The road to Zhao Ge City was long and arduous; even without any obstacles, it would take at least half a month to reach. Marching an army there would inevitably attract scouts and spies, making a surprise attack impossible.
Within Zhao Ge City, the number of merchants and civilians was countless. Even if the city gates were opened as agreed, who could say it wouldn't turn into a quagmire, trapping the army deep inside?
How could Di Xin be caught off guard? Any movement of troops here would alert the Shang forces, and if they attacked from both front and rear, our army would be in grave danger.
Late at night, in the Zhou army camp.
The Zhou ministers discussed the idea of a surprise attack, deeming it unreliable, but those skilled at reading faces remained silent.
Ji Fa furrowed his brow deeply, his eyes flickering with determination.
Glancing at Guang Chengzi seated nearby, Ji Fa stood up and declared firmly:
"Di Xin is tyrannical and cruel; now is the time to raise troops against him!
Our Zhou army has only a few hundred thousand fighters. From here to Zhao Ge City, the Shang forces number over a million!
A surprise attack is our only chance. Fighting straight through would exhaust our forces, even with immortals aiding us.
Where is the Grand Tutor?"
Jiang Shang, who had been silent, rose and responded, "I am here."
"Grand Tutor, you will command the main army and coordinate from the center. I need to mobilize all the elite troops, horses, chariots, and exotic beasts. You must lead the remaining forces here to draw the Shang army's attention.
I will take the elite units and circle around from the western Feng Valley, rushing straight to Zhao Ge City!"
Ji Fa's voice was unyieldingly resolute.
Jiang Shang whispered, "Your Majesty, can we trust the person who made the agreement? That messenger didn't even reveal his master's name; it's truly suspicious..."
Ji Fa laughed. "With Chan Jiao immortals as guarantors, I have no worries."
Guang Chengzi added from the side, "Great King, you need only lead the army. I will arrange all matters.
Though we immortals cannot directly interfere in mortal royal successions, we can provide favorable winds, boost the horses' strength, and eliminate enemy commanders.
For this surprise attack on Zhao Ge City, I will protect you personally to ensure absolute safety."
"Good!"
Ji Fa declared firmly, "My dear ministers, no need to persuade me further. My mind is set. Prepare the army tonight, and tomorrow, launch a feint attack from the front while I lead the troops on a surprise assault to Zhao Ge City!"
The ministers bowed their heads in acceptance, and Guang Chengzi nodded slightly.
Jiang Shang pondered for a moment and asked, "Great King, Zhao Ge City is filled with Shang people. Though Di Xin is tyrannical, he still has the support of the Shang populace. If you force an attack with just over a hundred thousand troops, it may not be enough."
From the corner of the tent, the elderly man in fine robes who had arrived with Guang Chengzi stepped forward half a pace and bowed.
"But if the Great King advances, the city's people will not oppose you. My master has made complete preparations."
Jiang Shang said, "Great King, what if this is Di Xin's trick?"
Guang Chengzi frowned slightly. "Jiang Shang, are you doubting even me?"
"I dare not."
Jiang Shang lowered his gaze respectfully. Knowing his worries could not change anything that night, he saluted Ji Fa and sighed,
"Great King, this old minister wishes to accompany you. Leave the feint attack to Ji Dan. Only by being at your side can I feel at ease and arrange battle formations to respond in time."
Ji Fa considered this and nodded slowly. "That would be more secure. I appreciate your effort, Uncle."
"This old minister will now mobilize the elites and go instruct Ji Dan on defense matters." Jiang Shang bowed and took his leave, the white-haired elder moving with swift steps.
The next day at noon, the Zhou army split into two: one for a frontal feint to distract the Shang forces, the other heading south at high speed, quickly vanishing from the Shang scouts' sight.
After several days of searching, the Shang army discovered this Zhou force near Mu Ye and urgently reported to Zhao Ge City.
Fei Lian wanted to deploy troops to encircle them, but the Zhou army's speed was unprecedented. Before defenses could be set up, they had already penetrated deep into Shang territory, advancing on Zhao Ge City!
Dark clouds loomed over Zhao Ge City.
