Zhang Kui's Journey to the West in the Investiture of the Gods

Chapter 24 Target, Chaoge

The war, which had lasted for several years, gradually entered a stalemate, and the cold wind in Beihai seemed to carry a hint of warmth.

In recent years, Wen Zhong has been in command of the central army, making skillful deployments and achieving frequent victories. However, at this moment, the worry between the brows of this old minister entrusted with the care of the late emperor has not diminished with the military victories, but has instead become even more profound.

Several private letters from Chaoge revealed the deep anxiety of the veteran general Lu Xiong (who was allowed to return to the capital for recuperation due to health reasons, and Qiu Yin took over as commander of the right army), the repression and anger of King Wucheng Huang Feihu, and the veiled pleas for help from other loyal old ministers... All the information pointed to a chilling fact: a series of changes in the court were pushing the Shang Dynasty into an abyss of no return.

Daji entered the palace and bewitched the emperor; the torture of branding shocked the officials; Queen Jiang died tragically and the two princes fled; Prime Minister Shang Rong's blood splattered on the dragon pillar... Each and every incident was shocking and challenged the bottom line of human ethics and the conduct of the officials.

Wen Zhong's hand trembled slightly as he held the latest secret letter. It detailed how Queen Jiang was framed and tortured to death. He closed his eyes, as if he could hear the virtuous queen's lament and see Yin Shou's face, increasingly distorted by evil and tyranny.

"Your Majesty...how could this have come to this!" A heavy sigh echoed in the command tent, filled with helplessness and heartache. With the North Sea still unsettled, and such a drastic change occurring in Chaoge, Wen Zhong was overwhelmed with worry and anxiety.

Someone has to go back.

Someone must represent him, go to Chaoge, confront that young and valiant but increasingly muddle-headed monarch, explain the advantages and disadvantages, stabilize the crumbling court, or at least... buy time until he completely pacifies Beihai and returns to the capital.

This person is of paramount importance. Courage, wisdom, and bravery are all indispensable, but more importantly... this person must fully understand Wen Zhong's needs at this moment.

After some thought, Wen Zhong's gaze involuntarily drifted towards the rear army, and Zhang Kui's image appeared in his mind. Since assuming command of the rear army, Zhang Kui had vigorously promoted troop training, and now the entire rear army's combat strength had increased by leaps and bounds. In several battles, they had demonstrated extraordinary strength, truly becoming an elite force. At the same time, Zhang Kui himself had just passed through the Heavenly Tribulation the day before yesterday, reaching the fourth stage of the Golden Core realm, officially entering the Heavenly Immortal realm.

What's even more remarkable is his gratitude and meticulousness. In dealing with Chong Houhu, Zhang Kui's ruthless yet principled decisiveness, far exceeding that of ordinary military generals, left a deep impression on Wen Zhong.

"Perhaps... only him." Wen Zhong murmured to himself. Although Zhang Kui was still relatively inexperienced, his ability and potential made him the most suitable candidate at present.

Without hesitation, he immediately sent someone to summon Zhang Kui to the central command tent.

Zhang Kui arrived quickly, dressed in armor and covered in dust, clearly having just returned from outside.

"This humble general, Zhang Kui, pays his respects to the Grand Tutor."

"No need for formalities, please sit." Wen Zhong gestured for his attendants to leave, leaving only him and Zhang Kui in the tent.

As instructed, Zhang Kui sat down and keenly sensed that the atmosphere was unusual, waiting for Wen Zhong to speak.

Wen Zhong didn't speak immediately, but slowly pushed the several secret letters from Chaoge on the table in front of Zhang Kui. "Take a look at this first."

Zhang Kui, filled with doubt, picked up the letter and quickly scanned it. The more he read, the deeper his brow furrowed, and the more grave his expression became. Although he already knew the course of the Investiture of the Gods story, it was still unbearable to witness these familiar tragedies presented through the cold words on the letter. Especially when he read about Queen Jiang's eyes being gouged out and Prime Minister Shang Rong's death by crashing into a pillar, his fingers gripped the letter so tightly that he almost crushed the paper.

Tyrannical, absurd, and outrageous.

He closed the letter, looked up, and looked at Wen Zhong.

Wen Zhong's voice was hoarse, "Chaoge... is no longer the Chaoge of the past. His Majesty has been bewitched by the evil concubine, acting perversely, harming loyal officials, and slaughtering his own relatives... If this continues, the Shang dynasty will be in danger, and the people of the world will be in danger."

Zhang Kui remained silent. He knew this day would come, but he didn't expect it to be at this particular juncture, or in this way.

"The Battle of Beihai has entered a stalemate, and it will take time to completely quell the rebellion." Wen Zhong stared intently at Zhang Kui, his tone heavy and earnest. "I am unable to attend to everything, but the situation in Chaoge is urgent. Someone must return immediately to represent me, meet His Majesty, explain the advantages and disadvantages, and strongly advise the monarch."

Zhang Kui's heart skipped a beat; he already knew what Wen Zhong was going to say.

