Master Yuanyuan himself was momentarily stunned. Although they hadn't unleashed the full radiance of the Investiture of the Gods list before, letting it naturally seek out those destined for tribulation, they had secretly employed a portion of their divine powers to try and locate the destined individuals in advance, yet they had found nothing.

Only today, now that the matter was made public, did they fully deploy the list's divine ability. They expected it to be like searching for a needle in a haystack, requiring a considerable effort. Unexpectedly, the Investiture of the Gods list spun wildly, scattering beams of light everywhere. It had already revealed the appearance of the destined one!

"This person destined for calamity is within our very Tianzhu Mountain!"

True Lord Qanyang couldn't help but be astonished. These twelve Sect Masters, each accompanied by one attendant, totaled only twenty-four people. For the destined individual to be among them was truly an extreme coincidence!

A shaft of green light shot out from the Investiture of the Gods list, hurtling directly toward Yuan Buhuan. Startled, he prepared to meet it, only to see the green light suddenly change direction and envelop Feng Zikang, who stood behind him!

"Amitabha! Amitabha!"

"Is this the young hero of the Military School from Dragon and Tiger Mountain, Feng Zikang?"

Amidst the murmurs and discussions, Master Yuanyuan chuckled, his expression becoming benevolent. He extended his hand in invitation, beckoning Feng Zikang forward. Feng Zikang glanced at Yuan Buhuan, who nodded to him, signaling that moving forward was fine.

Feng Zikang took two steps, positioning himself in the very center of the crowd.

Surrounded by twelve exalted masters, the hairs on his neck prickled. He could only focus his gaze inward, settling his mind and calming his spirit before performing a full circular bow.

"Indeed. My disciple has understood. Master Enlightenment once told me that you have a high probability of being the destined one for this great calamity of Heaven and Earth. Now that the Investiture of the Gods list confirms it, there should be no mistake."

He extended a finger, and the Investiture of the Gods list responded, falling before Feng Zikang. Feng Zikang reached out and caught it, feeling an immediate heaviness in his hand.

This list, once held, had a smooth surface, being made of silk, but the material of the scroll itself was clearly of some strange provenance, making it exceedingly weighty.

"Benefactor Feng, this Investiture of the Gods list is not an ancient relic. It was refined by the few old timers of our Three Teachings, following the secret methods of that time, using the same materials. While it cannot compare to the abilities of the Celestials in the Upper Realm, it can still designate the list and brandish the brush. Take a look," Master Yuanyuan instructed carefully. Feng Zikang gently pulled it, unrolling the Investiture of the Gods list. The yellow fabric was utterly blank, displaying only faint patterns.

"The names on the Investiture of the Gods list are not yet active. In the future, once souls are gathered, you may inscribe them!"

Feng Zikang knew this represented immense authority and was overjoyed internally, though his outward demeanor remained extremely composed. "Yes, this disciple shall strive with all my might!"

Master Yuanyuan nodded in satisfaction, glancing around. "I hadn't expected today to go so smoothly. Then these two matters are considered concluded. Does anyone else have any objections?"

The division between the Three Teachings and the Nine Schools, supporting opposite sides, was an unchangeable fact; however, the appearance of the Investiture of the Gods list prevented the fissures between these factions from becoming too overt, managing to barely preserve the unity of the orthodox Central Plains' Three Teachings and Nine Schools—a satisfactory outcome for all.

Each sect had, more or less, obtained what they desired.

Feng Zikang's relationship with the School of Diplomacy (Zongheng) had always been hostile. Yan Fengqi had once severely wounded him, and in turn, he had been struck by Ye Tiansheng to an injury that had not yet healed. He had originally intended to confront this faction after the meeting, but now that he had suddenly become the holder of the list, offending him was out of the question—he even had to flatter him instead.

How humiliating that must have been for Su Congqi!

"Um... Junior Martial Nephew Feng!"

The golden barrier surrounding them dissipated, and the gathered individuals dispersed without further issue. Su Congqi scurried after the two from the Military School, his face beaming with smiles, lavishing Feng Zikang with praise as if the past grievances between him and the School of Diplomacy had never existed.

Feng Zikang sneered inwardly while maintaining a facade of polite evasion.

"In the future, should any disciples of my School of Diplomacy meet with misfortune, I must rely on Junior Martial Nephew Feng's considerable care," Su Congqi said.

After circling around for so long, this was the core of Su Congqi's message. Feng Zikang thumped his chest and readily agreed. "Uncle Martial Su, rest assured. The matters of Diplomacy disciples are my matters. I will certainly help..."

The way he phrased it sounded wrong no matter how you interpreted it; was he offering help to inscribe them onto the list after they died, or helping more Diplomacy disciples die? But in any case, Su Congqi didn't catch the implication and continued to shake his hand enthusiastically, offering profuse thanks.

After Su Congqi was long gone, even Yuan Buhuan let out a scoff.