The ancestral sacrifices for the Great Shang were imminent, but Di Xin and the Shang ministers believed the Zhou army would be exhausted from the march and decided not to abandon the city.
In the grand hall, dozens of Shang generals knelt before the throne, volunteering to lead troops against the Zhou forces.
After careful thought, Di Xin ordered Fei Lian and Wu Lai, father and son, to personally command the expedition.
But problems arose.
Zhao Ge City had no extra troops to spare; the remaining forces were the minimum needed for defense.
Thus, Di Xin issued a decree to conscript able-bodied slaves from the city. If they won this battle, all participating slaves would be freed, receive money and silk, land, and the freedom to live in Zhao Ge City.
In one night, hundreds of thousands of able-bodied men responded.
The city's granaries were emptied, gathering endless supplies of grain, cloth armor, and weapons. In a short time, hundreds of thousands of new recruits were assembled, led by several thousand elites, and sent to the battlefield near Zhao Ge City.
At Mu Ye.
After several days of marching and intensive training by the Shang generals, the new recruits understood signals like the advance drum and the retreat gong.
Behind the swiftly moving Zhou army, other forces pursued. If they could intercept the Zhou troops here, the Zhou would be helpless, and Zhao Ge City would be safe.
That day, the sky was overcast.
The Zhou army of over a hundred thousand appeared on the horizon, chariots rumbling and horses thundering, exuding a fierce aura as they formed ranks at Mu Ye against the Shang forces.
They did not set up camp or cook; each soldier simply ate their dry rations and water, showing no sign of fatigue.
In contrast, Ji Fa, seated in his chariot, had his eyes closed in concentration, his face pale. Though attended by soldiers, he looked as if he might faint at any moment.
This was the expected result of a forced march over several days.
At the front of the Zhou lines, Jiang Shang sat on a qilin-like beast, scanning the Shang formations and nodding subtly.
He then glanced back at the Zhou soldiers, his eyes filled with helplessness and a sigh.
How could Jiang Shang not know what was happening?
On the first night of their rest after setting out, while he was in his tent, Guang Chengzi had found him and placed a precious pouch on the table before him.
They sat across a long table.
"Senior brother, what is this?"
"Ling Yuan Dan."
Guang Chengzi whispered, "In the ancient war between the human race and the demon court, thirty thousand demon soldiers willingly fell to darkness and burned their souls to overthrow the demon heaven.
During the battle between Xuan Yuan and Chi You, though Chi You's tribe was smaller, their strength was formidable. To match the semi-witch forces, Xuan Yuan ordered alchemists to create this Ling Yuan Dan, which awakens human potential.
But there's a catch: it was meant for cultivators, and now the Zhou army consists of mere mortals."
Jiang Shang's fingers trembled. "Senior brother, is it appropriate to use this on mortals?"
Guang Chengzi said, "There are three hundred pills in here, which can be dissolved into the army's drinking water.
After taking it, mortals will feel no fatigue for a month, their combat strength will increase, and they will have endless energy.
Once the effects wear off, they will sleep for a few days, but it won't harm them."
"Truly no harm?" Jiang Shang pressed.
Guang Chengzi smiled. "Junior brother, what do you think could go wrong?"
"Though my cultivation is shallow, I know the limits of mortal strength. A whole month of endless energy—unless it's a perfect nine-turn spirit pill—means it's consuming the soldiers' lives!"
Guang Chengzi fell silent.
"Senior brother," Jiang Shang whispered, "This will damage your virtue!"
Guang Chengzi sighed and closed his eyes. "Junior brother, we have no other choice.
If Di Xin wins the Shang-Zhou conflict, Jie Jiao will gain immense momentum, and their disciples will swarm us, which we cannot withstand.
Jie Jiao's ten thousand immortals array against Jade Void Palace's mere hundreds—we can't afford a single misstep.
The battle at Mu Ye is a contest of destinies between Zhou and Shang. As long as Ji Fa breaks into Zhao Ge City and enters the royal palace, he can seize the rightful rule of Nan Continent; even if Di Xin escapes, it won't matter.
Junior brother, the fate of Chan Jiao and Zhou hangs on you."
Jiang Shang said nothing, holding the pouch as if it weighed a thousand pounds.