"Zhang Kui," Wen Zhong said with unprecedented solemnity, "you are young, but your cultivation is profound, your courage is extraordinary, and what is even more rare is your ability to handle matters with moderation and to distinguish right from wrong. After much thought, I believe only you are capable of shouldering this important responsibility."

"Grand Tutor..." Zhang Kui subconsciously wanted to refuse. This mess was deeper and muddier than he had expected. The Chan and Jie sects, the Three Pure Ones, Nuwa... none of them could withstand the pressure on Zhang Kui's small frame. This was practically dancing on the edge of a knife.

Wen Zhong raised his hand to stop him, his eyes even carrying a rare hint of pleading: "I know this matter is extremely perilous, akin to venturing alone into a dragon's lair. That Su Daji is undoubtedly a demon, and His Majesty's entourage is likely already teeming with evil spirits. Your journey will not only involve facing the emperor's wrath but also guarding against the treacherous concubine's schemes. But Zhang Kui..."

The old Grand Tutor's voice choked with emotion: "For the sake of the Shang dynasty, for the sake of all the people, and also... to buy me some time. I implore you to make this trip. On my behalf, present His Majesty with my ten pieces of advice. If this can temporarily stabilize the court, it will be an immense achievement."

The tent was completely silent, save for the occasional crackling of the charcoal fire.

Zhang Kui was engaged in a fierce internal struggle. Reason told him that this was definitely a thankless task with a slim chance of success, and he might even lose himself in the process. But on the other hand, Wen Zhong had done him a great favor, and the kind of "I can't do without you" attitude he felt made it very difficult for him to refuse.

More importantly, Zhang Kui suddenly realized that this might also be an opportunity—a chance to observe the origin of the Investiture of the Gods vortex up close.

After much deliberation, Zhang Kui stood up with a firm gaze, clasped his hands in a fist and bowed to Wen Zhong, and said in a deep voice, "I am honored by the Grand Tutor's trust, and this humble general... is willing to go."

With a sigh of relief, Wen Zhong's eyes lit up with joy. He stood up abruptly and gripped Zhang Kui's arm tightly: "Good! Zhang Kui, I am extremely grateful."

"Grand Tutor, please give your orders. What do you require of me?" Zhang Kui asked calmly.

Wen Zhong quickly and meticulously explained the ten pieces of advice he had prepared to Zhang Kui, including abolishing the torture of burning alive, demoting Daji, appeasing loyal ministers, searching for the prince, and being diligent in governing and caring for the people. Finally, he took out a black iron token engraved with thunder patterns and a formal document and handed it to Zhang Kui: "This is my Grand Tutor's decree and appointment document. Seeing this decree is like seeing me in person. You shall return to Chaoge to pay homage to His Majesty as the special envoy of the Beihai Army."

"This subordinate understands."

"How many men are you planning to bring?" Wen Zhong asked. "I can allocate you an elite force..."

"No need," Zhang Kui shook his head in refusal, a glint of shrewdness flashing in his eyes. "Too many people would only make us too conspicuous and arouse suspicion. I will only bring my own three hundred personal guards, and... Captain Wu Wenhua, that will suffice."

After a moment's thought, Wen Zhong understood Zhang Kui's intention. "Very well. Be careful in all matters. If you encounter any difficulties in the court, you can consult with Prince Wu Cheng, Huang Feihu, or Grand Master Yang Ren. Both of them are loyal and upright men."

"This humble general has noted it down."

After leaving the central command tent, Zhang Kui immediately returned to the rear army and then summoned Zheng Lun, Chen Qi, and Wu Wenhua.

He briefly explained the situation and announced the appointments: "After I leave, Zheng Lun will temporarily take command of all affairs of the rear army, assisted by Chen Qi. Your primary task is to train the Dao soldiers; you must not slacken your efforts. I have already communicated with the Grand Tutor, and the necessary resources will be continuously supplied. When I return, I will see two strong and usable armies."

Zheng Lun and Chen Qi solemnly replied, "Please rest assured, General, we will obey your orders."

Zhang Kui then looked at Wu Wenhua: "Wenhua, gather three hundred personal guards and prepare to depart with me for Chaoge."

"Yes, sir!" Wu Wenhua replied loudly, clearly excited about being able to go to the great city of Chaoge with the general.

After making the arrangements, Zhang Kui stood on the command platform, looking down at the three hundred personal guards who were quickly assembling and Wu Wenhua, who stood like an iron tower. Most of these personal guards were selected from the labor camp he had first commanded, and they were the most loyal.

The cold wind howled, and the banners fluttered.

Zhang Kui's gaze passed over the military camp and looked towards Chaoge, his eyes filled with complex emotions... The center of power, the vortex of the storm, is also the starting point of countless tragedies.

He knew that the path he had chosen was destined to be fraught with thorns. But having made the choice, he had no choice but to move forward.

"Set off!"

At a command, three hundred riders shot out of the Northern Navy camp like arrows, kicking up clouds of snow dust, and galloped toward Chaoge.