Feng Zikang’s face shifted, and a hazy understanding finally dawned in his mind. He began to grasp the basic contours of the long-ago Investiture of the Gods war.

Compared to that, what did this current Great Calamity of Heaven and Earth truly amount to?

That former battle was a collision of the Grand Dao of Heaven and Earth itself—a war of annihilation driven by the Path of Destruction. The present upheaval was merely a shift in secular imperial authority. No matter how fierce, how could it possess the power to shatter the heavens and cleave the earth?

How could this possibly be called the Second Investiture of the Gods?

“Are you doubting that the current Great Calamity of Heaven and Earth falls far short of the original Investiture of the Gods?”

Tianji Yushi smiled genially, nodding slightly to Feng Zikang.

Feng Zikang spread his hands. “Martial Uncle, that is precisely my point. Only hearing you speak of it now do I understand why the original Investiture of the Gods could shatter the Great Desolation and sever the cosmos. Compared to that, this so-called Great Calamity of Heaven and Earth is simply too lacking…”

Tianji Yushi smiled and shook his head. “Indeed, that is so. But you will understand once you consider the context. First, listen to the rest of my tale…”

The three Dao Ancestors could not persuade one another, so they settled their disagreement through a wager concerning this dynastic transition. If the Zhou ultimately destroyed the Shang, the Dao Ancestor of Life would have won, and the realms would be allowed to persist, developing through their inherent, ceaseless power.

But if the Shang perished and the Zhou was extinguished, the entire cosmos would be utterly destroyed, necessitating a re-enactment of the Great Desolation.

Out of compassion for the heroic figures and the enlightened disciples of the various sects of that time, the Three Great Dao Ancestors established the Celestial Court as a Profound Realm and instituted the Investiture of the Gods list. Any heroic spirits who died during that great calamity could be conferred divinity, ensuring their demise was not in vain.

That contest proved to be extraordinarily brutal.

In the end, the Dao Ancestor of Destruction personally intervened, deploying the World-Ending Sword Formation, but he was defeated by the combined might of the other two Dao Ancestors. He then retreated to the mountains, and the subsequent flourishing of the Zhou Dynasty, which supplanted the Shang, became a natural consequence.

After that war, the Great Desolation fractured. Even with the Zhou’s ascendancy, they only controlled the Main Profound Realm. The other larger Profound Realms began to develop independently, resulting in the same fragmented situation.

The other two Dao Ancestors, realizing that the world had entered an era of self-development, knew they could no longer interfere and likewise withdrew.

It was after this that the Three Teachings, Nine Schools, and the Hundred Schools of Thought began their fierce contest of ideas.

And so, development continued until the present day.

Feng Zikang frowned in deep thought, sensing an awakening, yet unable to pierce that final layer of realization.

The shattering of the Great Desolation—he had always assumed it preceded the Investiture of the Gods. He never imagined it was a direct consequence of that very war. Before the Zhou, the Son of Heaven was the Human Emperor, governing the cosmos; after the Zhou, the Emperor merely controlled the current Profound Realm, his status often inferior even to that of high-level cultivators.

In light of this, what did the current struggle between Zhou and Tang even signify?

“Martial Uncle, you mentioned the Three Teachings imitating the Investiture of the Gods list. What did you mean by that?”

Tianji Yushi sighed. “I do not know the full inside story of this matter. However, it now appears that the Three Teachings somehow acquired fragments of the original Investiture of the Gods list. Driven by a foolish obsession, they wish to push this current calamity to the scale of the original Investiture of the Gods war. But for what ultimate purpose, I still cannot fathom. After all, how can three perfected Spirit Transformation experts compare to the Supreme Dao Ancestors?”

He shook his head, his tone laced with clear disdain.

“Those three cannot compare to the Three Dao Ancestors, but this Main Profound Realm is certainly not equivalent to the Great Desolation!”

Feng Zikang suddenly grasped this distinction and blurted it out.

Tianji Yushi looked at him with mild astonishment, then finally sighed and nodded sadly.

“You are indeed sharp. I labored over this point for a long time before recently gaining some insight. I never expected you to grasp the crucial point so immediately.”

“However…”

Tianji Yushi sighed mournfully. “The consequence of the original Investiture of the Gods war was the shattering of the Great Desolation—hardly a good thing. Why would the Three Teachings conceive of such an idea? Could it be that they wish to…”

If the Main Profound Realm shatters, it benefits no one in the Three Teachings either.

What could possibly be their ultimate goal, leading them to scheme this far?

Feng Zikang harbored his doubts. “Martial Uncle, how did you learn the truth of the Ancient Investiture of the Gods war? Do the members of the Three Teachings know this? Are there others who are aware?”