"Senior brother, how much lifespan will this cost the soldiers?"
"Fifteen years."
"I need to inform them of this."
"Junior brother, you mustn't," Guang Chengzi said. "It will unsettle the troops. You must weigh what's important—this is for establishing Zhou's foundation.
Moreover, we're already deep in Shang territory, with pursuers behind and enemies ahead. If we don't move quickly, these hundred thousand won't even get the chance to lose their lifespan.
Junior brother, the world has suffered under Shang for too long."
Jiang Shang gripped the pouch tightly and gritted his teeth. "That's the vassals suffering under Shang!
This is merely a struggle for power among the lords—what about the common people?
Senior brother, please leave!
I will make the decision before dawn."
Guang Chengzi nodded with a smile, unoffended by the dismissal, and vanished with the wind.
That night, Jiang Shang's hair turned even whiter.
But before dawn, he sighed, drawing on his own merits and virtues. He summoned the army's cooks, added the 'strengthening immortal pills' to the drinking water, and reported the matter to Ji Fa.
The effects of the Ling Yuan Dan were terrifying; even ordinary people gained the power to tear apart tigers and leopards.
Ah...
Jiang Shang raised his wooden whip high, and drums echoed from all sides.
Ji Fa rose from his chariot, took a deep breath, steadied himself, drew his sword, and was surrounded by generals as he moved to the front.
"Attention, all troops!"
Ji Fa shouted loudly, his voice carried by immortals across hundreds of miles.
"As the ancients said: 'When the hen crows at dawn, the household will fall.'
Now, the Shang king heeds only his wife's words, abandoning his duties and ignoring his ancestors, parents, and brothers!
Thus, the four directions are filled with crimes and evils, which he exalts and empowers, appointing them as officials and lords, allowing tyranny over the people and corruption in the cities.
Now, I, Ji Fa, humbly carry out Heaven's punishment.
Today, do not falter at six or seven steps—halt only when order is given. Be diligent, my warriors! Do not falter at four, five, six, or seven assaults—halt only when order is given.
Be diligent, my warriors! Be valiant as tigers and leopards, as bears and wild boars, in the suburbs of Shang.
Do not fail to rush forward and serve the western lands. Be diligent, my warriors!
If you do not strive, punishment will be upon you!"
A young soldier at the front turned to his older comrade and whispered, "What is the king saying?"
"What's it matter?" the veteran grumbled. "Just fight!"
At that moment, Ji Fa raised his sword high.
"Advance, all troops!
Charge to Zhao Ge City!"
The army roared in response, chariots thundering and horses neighing as the Zhou forces surged forward in a direct assault.
Like a mountain flood, they crashed into the Shang lines.
Among the Shang forces, many commanders sensed something was wrong, but before they could react, the Zhou army was upon them!
At Xiao Qiong Peak, in the forest tea house.
Li Changshou frowned deeply, staring at the burly Daoist before him.
"Master Ancestor."
"This matter was not of my scheming," Hong Jun Dao Ancestor said warmly. "Since I am here engaging you in this ethereal contest, I will make no arrangements.
The Shang-Zhou conflict, since you slew Quasi-Ti, has followed this path.
You eliminated Quasi-Ti, advancing the Heavenly Way to its ninth sequence, and showed favor to Jie Jiao with Zhao Gongming entering the Heavenly Court in the top ten. How do you think Chan Jiao disciples feel?
Guang Chengzi is unskilled in combat but has decent cultivation; however, he is wholly focused on countering Chan Jiao's crisis.
He, unlike you, cannot easily detach from the calamity and observe from afar. Trapped in the game, his anxiety leads him to extreme measures.
Chang Geng, this is the power of great trends."
Li Changshou scoffed. "Master Ancestor, you are distancing yourself too cleanly.
Is this a great trend?
Without your grand design, without your ordained destiny, how could such a trend exist?
Guang Chengzi's actions are indeed improper; I will settle the karma with him later. But under your arrangements, his options were limited to just two or three.
The players in the game are at fault, but the one who set the game is the root of the evil."
Hong Jun Dao Ancestor nodded slowly.
"What you say is correct, from the perspective of those in the game.
But Chang Geng, I can no longer stand within it.
