong Jun Dao Zu replied:

“Among mortals, he is indeed a dragon among men. If he had been born in ancient times, such as during the battles of Huangdi and Chiyou, he could have made his mark.

I have watched over his ninety-nine previous lives, so I know his true nature and inherent temperament clearly.

Unfortunately, he was born into the mortal world, and at the end of Shang’s destiny.

What do you think of Di Xin, Changgeng?”

“Average.”

Li Changshou said, “From Shang’s perspective, he has few major faults, but he hasn’t accomplished much either.

For example, when he wanted to eliminate Jiang Hunchu’s influence in Chaoge City and instructed Fei Zhong and You Hun to work with Daji to frame the Jiang queen, he tried to steel himself and kill his legitimate eldest and second sons.

But in the end, he hesitated, giving Yin Hong and Yin Jiao a chance to be saved by Bigan.

In his environment, wanting to be ruthless but failing to be—that’s his greatest flaw.

Of course, that lost him benevolence, but I’m analyzing it purely from Shang’s internal and external predicaments.”

“Look at that,” Hong Jun Dao Zu laughed, “you’re just too harsh.”

Li Changshou smiled and continued staring at Chaoge City on the sand table, soon adding, “But there’s one thing I do admire about Di Xin.”

“Oh? What’s that?”

“His backbone.”

Li Changshou said with a smile:

“Although Di Xin as a human emperor is indecisive at heart, overreaches in his actions, and gets carried away by flattery, he has always maintained a sense of pride from the moment he ascended the throne.

When I once disguised myself as the royal historian in Chaoge City, he learned from Wen Zhong that I could help them, but after I refused once, he never brought it up again.

Even when he saw me at the Nüwa Temple, he only exchanged a few greetings.

Now, Daji has surely told him all about the conflict between Chan Jiao and Jie Jiao, yet he has never once actively sought aid from Jie Jiao.

What I admire most about him is that he still adheres to his ancestral teachings, never once mentioning to his teacher Wen Zhong anything about his own cultivation or taking pills to extend his life.

That’s the pride of a mortal human emperor.”

Hong Jun Dao Zu nodded slowly and said with a smile, “It’s just self-conceit, that’s all.”

“Perhaps.”

Li Changshou smiled, continuing to watch the situation inside, and asked, “If I lose this round, will you directly take Elder Mu’s life?”

Hong Jun Dao Zu said, “Of course not. I would just arrange some tribulations for him after the great calamity.

Haotian is now the ruler of the Three Realms, and I’ve retired behind the scenes, so I must consider the face of this Heavenly Emperor and won’t directly touch his favored minister.”

“Then I’m relieved.”

Li Changshou cupped his hands in salute. Just then, he noticed the golden light point representing Di Xin rapidly returning to Chaoge City from the east, and he couldn’t help but sigh softly, closing his eyes.

Ninety percent chance of loss.

That night, the thunder of galloping horses echoed from the eastern gate of Chaoge City, disturbing many sleeping mortals.

The lamps in the royal palace, dim for months, now blazed with light. On the Zixing Tower, bright lanterns were hung once more, and the most favored consort was at her dressing table, tidying her appearance.

Soon, a palace maid came forward to report, “Your Highness, the king has gone to the hall to summon the ministers for discussion.”

“He’s only just returned.”

Daji pursed her lips, complaining softly as she tossed the paper in her hand aside. “Tell me when the king arrives. I’m going to sleep first.”

The palace maids acknowledged and attended to Daji as she rested on the bed.

In a side hall of the royal palace,

Di Xin sat on the throne, rubbing his forehead with one hand, his face etched with exhaustion, yet he forced himself to stay alert and listen to the reports from the ministers below on military and state affairs.

After Bigan finished describing the situation in Chaoge City, he hesitated slightly.

Di Xin said, “Uncle, speak freely.”

“Your Majesty, should we transfer some troops from the borders?”

Bigan said seriously, “The guards in Chaoge City are few now. If trouble arises, defense and mobilization will be strained.”

“The palace still has many guards,” Di Xin frowned. “With vassals rebelling on all fronts and Zhou relying on those external immortals to invade repeatedly, we can’t afford to pull troops without sufficient forces.