A flicker of appreciation once again crossed Tianji Yushi’s eyes.

“The way I came to know this was indeed accidental, but the method is not important. To my knowledge, in this current age, besides myself, perhaps only the three existing Spirit Transformation masters of the Three Teachings know the inner details of that battle. Even the other few Spirit Transformation masters are entirely ignorant!”

“Oh?”

Feng Zikang’s mind raced. He had initially assumed that if only Tianji Yushi knew, the Three Teachings’ goal might be the same as Yuan Buhuan’s: to secure nominations for the Investiture list to strengthen their sects.

But if they also knew the truth of the original war, it made their actions baffling.

“Could it be they believe this current Great Calamity of Heaven and Earth is insufficient to truly shake the Main Profound Realm?”

Though the Main Profound Realm is billions of times smaller than the Great Desolation now, the masters of profound abilities are also billions of times fewer. Back then, the Dao Ancestors possessed formations capable of wiping out the entire Desolation. But now, even a master at the Spirit Transformation stage, like Master Yuanyuan, no matter how hard he tried, could not manage to destroy this Main Profound Realm.

Under these circumstances, whether this simulation of an Investiture of the Gods war could yield the same results as the true event warrants serious consideration.

Tianji Yushi shook his head and sighed deeply. “Once the Great Calamity is initiated, I fear it will no longer be something they can control. If that is truly their thought process, I can only say they are being incredibly reckless…”

He spoke of the Spirit Transformation masters as if they were trivial matters.

After listening to Tianji Yushi, Feng Zikang remained immersed in the enigmatic nature of this Great Calamity. After a long pause, he spoke cautiously, “Martial Uncle. Though I now understand these matters, I still cannot discern the truth of it. I am truly ashamed.”

“But why tell me all this?”

Tianji Yushi told even Yuan Buhuan, the leader of the Longhu Mountain Military School, nothing of this; yet he confided in Feng Zikang, a third-generation disciple. For what reason?

“You are the pivotal figure in this Great Calamity of Heaven and Earth. Furthermore, you now hold the Investiture of the Gods list. If a solution is to be found, it must come from you,” Tianji Yushi stated, shaking his head. “Thus, as the world faces peril, I only wish for you to proceed with utmost caution, always prepared to defend this Profound Realm.”

He reached into his robes and produced an object shaped like a sheng (mouth organ).

“This is the Myriad-Mile Sound Transmission Sheng. Should you encounter any insurmountable difficulties, you can contact me at any time. I must now return to the Star Gazing Abode for secluded, mortal-threshold cultivation. I will not emerge until death, solely to seek a glimmer of hope between Heaven and Earth. By then, the fate of this calamity will rest on you!”

Tianji Yushi spoke casually, but Feng Zikang felt a chill, understanding that this man intended to trade his life for heavenly secrets. His integrity was truly unique.

Feng Zikang could not offer much more, merely nodding his assent and accepting the Myriad-Mile Sound Transmission Sheng. Only then did Tianji Yushi smile, dissolving the current illusionary Profound Realm. The two returned to their actual plane. Except for Gu Ya, who was closest, no one noticed.

“Martial Brother Zikang, what did Master tell you? It seemed so secretive, I didn’t hear a thing?”

Gu Ya edged closer. Daring not to question his master directly, he sought answers from Feng Zikang.

“Ya’er!”

Tianji Yushi roared sharply. “Return with me!”

“Ah,” “What?”

Gu Ya flinched in surprise, then looked deeply confused. “Master, aren't we waiting for Martial Uncle Ye to come out? This is Nascent Soul stage…”

“Hurry up!” Tianji Yushi lightly tapped his head and waved his feather fan, leading him away through the clouds.

Gu Ya dared not struggle and could only wave frantically towards Feng Zikang from within the swirling mist.

Feng Zikang lowered his head, meticulously pondering the information Tianji Yushi had imparted today.

“If this is the case,” then it means…”

He suddenly raised his head. His eyes sparkled with intense light, and a cold sneer touched the corner of his mouth.

“Master, why must we rush back to the Star Gazing Abode?”

“Less chatter!”

Tianji Yushi snorted. This was the quiet room within the Star Gazing Abode. He pulled Gu Ya along, his expression tinged with reluctance.

“Disciple, I have already passed on all the profound arts of the Star Gazing Abode to you. Whether you can fully assimilate them and carry the mantle of this lineage is now up to you…”

Gu Ya beamed with delight, thumping his chest. “Master, rest assured! Who am I? I can naturally grasp it all; it won’t be difficult, not difficult at all!”

He tugged playfully at Tianji Yushi’s sleeve like a child.