I have no desires, no pursuits; my thoughts are only for the benefit of Heaven and Earth, my actions for their eternal continuance. That is... the price of merging with the Dao."
Li Changshou fell silent.
He soon continued, "Master Ancestor, I have long wondered: if the stars had a will, could they understand and communicate with living beings?
Now, it seems, they cannot."
"Oh? Why?"
"You are the evidence."
Li Changshou sighed lightly, focusing again on the sand table before him, where scenes projected into his mind, revealing the state of affairs everywhere.
Though the Shang army included many slaves, the new recruits resisted separately.
The Zhou army advanced like a battering ram, breaking through the Shang lines entirely, like a flood bursting a dam. In half a day, they regrouped and pressed on toward Zhao Ge City under the cover of night!
Rumors spread wildly in Zhao Ge City.
Zhou's Wu Wang Ji Fa is destined by Heaven; divine soldiers have descended, and Shang's fate is sealed.
Divinations and sacrifices show that Zhou will destroy Shang, and Wu Wang is Heaven's son.
The Zhou army numbers in the millions, all bloodthirsty, with generals eating people in public!
Wu Wang has ordered no harm to civilians or nobles; the assault on Zhao Ge City is only to avenge his grandfather, father, and elder brother!
What Li Changshou saw was the undercurrent surging beneath Zhao Ge City, erupting overnight. The situation in the city had completely spiraled out of control.
Nobles' guards disrupted order, black-clad private soldiers and cultivators assaulted the city gates.
Bandits roamed, setting fires everywhere.
Bewildered civilians, former ministers denouncing Di Xin's lack of virtue, and witch groups shouting that Di Xin was abandoned by Heaven's ancestors—all appeared in the streets.
"What is this?" Li Changshou chuckled bitterly. "Human effort against immortal magic?"
Hong Jun Dao Ancestor shook his head slightly. "This is the darkness of the human heart."
"Are you trying to advise me not to worry too much about living beings?"
"Indeed. Even if you oppose the Heavenly Way for them, they will feel no gratitude or respect."
Hong Jun said indifferently,
"The hearts of living beings are greedy; for their own selfish desires and pleasures, they care nothing for others' lives.
You think of striving for their freedom; I think of how to ensure living beings and Heaven and Earth endure longer.
After eons of contemplation, I found that reducing their desires is the only answer.
Freedom must be constrained; indulgence leads only to disaster."
Li Changshou replied, "But it should not be Heaven and Earth imposing the constraints."
Hong Jun shook his head. "Before the temptation of freedom, people cannot constrain themselves."
"Yet a collective can. When individual actions are bound by the moral standards and norms of the group, and when goodness is upheld as a collective value, self-constraint can be achieved indirectly."
"The evil in living beings is merely hidden; a little provocation brings it out, without eliminating the threat."
"A collective not only unleashes evil but also goodness in living beings."
Li Changshou said, "A mature individual understands that reality contains both good and evil; we must condemn evil and promote good to maintain the collective's environment.
Master Ancestor, you seem to use Guang Chengzi as an example to persuade me, but he represents neither living beings as a whole nor even the Chan Jiao immortals.
Our ideologies differ fundamentally.
Good and evil coexist; why can't Heaven and Earth show more tolerance for them?
The Heavenly Way should be impartial; as its pioneer, you should guide living beings toward goodness. Why, after merging, does it choose to suppress them?"
Hong Jun sighed. "If Chang Geng were in my position, you would understand."
"More empty words."
Li Changshou said, "If Master Ancestor can give a specific reason, I will take my people and leave the wilderness, becoming one of the escaped, fulfilling the Heavenly Way and you."
A sharp glint flashed in Hong Jun's eyes.
"You can't say it," Li Changshou sighed. "Heaven and Earth have no nature; where do extraneous emotions arise?"
"Watch the show."
Hong Jun's expression turned displeased, but he said no more and closed his eyes.
Li Changshou shook his head and refocused on the situation in Zhao Ge City, his gaze falling on the royal palace.
"Great King, the city is in panic, rumors are rampant! Bandits are causing chaos and setting fires everywhere!"
"Great King! Ji Fa came prepared; there are traitors inside colluding with him!"
