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

Chapter 61 Heading to Mount Emei

After seeing Zheng Lun and Chen Qi off, Zhang Kui sat alone in the command tent, his mind sinking into contemplation of his own path.

The information he had just acquired flowed like a gentle stream, gathering and being analyzed in his mind. The southeast was engulfed in war, the imperial court was shrouded in darkness, the conflict between the Jie and Chan schools was brewing beneath the surface, and the Western religion was quietly spreading eastward… The curtain of this Investiture of the Gods calamity was slowly being drawn back. The future struggles would not only involve the clash of swords on the battlefield, but also the supernatural powers and intrigues among cultivators, and even the power struggles between the forces behind the scenes.

Against this backdrop, Zhang Kui re-examined his choice regarding the Heavenly Divine Power:

Mastering the Five Thunders is a deadly weapon, unparalleled in its ferocity, but its excessive rigidity makes it easily broken and manipulated. Standing upright without a shadow, concealing one's form, and avoiding cause and effect, but constant hiding is ultimately not the way to advance. Transforming and changing forms, with countless variations and endless uses, may not be able to deceive a truly powerful being. Flying and leaving traces, hidden within heaven and earth, unknowable, undetectable, and unobservable, existing in the world yet unseen by it.

"Stay hidden behind the scenes, participate in the chaos, and you'll be able to fish in troubled waters." A flash of realization crossed Zhang Kui's eyes. This supernatural ability of flying and teleporting would allow him to become a "variable" in the tumultuous waves of the future, a player whose moves would not be easily discerned by any party. Whether it was secretly plotting, striking at crucial moments, avoiding fatal risks, or seeking key opportunities, this technique provided unparalleled convenience.

"This is it!" Zhang Kui had made up his mind. The fifth divine power of the fifth stage of the Golden Core was none other than "Flying Body and Embarking on a Trail".

However, making a decision is easy, but achieving it is difficult.

This supernatural ability is different from the others he acquired before. Nine Breaths Breath Control is the foundation of cultivation, Five Elements Great Escape is widely used, and Techniques like Size Control and Subduing Dragons and Tigers are also common protective techniques, practiced by many and relatively widely circulated. However, "Flying Body and Levitating Traces" is extremely profound, severely testing the practitioner's comprehension and comprehending the laws of heaven and earth. More importantly, it relies heavily on the inheritance of a master's lineage; without the guidance of a senior, trying to comprehend it on one's own is like the blind men and the elephant.

"Master's lineage..." Zhang Kui frowned slightly. Although he had received the true teachings of the Taiqing lineage's "Golden Elixir Great Dao," he did not have a formal master and was an unorthodox practitioner.

At present, it seems that the only people he can seek guidance from are the disciples of the Jie Sect who have some connection with him. The Jie Sect is known as the place where ten thousand immortals pay homage, and its techniques are diverse and complex; perhaps they have a way to help him.

Having considered this, Zhang Kui no longer hesitated. He took out the communication jade talisman given to him by Plague King Lü Yue back on Kowloon Island. The jade talisman was warm and smooth, with runes faintly visible on its surface. He concentrated his mind and imprinted his divine sense onto it, using his already True Immortal cultivation to inscribe the message, clearly expressing his desire to learn the "Flying Body and Levitating Traces" supernatural power from the Thirty-Six Heavenly Gang Techniques, but lamenting his lack of guidance. This letter was a fervent request for guidance from Fellow Daoist Lü Yue, or for any clues or assistance.

The divine thought was transmitted, and the jade talisman flashed with a faint light, the information having already crossed thousands of mountains and rivers to reach the other side.

The wait didn't last long.

In less than half a day, the jade talisman in Zhang Kui's arms once again emitted warm fluctuations and divine information.

He immediately used his divine sense to read it. Lü Yue's slightly cheerful yet concerned voice rang in his mind: "Fellow Daoist Zhang Kui, I have heard that your cultivation has improved, which is a cause for celebration. As for the 'Flying Body and Levitation' technique you asked about, this method is profound and involves the subtle principles of space and existence. I, Lü, have not delved deeply into this path and am truly unable to provide effective guidance. I am ashamed."

Zhang Kui felt a slight disappointment, but Lü Yue's next words cheered him up: "However, I have already informed my sect's eldest disciple, Senior Brother Zhao Gongming, about this matter. When I was undergoing my tribulation before, you met Senior Brother Gongming once, and he praised you highly. When he heard that you were interested in this technique, he readily agreed, saying that he knew this technique very well. If you wish to learn it, you can go to Luofu Cave on Mount Emei to find him at any time, and he will definitely teach you everything he knows without holding back."