“Besides, Master is still in his prime. You won’t need me, Gu Ya, to take over for several hundred years yet. Why the rush?”

Tianji Yushi gave a wry smile. “If I told you to take over right now, could you do it?”

“Ah?”

Gu Ya’s mouth fell open, large enough to fit an apple. “Why would Master say that? I… I haven’t even achieved Foundation Establishment yet! While your disciple is clever and sharp, even by childhood standards, this is still far too soon, isn't it?”

Taking over as the head of a lineage at the late stage of Qi Invigoration—this had never happened in the history of the Military School.

Though Gu Ya held himself in high regard, he was not without self-awareness.

He knew Tianji Yushi was jesting.

“Though you are only at the Qi Invigoration stage, you possess great innate talent for the study of star observation. The inheritance of the Star Gazing Abode has never hinged on cultivation strength, but only on whether one can grasp heavenly secrets. You are young, yet sharp and insightful. Moreover, you have been exceptionally diligent these past few years. Even if you take charge of the Star Gazing Abode now, no one would raise objections.”

Tianji Yushi spoke with such gravity that a knot tightened in Gu Ya’s chest; he realized the situation was unusual.

“Master, you… you aren’t joking? What happened?”

His expression grew tense. Tianji Yushi had raised him since childhood, feeling like a true father to Gu Ya. If something had happened to his master, how could Gu Ya remain at ease?

“What could possibly happen?” Tianji Yushi chuckled. “It’s just that I intend to enter long-term seclusion. The heavenly mechanisms are currently obscure and difficult to judge. Therefore, I want you to temporarily assume the position of Chief of the Star Gazing Abode. Are you afraid?”

He was using provocation, and Gu Ya’s youthful nature took the bait. “Afraid? What is there to fear? It’s just… Master, how long will your seclusion last?”

Tianji Yushi slowly shook his head, offering no reply.

The enthronement of the Chief of the Star Gazing Abode was a significant event, though word had not yet reached the Hall of Merit.

In the Hall of Merit, everyone was gathered, awaiting Ye Tiansheng’s emergence.

It had already been the seventh day since Ye Tiansheng entered seclusion.

“Zikang, if my calculations are correct, your Master should emerge today,” Yuan Buhuan said, smiling broadly as he pointed toward the door of the inner chamber. Ye Tiansheng’s aura flickered faintly from within—the pure energy of a Nascent Soul. It seemed he had succeeded in transforming his core into an infant and was now merely stabilizing his realm, ready to emerge!

Elder Yun was also joyfully rubbing his hands. Little Ye had reached Nascent Soul too! Excellent! Wonderful!

Amidst the general elation, the door of the inner chamber burst open. Sure enough, Ye Tiansheng strode out, his imposing aura surging toward the heavens!

“Congratulations, Martial Brother Ye! Congratulations, Martial Brother Ye!”

Amidst the chorus of congratulations, Yuan Buhuan seized Ye Tiansheng’s hand and laughed heartily!

After several years, the Longhu Mountain Military School finally had another Nascent Soul master. The sect’s standing was further solidified, a source of immense joy for Yuan Buhuan.

The various Martial Brothers, Uncles, and Elders also rushed forward to offer their felicitations. The rapid progress of this master and disciple pair earned them universal praise. Yuan Buhuan had already arranged a victory feast, and the group drank until they were thoroughly intoxicated before finally allowing the master and disciple to return.

Returning to the Little Bamboo Grove, Ye Tiansheng had already erected another bamboo hut. He led Feng Zikang inside, and seeing that Zikang had also achieved great success in his cultivation—even surpassing his own achievement of Nascent Soul—filled him with even greater joy.

“Zikang, several years ago you were just a simple, naive child. Master always felt I owed you, but who knew that today you would successfully forge your Core! This truly delights your Master.”

“It is Master who accomplished something remarkable by reaching Nascent Soul in a single leap,” Feng Zikang replied flatteringly, making Ye Tiansheng laugh, though he quickly shook his head.

“What good is reaching Nascent Soul?” he sighed faintly, his expression gradually darkening.

Feng Zikang was startled. “Why does Master say that?”

Ye Tiansheng pondered for a long moment, then took a sack from his person and handed it to Feng Zikang. “Disciple, this is the Universe Pouch Master intends for you. I originally planned to give it to you after you achieved Foundation Establishment, but I was in seclusion. I didn't expect you to progress so rapidly and successfully forge your Core. Fortunately, this Universe Pouch has a larger capacity, making it suitable for your Core Formation stage use.”

This Universe Pouch was also refined from a supreme treasure and had a much greater capacity than ordinary versions.

Feng Zikang accepted it, though he found his master’s words and behavior today somewhat strange.