"That Zhou army is suspicious; each soldier fights like a hundred! This must be the work of immortals; otherwise, our generals wouldn't have retreated so badly!"
"Please, Great King, temporarily withdraw!"
"Please, Great King, temporarily withdraw!"
Below the throne, the Shang ministers knelt and shouted repeatedly.
On the throne, Di Xin stared blankly at the gates, the sky outside dyed orange by flames.
"What have I done wrong... Whom have I trusted wrongly?"
" Great King!"
Prince Bi Gan rushed in from outside, gasping for breath but shouting,
"Please, Great King, move to the east at once! Our Shang elite troops are on the eastern campaign!
This defeat is not your fault, nor the soldiers'! Withdraw from this deadly crisis today, and tomorrow you can rally from the east to retake Zhao Ge City! The Shang people are united; we will not fail you!"
"Shut up!"
Di Xin roared, standing and cursing, "Am I the kind of king who flees in cowardice? Do I fear that Ji Fa brat?"
" Great King!"
Bi Gan said firmly, "Do not act on impulse now; the foundation of Great Shang rests on your shoulders!"
"The ancestors are watching me! The ancestors are all watching!"
Di Xin's eyes were bloodshot. "I will lead the troops myself; I will fight that Ji Fa brat!"
Bi Gan shouted, " Great King, our Shang army has not been defeated!"
"Report—the west gate has fallen; Zhou forces have broken through and are heading for the palace! Their numbers are countless!"
" Great King! You must leave now!"
"Do not fight for this moment's victory!"
"All of you, shut up!"
Di Xin bellowed, "Get out, all of you!"
"Your Majesty," Bi Gan stepped forward quickly, "Zi Shou! Pull yourself together!"
"How dare you, Bi Gan! Addressing me by name directly!"
Di Xin gritted his teeth and cursed, "Guards, take Bi Gan to prison, whip him ten times, and make him the scapegoat for Shang's sins!"
Dozens of armored soldiers rushed in from outside, seizing Bi Gan.
"Who dares approach!"
Bi Gan turned and roared, his aged face fierce. He looked up at Di Xin and said resolutely,
" Great King, I know your intentions. Even if the Zhou army takes Zhao Ge City today and seizes the mandate, they cannot hold Shang territory. They will need a figure to stabilize the Shang people—I will not die.
But Great King! Oh, Great King!
I served the previous emperor and you for decades without a single error; I am a Shang minister, a prince of Shang, your uncle!
How can I not understand the greater trends?
I hear the Grand Tutor is of Jie Jiao; Zhou now has Chan Jiao's aid. It must be immortals at work, making the Zhou army so fierce!
Later, you need only join the eastern forces and send cultivators to the East Sea for help; we can fight Zhou again!
Today, I, Bi Gan, will uphold the royal dignity for you!
Bring me a sword!"
A nearby soldier instinctively stepped forward.
Di Xin cried out, "Do not give him a sword!"
But with a clang, Bi Gan had already drawn the soldier's blade. A spray of hot blood splashed across the hall.
Bi Gan's body trembled, his lips turning purple. As the sword clattered to the ground, he reached up, grasped his seven-orificed exquisite heart glowing with rainbow light, and slowly pulled it out.
" Great King, do not trust immortals or gods; do not betray your people.
I, Bi Gan, die to advise you—temporarily endure and leave at once!
Leave at once!"
He clenched the immortal heart tightly; blood spurted as the ministers panicked and shouted. Bi Gan's body collapsed backward.
Di Xin staggered back half a step, collapsing onto the throne, his eyes suddenly vacant.
Shouts of killing erupted from the west gate.
The flames grew brighter, cries echoing from everywhere.
In the grand hall, Di Xin waved his hand; the Shang ministers were driven out by the guards, leaving only Bi Gan's body.
"Uncle, where can I go?
Where can I go?"
He stood unsteadily, stumbled down the steps to Bi Gan's side, picked up the sword, and turned toward the inner palace.
In the palace, guards rushed to the west gate, while palace maids fled through other doors, creating chaos everywhere.
Some guards spotted the king and tried to escort him to the east gate, but he quietly ordered them away.
Xing Zhai Tower was empty, his favored consort gone.