Chaoge City has high walls and strong defenses, so there’s no need to worry too much.

Just have Fei Lian conscript some able-bodied commoners to bolster the city defenses.”

Another minister said, “Your Majesty, the ancestral sacrifices are ready in half a month. Will you return to the east immediately after?”

“Yes,” Di Xin said slowly. “I am leading the campaign personally, and our Shang warriors are fighting bravely, winning battle after battle. The situation is excellent.

In another half year, we can settle the east once and for all.

Then, Shang’s crisis will only be from the west—that child Ji Fa is no threat.

This time, I’ve returned to Chaoge City to stabilize the realm and to honor our ancestors.

But keep the ancestral rites simple—just sacrifice some cattle and sheep, and put those shamans to work. Use what’s needed.

Shang is in the midst of war with traitors, so our ancestors surely won’t mind.”

“We obey your command.”

“Ha—”

Di Xin yawned, and as the ministers below prepared to take their leave, he added, “The ministers in charge of grain, supplies, and weaponry, stay behind and report in detail on the expenditures for these months.”

The officials bowed in acknowledgment, while Bigan and the other ministers withdrew.

In the hall, the candle flames flickered endlessly, and on the throne, the aging king, though weary, still had a sharp glint in his eyes.

On Xiao Qiong Peak, Li Changshou remained seated with his eyes closed.

Hong Jun Dao Zu, however, had half-opened his eyes, watching the situation in Nan Zhan Bu Zhou with great interest, as if observing some amusing affair.

In the central region of Nan Zhan Bu Zhou, at the Zhou army’s main camp,

Several Ji surname generals bowed and took their leave, leaving King Wu Ji Fa’s tent quiet once more.

A palace maid stepped forward to help him remove his armor, and this middle-aged “king” soon lay on his bed, his eyes full of worry.

Why was the situation so different from what the Chan Jiao immortals had described?

Weren’t they saying Shang had only a few years of fate left? Why does it now seem like they’re experiencing a revival?

Di Xin’s eastern campaign crushed the eastern Jiang family faster than the vassals had anticipated.

Now, most vassals harbored doubts. If Shang could quickly reclaim the six hundred eastern cities, many would likely pledge loyalty to Shang again.

Ji Fa was no stranger to such situations.

As the head of the Ji family, with the entire Zhou state under Ji control, the vassals were much the same.

When necessary, many great clans could sacrifice their leader for the family’s prosperity.

If these vassals switched back to Shang, they would have their own methods...

Ji Fa sighed softly.

The Chan Jiao immortals had too many rules—they wouldn’t even give him a single pill and refused to let their immortals fight directly, while imposing many restrictions on his words and actions as Zhou’s king.

It was like inviting a group of ancestors to oversee him.

Of course, he only thought this silently. Ji Fa knew full well that Zhou now relied entirely on Chan Jiao’s support.

Their national strength had already been depleted—half by Northern Duke Chong Houhu’s mismanagement and the rest by Wen Zhong’s repeated western campaigns.

If this eastern campaign failed, Zhou couldn’t withstand the blow.

‘It’s the last chance.’

“Your Majesty, Your Majesty!”

A call came from outside the tent, and Ji Fa sat up at once, gripping the sword by his pillow.

“What is it?”

“Your Majesty, Chan Jiao immortal Guang Chengzi requests an audience!”

Guang Chengzi?

Ji Fa perked up immediately. “Quick, invite him in!”

A voice outside assented, and Guang Chengzi rode the clouds directly into the tent, bringing with him an elder in brocade robes.

Ji Fa straightened his clothes and hurried forward, bowing to Guang Chengzi.

Guang Chengzi got straight to the point, saying seriously, “Your Majesty, this is the time to overthrow Shang. Di Xin has returned to Chaoge City to prepare for the ancestral sacrifices.

You could lead a light cavalry for a surprise attack on Chaoge.

The city gates will open on their own, and you can charge straight to Di Xin’s palace, deciding the fate of the realm in one stroke.”

Ji Fa frowned, looking at Guang Chengzi’s serious face, wondering if the immortal was joking.

A surprise attack... on Chaoge City?