"What a character!"

The other Sect Masters, conscious of their dignity, did not follow. This Su Congqi not only tagged along but, after all his sweet talk, brought no actual tangible benefit. Considering Feng Zikang was his junior, it was rather shameless of him to arrive empty-handed!

Feng Zikang paid it no mind; he hadn't planned on offering any favors to the Diplomacy disciples anyway, nor was he interested in their treasures.

Yuan Buhuan, seeing him clutching the Investiture of the Gods list, was immensely pleased and spent a long time beaming.

"Nephew Zikang, you are truly the lucky star of our Dragon and Tiger Mountain Military School. Bringing this Investiture of the Gods list back is another monumental achievement. If not for your young age, I would discuss with the Elder Council about granting you an Elder title now, which would certainly make things easier for you within the Military School."

Feng Zikang's heart stirred, but he knew his current cultivation was insufficient. To be appointed an Elder while still in the Foundation Establishment stage would inevitably invite gossip. It was better to wait a while longer.

"Thank you for your esteemed favor, Sect Master. This disciple will certainly dedicate himself to advancing his cultivation and bringing glory to our School!"

Yuan Buhuan was overjoyed. Seeing that everyone else had dispersed, he summoned his chariot and returned with Feng Zikang.

The return journey was extraordinary. The news of Feng Zikang receiving the Investiture of the Gods list quickly spread throughout Dragon and Tiger Mountain. All the elders gathered around, chuffed with delight.

Before Feng Zikang could return to his Small Bamboo Grove, he was taken to Sunset Peak so everyone could admire the list.

Although the many elders would not choose the path of Investiture, their disciples and family members, if lacking in aptitude or failing in cultivation, could certainly seek a place in the military ranks and obtain an inscribed position—wouldn't that be excellent?

Seeing the fervent enthusiasm of the crowd, Feng Zikang grew increasingly perplexed.

With the Investiture of the Gods list revealed, cultivators from all sides would throw themselves into this great calamity without regard for their lives. What exactly were the Confucian, Buddhist, and Daoist Schools plotting? This development clearly escalated the warfare, making the Heaven and Earth Calamity increasingly unmanageable.

And the Investiture of the Gods list was in his hands, Feng Zikang. Even if he leaned toward the Military School or the Nine Schools, dedicating his efforts to elevating their people, was he merely preparing the ground for someone else's harvest? ...※

Master Yuanyuan, True Lord Qanyang, and Master Yan Haoran were all ancient cultivators with millennia of experience and incredibly deep reserves of cunning. Although Feng Zikang had observed their expressions during the selection of the list's master, he hadn't detected the slightest clue.

What was their true scheme?

※

He returned to the Small Bamboo Grove and entered the Mystic Realm to discuss the matter with Ghost King Tu and the others, but still reached no clear conclusion.

Seeing the gleaming, golden Investiture of the Gods list, Ghost King Tu and Zhu Li'er's eyes went wide. As unaffiliated cultivators, advancing their status was extremely difficult, and being inscribed upon the list was certainly a good alternative.

Celestial Fairy Tianfu, unfamiliar with the item, handled it playfully, finding it rather interesting.

"My Lord, in my view, the Three Teachings must have another objective beyond this matter of Investiture," Ghost King Tu concluded, quickly putting his cunning, aged mind to work to devise a strategy for Feng Zikang to gain some advantage.

Feng Zikang nodded; he held the same view on this point.

The Three Teachings were clearly linked in a complex chain of machinations, full of old foxes.

They spoke of convening a meeting regarding the changing of mortal imperial dynasties, yet the primary topic discussed was the Investiture of the Gods. And behind this Investiture of the Gods, they were concealing an unknown secret.

"I don't know what they truly intend. I suppose we can only take things one step at a time!"

At this juncture, Feng Zikang felt rather philosophical. Regardless, obtaining this Investiture of the Gods list was like acquiring a talisman of protection. At least until the end of this Heaven and Earth Calamity, he should be safe. With destiny in his hands, there was nothing to fear.

After all, if he died, no one would be left to conduct the Investiture!

He gently unrolled the list, feeling the abundant power connecting him to the cosmos. This scroll indeed seemed to possess the ability to directly access the so-called Celestial Court's Mystic Realm, and he could even exert a subtle measure of restraint over it.

Feng Zikang stroked the surface of the Investiture of the Gods list, filled with curiosity.

"I wonder how this process of Investiture should be carried out. If I cannot learn it in the future, what then? I truly wish to inscribe one just to test it out..."

As the words left his mouth, the Investiture of the Gods list emitted a series of chirps, startling everyone into scrambling for cover. The sound gradually ceased, leaving only a few points of light drifting languidly into the list.

"Oh?"

Feng Zikang was surprised. "This thing can actually absorb human souls into it? That's quite interesting."