Ye Tiansheng paced slowly within the hut, his expression shifting between light and shadow.

“Zikang, I have thought it over, and there is no need to hide it from you. For these past few centuries, I failed to break through to the Nascent Soul stage. Partly, it was due to my own cultivation not being sufficient, but mainly, I deliberately held back.”

“Until Martial Brother Lu died…”

Ye Tiansheng sighed and shook his head repeatedly.

His innate talent was comparable to General Lu’s. Three hundred years ago, General Lu began his rapid ascent, while Ye Tiansheng’s cultivation speed was much slower.

Three centuries later, General Lu became the foremost expert in the world, reaching the peak of Tribulation Crossing.

Yet Ye Tiansheng remained placidly at the mid-stage of Core Formation.

Many people in the world found this curious, but he knew the reason clearly. After reaching the Nascent Soul stage, there was something he absolutely had to do, a task fraught with mortal danger, which had kept him hesitant!

But after General Lu passed away, Ye Tiansheng knew this task could no longer be delayed!

“Disciple, you encountered the Nine-Tailed Fox in the Southern Barbarians, learned the Star Annihilation Sword Art, and obtained this Heaven-Swallowing Ancient Sword…” The entanglement of karma here truly astonished your Master.

Ye Tiansheng gave a bitter smile.

Feng Zikang felt a stir in his heart. The Nine-Tailed Fox, the creator of the Star Annihilation Sword Art, General Lu, his own Master, and Xiao Zhuyuan of the Shuiyue Pavilion—he felt a subtle connection weaving among them. This Heaven-Swallowing Ancient Sword was surely the core clue.

He looked at Ye Tiansheng questioningly, but his Master merely smiled bitterly and shook his head incessantly.

“That was three hundred years ago.”

General Lu, Ye Tiansheng, and Xiao Zhuyu were all outstanding disciples of the Longhu Mountain Military School, the first three of their generation to achieve Foundation Establishment.

At that time, they traveled the world, upholding chivalry and enjoying great camaraderie.

General Lu was heroic and bold; Xiao Zhuyu possessed a maidenly grace, a delicate tenderness that gradually became fixed upon him. Although Ye Tiansheng also cherished this junior sister, his gentle nature meant he was willing to step aside for the happiness of others.

But everything changed after the three of them encountered a fox spirit.

That fox was seductive and charming. General Lu fell deeply in love with her upon first sight, leading to many complications. Eventually, this drew out the fox’s other admirer, Young Master Yi Wu.

Ordinarily, such romantic entanglements might not create a profound inner demon for cultivators, who should be able to grasp and release things easily.

But this Young Master Yi Wu happened to have prior conflict with General Lu. Back in the secular world, General Lu’s parents had been killed by Yi Wu. The accumulated hatred of patricide combined with the grievance of a stolen lover made them irreconcilable enemies.

The Star Annihilation Sword Art was Young Master Yi Wu’s signature technique. General Lu fought him three times and was defeated in all three. Despairing, he turned to the demonic path.

He then abandoned the sword for the blade, mastering a new technique, believing himself finally equal to Young Master Yi Wu. Who knew that when he emerged from seclusion, he heard devastating news?

The fox, for unknown reasons, had been imprisoned by the monks of the Seven Treasures Pagoda Mountain. Young Master Yi Wu came out to rescue her, slaughtering every monk there, which provoked a joint pursuit from the Three Teachings and Nine Schools. They cornered him in a valley.

When General Lu arrived, Young Master Yi Wu had already been executed. The fox’s whereabouts were unknown. Only the broken Heaven-Swallowing Ancient Sword lay there, its divine essence shattered, eventually falling into General Lu’s possession.

Having already embraced the demonic path, General Lu could no longer restrain himself. Xiao Zhuyu tried to kindly comfort him, but was instead struck by General Lu’s sword, her beautiful features split open, rendering her as cold as ice, never again like her former self.

Yet, through the combined efforts of everyone, General Lu regained his sanity and returned to the Military School, devoting himself solely to bitter cultivation until he finally became the world’s foremost expert.

“Then—what does this have to do with Master?”

Feng Zikang connected the events—General Lu’s history with Young Master Yi Wu and the Nine-Tailed Fox—and realized the sequence was correct. But how did this involve Ye Tiansheng?

Ye Tiansheng shook his head. “What I have recounted is merely the surface. In reality, there are numerous suspicious points.”

“General Lu and Young Master Yi Wu were both geniuses of their era; they would never descend into such senseless frenzy. Furthermore, the Seven Treasures Pagoda Mountain had no conceivable reason to imprison that fox… Everything seems as if it were orchestrated!”