"Senior Brother Zhao Gongming also specifically mentioned that this is a perfect opportunity to fulfill his promise to treat you to a hearty drink. Haha, you may not know this, but Senior Brother Gongming is known for his ability to befriend heroes. His immortal brew from Luofu Cave is renowned throughout our sect!"

A hint of a smile played on Lü Yue's mind, clearly indicating his satisfaction at having facilitated this matter.

"Zhao Gongming...Luofu Cave on Mount Emei..." Zhang Kui murmured to himself, as if he could hear the hearty laughter of that generous, magnanimous, and righteous senior disciple of the Jie Sect again. Back on Kowloon Island, Zhao Gongming had greatly admired him and invited him to drink with him someday. Little did he expect that his words would come true.

"Personally guiding me, a Grand Luo Golden Immortal... and Zhao Gongming, known for his boldness and straightforwardness..." Zhang Kui's eyes shone brighter and brighter; this was like a dream come true. Not only was the inheritance of "Flying Body Transmission" secured, but he also received guidance on cultivation from a Grand Luo Golden Immortal. For him, whose cultivation was currently stuck at a bottleneck and who urgently needed higher-level insights, this was undoubtedly a godsend.

"It seems...not bad." Zhang Kui's lips curled into a smile. This trip was not only for supernatural powers, but also a rare journey of seeking enlightenment. Perhaps, the cultivation doubts that had troubled him for so long could be answered in his conversation with Zhao Gongming.

Once the decision was made, swift and decisive action was taken.

Zhang Kui immediately summoned Wu Wenhua and the four colonels, giving them a detailed briefing on the military affairs of Youli. During his absence, Wu Wenhua would temporarily assume the command, while the four colonels would each perform their duties, strictly guarding the camp and ensuring the absolute safety of Ji Chang and the city. At the same time, he also explained the resource allocation plan for supporting the development of Mianchi, requiring them to strictly implement it.

After making the arrangements, Zhang Kui did not go directly to Mount Emei, but instead used his escape technique to return to his hometown of Mianchi.

The backyard of Jishantang in Mianchi County.

Zhang's mother was sitting in the courtyard drying medicinal herbs, while her younger brother, Zhang Shan, was handling military affairs and city defense arrangements. Both were overjoyed to see Zhang Kui suddenly return.

"Shitou, why are you back? Aren't you busy with military affairs?" Zhang's mother put down the medicine sieve in her hand and asked with concern.

"Big brother!" Zhang Shan also quickly got up.

Zhang Kui smiled and helped his mother sit down, saying, "Mother, Shanzi, I've come back to see you. Also, I need to go on a long trip to Mount Emei in Sichuan to visit friends and discuss philosophy. It will take at least a month, maybe several months, before I return. I just wanted to let you know so you wouldn't worry."

"Mount Emei? That's so far!" Upon hearing this, Zhang's mother's face showed worry. "I've heard that it's a sacred mountain, teeming with spirits and monsters. You must be very careful going there alone."

Zhang Shan also said, "Brother, things are not peaceful in all directions right now. You are traveling alone. Shouldn't you take more guards with you?"

Zhang Kui felt a warmth in his heart and comforted him, "Mother, Shanzi, don't worry. Your son's cultivation has already achieved some success, and ordinary demons and evil spirits can't get close to me. This trip is to visit righteous immortal friends and exchange Taoist techniques; there's no danger. With Shanzi here, I'm very at ease about the defense of the home and Mianchi." He patted his younger brother's strong shoulder, "Shanzi, I'm entrusting the home and Mianchi to you. Think things through carefully, and if you're unsure, you can communicate with Zheng Lun and Chen Qi, or you can send someone to Youli to discuss it with Wu Wenhua and others."

"Don't worry, brother, I will definitely protect our home." Zhang Shan nodded solemnly, his eyes full of seriousness.

He chatted with his mother for a while longer, listening patiently to her repeated admonitions, and felt a warm current flowing through his heart.

After bidding farewell to his mother and younger brother, Zhang Kui left Jishan Hall and went to a secluded spot outside the city. He took a deep breath, and the golden core within his body hummed, his immense magical power resonating intensely with the spiritual energy of the five elements.

"Five Elements Great Escape, Activate!"

In an instant, a dazzling five-colored radiance emanated from his body, his form blurring as if he had merged into the surrounding spiritual energy of heaven and earth. The next moment, a five-colored rainbow shot into the sky from outside Mianchi City, carrying his figure, and streaked across the sky like lightning, heading southwest towards the legendary Emei Mountain, shrouded in immortal aura.

Mountains and rivers rushed past behind me, and wispy clouds swirled around me...