"So be it."
Di Xin murmured, a self-mocking smile on his lips. "So be it."
He grabbed a candlestick and threw it onto the ornate bed, then turned and climbed to the top of Xing Zhai Tower.
From the Xian Tai platform, he could see the chaos in Zhao Ge City and the Zhou forces rampaging in the western streets.
Even if I escape tonight, then what?
My teacher said that as long as Great Shang's destiny endures, I will be safe.
Otherwise, peril awaits.
I know all too well that these so-called immortals dare not kill me directly; they must use Ji Fa's hand to replace Shang with Zhou and nothing more.
If I flee Zhao Ge City, I will just be hunted by these immortals and gods, dying somewhere insignificant.
My defeat is not from losing battles, not from lacking virtue, not from losing the people!
My defeat lies in this unjust world, with too many immortals, saints, and tyrants!
In this unfair heavenly order...
Unfair!
Di Xin took a deep breath, leaning on his sword atop the tower, searching for something in the night.
Meanwhile, outside Zhao Ge City, in the newly set Zhou camp.
Ji Fa sat in his chair, listening to the continuous reports of victory, a hint of anticipation in his eyes.
He had wanted to lead the charge but was advised by Jiang Shang and the ministers to stay, awaiting the moment he became Heaven's chosen.
Ji Fa felt as if destiny was gathering above him.
His outstretched palm seemed ready to grasp the entire world!
A armored soldier outside entered with a tray, head bowed, and said in a low voice,
"Great King, it's time for your meal."
"No need; how can I eat now?"
Ji Fa stood, hands behind his back, sighing, "While the soldiers fight ahead, I remain here, unable to join them; my heart cannot bear it."
The soldier stepped closer and whispered, "Please, do not exhaust yourself."
Ji Fa frowned; why was this soldier so inconsiderate?
Suddenly, the soldier looked up, eyes flashing pink, and from under the tray, a streak of light shot toward Ji Fa's neck!
Ji Fa froze, unable to move.
But as the cold light neared, a large hand appeared out of nowhere, gripping the silver needle artifact and crushing it effortlessly.
Yang Jian frowned at the soldier, a hint of helplessness in his eyes, and said softly,
"Yang Jian is duty-bound; forgive me, fellow Daoist."
The soldier's face showed panic, but when she looked at Yang Jian, her eyes flashed pink again.
Yang Jian remained unaffected; a vertical eye slit opened on his forehead, and a divine light struck, sending the soldier flying out of the tent and sealing her spirit.
From outside came several sharp cries; guards tore off their armor, weapons in hand, and charged into the tent.
Yang Jian pulled out the Xiaotian Hound from his robe and tossed it forward; it transformed into an elephant-sized beast, its mouth opening to swallow the demon women whole.
As the Xiaotian Hound turned back into a beam of light and returned to Yang Jian's embrace, the demon women and the soldier were bound by immortal ropes and piled outside the tent.
Ji Fa had already fainted.
Yang Jian arranged for attendants to care for him, then guarded the assassins, awaiting Jiang Shang's return.
"Great King..."
The 'soldier' whispered, her body trembling as she slowly reverted to her true form.
The demon concubine, Da Ji.
Yang Jian ignored her, standing quietly and gazing toward the city.
Flames erupted from the upper levels of Xing Zhai Tower, the wooden structure blazing like a torch.
Di Xin felt the waves of heat, and the figure who had stood motionless finally acted.
What method could make my people know that I did not retreat, that I did not flee?
Di Xin stood, looking at the sky, the earth, the city engulfed in flames, feeling his people's panic and fear.
In the end, it is the king's incompetence.
But—but!
What crime have we committed to follow Heaven's will?
What fault have we to deserve immortal punishment?
Enough, enough!
I will make no more excuses; I simply could not bear the burden my ancestors placed on me.
Yet, the backbone of Great Shang's descendants should be carried by their king!
The sword edge sliced across, blood gushing from his chest.
Di Xin's eyes widened; he propped himself up with the sword hilt and sat cross-legged on the tower top, his face flushing red as he bit back any cry of pain.
Father... your son is useless...
It turns out, I am not the one destined by Heaven.
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