Those few points of light were clearly potent souls. If not cultivators, they must have been mortals with exceptionally strong spirits, strong enough to condense their souls into visible points, which were then absorbed by the list.

"Open!"

A flash of inspiration struck Feng Zikang. He shook the Investiture of the Gods list, and those few points of light transformed into beams, revealing several names.

"Ge Shuluo, Commander of Huangguan Garrison, deceased."

"Chen Da, Vanguard Official of Huangguan Garrison, disciple of an Unaffiliated Cultivator."

"Wang Gui, Deputy Envoy and Commander of the Lishou Patrol."

"So, it was these few people!" Feng Zikang chuckled wryly. These were the individuals who had died in battle outside Lishou City a few days prior. Chen Da and Ge Shuluo had both fallen by the hand of Luo Kedi, while Wang Gui had been killed by Chen Da's demonic magic.

"Since I have time today, perhaps I should try it out," he mused.

Ge Shuluo and Chen Da were his enemies, so he certainly wouldn't waste time granting them divine positions. Judging by the current momentum of the Heaven and Earth Calamity’s Investiture, the eight hundred divine positions would likely not be enough. When more people arrived, he could simply push them off the list.

He had met Wang Gui a few times and even shared drinks with him twice. Since he needed an experiment, he might as well favor him. After all, these ordinary military officers held no advantage over cultivators; attaining a divine rank would be a good thing for them.

"But how should one conduct the Investiture?"

As Feng Zikang pondered, the end of the scroll of the Investiture of the Gods list slowly transformed, morphing into a large golden seal that settled beside his hand.

"So that's it! This seal is the Seal of Investiture!" Feng Zikang laughed heartily, stroking the great seal. No wonder the scroll was so heavy; the handle for the seal had been hidden within.

With the Seal of Investiture, he could naturally grant divine ranks. However, he couldn't bestow them randomly. If he directly named Wang Gui the Great Emperor Ziwei of the Central Heaven, the mortal likely wouldn't be able to bear the fortune. Feng Zikang focused his gaze and saw several lines of text floating out from behind Wang Gui's name.

"Can be conferred as: Right Ninth Rank, Lower Grade, Kitchen God of the Stove; Right Ninth Rank, Lower Grade, Gate God of the Southern Heavenly Gate; Right Ninth Rank, Upper Grade, Western Third Route City Guard; Right Ninth Rank, Upper Grade, Water-Dividing Colonel."

There was a long string of minor and miscellaneous duties. It seemed this man's abilities were limited, making it impossible to elevate him to a major deity. Feng Zikang glanced at the divine posts behind Ge Shuluo's name and saw, as expected, many more.

"Heh! What does having many positions matter? I deliberately won't inscribe you!"

Feng Zikang flicked his finger, sending the cluster of divine posts behind Ge Shuluo's name flying away. He then studied Wang Gui's options for a while longer.

"Forget it, I'll favor you for the first time and give you a decent spot!"

The highest rank Wang Gui could be conferred was Right Eighth Rank, Lower Grade, Western Ninth Route City Guard or Cloud Cavalry Colonel. Feng Zikang surmised that since Wang Gui was a military officer, he might dislike the mundane duties of a city guard, and the Right Eighth Rank, Lower Grade Cloud Cavalry Colonel, an officer in the Heavenly Court responsible for training the Cloud Cavalry Heavenly Soldiers, seemed like a decent position—the title sounded quite imposing too.

"Then I shall confer upon you the title of Cloud Cavalry Colonel!"

Feng Zikang nodded and spoke the words aloud. Wang Gui’s name was the first to appear on the Investiture of the Gods list. A line of heavy, blood-red ink, with vigorous strokes, slowly inscribed itself:

"Wang Gui, Deputy Envoy and Commander of the Lishou Patrol, deceased at Lishou City. In recognition of his merits and pity for his loyalty, hereby specially conferred as Right Eighth Rank, Lower Grade Cloud Cavalry Colonel. Responsible for the selection and training of the Heavenly Court's Cloud Cavalry Heavenly Soldiers. Let this decree be law!"

The end left a blank space, clearly intended for Feng Zikang to affix his seal.

Feng Zikang chuckled, breathed softly onto the golden seal in his hand, and pressed it down with a peng!

"Boom!"

Immediately, lightning flashed and thunder roared. Even within the Mystic Realm, chaos erupted. Wang Gui’s spirit soul emerged from the Investiture of the Gods list and bowed deeply toward Feng Zikang. His body gradually solidified, encased in golden armor, **shrouded in a mass of white clouds—it resembled the form of a beast, precisely the mount of a Cloud Cavalry Colonel!

"It worked!" Feng Zikang laughed contentedly. The first test had been successful. Next, Wang Gui would ascend to the heavens, heading to the Celestial Court.

However...

The situation seemed somewhat amiss!

Wang Gui ascended into the starry void of the Mystic Realm but did not leave the Mystic Realm itself. He remained right there!