Chapter 249: Where did this dead dog come from? Is it the Sky-Barking Hound?

Xiqi.

Ji Chang had been hesitating over whether to raise an army against Shang. Zhaoge had sent envoys with generous gifts to offer condolences, and he had intended to temporarily set aside the idea of rebellion, but all the envoys died mysteriously at the banquet.

This left him in a state of panic, knowing full well that this matter was of great consequence; if not handled properly, it would surely bring a catastrophe upon Xiqi.

Just as he was planning to write a letter to send to Zhaoge to explain, the Senior Grand Counselor San Yisheng stopped him: "My Lord, you must not."

Ji Chang frowned, looking at San Yisheng with a face full of confusion.

"Why does the Counselor stop me? If this matter is not explained clearly, Zhaoge will surely raise an army to hold us accountable, and at that time, Xiqi will be in danger."

San Yisheng's expression was grave as he cupped his hands and said: "Currently, the envoys have died at the banquet; we simply cannot explain it clearly. It would be better to take this opportunity to rebel."

"Rebel?" Ji Chang hesitated: "Bo Yikao's death is shrouded in mystery, and Zhaoge sent envoys with heavy gifts to offer condolences; perhaps it really has nothing to do with Zhaoge. I am a subject of Shang; I truly do not wish to be a traitor."

"My Lord, that is where you are wrong. Now that Di Xin is devoid of Dao, indulging in wine and lust, the people of the world are living in misery. Rebelling against Shang is the trend of the times; this may be a turning point given to Xiqi by Heaven."

Upon hearing this, Ji Chang fell into deep thought.

Nowadays, the world is in chaos, and feudal lords everywhere are raising armies to rebel.

What San Yisheng said was not without reason, but raising an army to rebel against Shang was a major event, concerning the life and death of the people of Xiqi; he had to act with caution.

"But I have heard that the King is merely doting on the new Beauty Su in the palace; the King is just obsessed with women and has committed no acts devoid of Dao. Once the King grows tired of her, perhaps he will focus on state affairs again."

San Yisheng cupped his hands: "My Lord, we are looking for an excuse to rebel against Shang; other things are not important. Currently, feudal lords everywhere are raising armies to cause chaos, which shows that the fate of the Yin-Shang is exhausted. Why must you remain loyal to the Yin-Shang? My Lord is a man of virtue and will surely be the next co-ruler of the human race."

"This..." Ji Chang hesitated. Although he had ambition, he was also indecisive.

Just as Ji Chang was wavering, auspicious signs suddenly appeared in the sky above the estate.

Subsequently, the Immortal of the South Pole slowly arrived, stepping on auspicious clouds.

Seeing this, Ji Chang bowed and cupped his hands: "Ji Chang pays respects to the High Immortal. May I ask, High Immortal, do you have a purpose in coming here?"

The Immortal of the South Pole looked down at Ji Chang and San Yisheng, a kind smile appearing on his face as he gently waved the whisk in his hand.

"This poor Daoist is a disciple of the Jade Void, a student under the seat of the Saint of Jade Purity, the Immortal of the South Pole. Ji Chang, you are a ruler of benevolence and virtue; the future of Xiqi is in your hands. The death of the envoys is a conspiracy of Di Xin; Zhaoge intends to use this to provoke trouble and send troops to Xiqi. You need not fear. Follow the will of Heaven, raise an army to rebel against Shang, and save the common people of the world. The Yin-Shang is devoid of Dao, and its fate is exhausted. This is the time for you to achieve great things. We disciples of the Jade Void will also lend you a helping hand."

Upon hearing this, Ji Chang hesitated for a moment: "Many thanks to the High Immortal for your guidance. Ji Chang knows what to do."

San Yisheng also hurriedly performed a salute: "The grace of the High Immortal will surely be remembered by Xiqi."

The Immortal of the South Pole nodded with a smile.

"Go. You are a ruler of benevolence and virtue; rebelling against Shang is your destiny. Soon, a sage with the appearance of a flying bear will appear by the banks of the Wei River. With his joining, he will assist you in conquering Shang and taking its place."

After speaking, the figure of the Immortal of the South Pole turned into a streak of light and disappeared; he still had to go back to guide Jiang Ziya to the Wei River.

San Yisheng was filled with wild joy.

"My Lord, do you see? The disciples of the Jade Void support us, saying that you are a ruler of benevolence and virtue. It seems you are truly the next co-ruler of the human race."

Ji Chang thought for a moment; if he had the help of the disciples of the Jade Void, overthrowing the Yin-Shang and taking its place was not impossible.

But he was a subject of Shang; once he decided to do it, there would be no turning back.

His heart was filled with indecision.

He did not make a decision immediately, intending to first strengthen Xiqi, recruit men of talent and virtue, secretly expand his troops and horses, and wait quietly for the right moment.

He would wait until the sage with the appearance of a flying bear, mentioned by the Immortal of the South Pole, appeared before deciding what to do next.

Three Immortals Island.

Clouds and mist swirled, and immortal Qi permeated the air.

Gu Xiu was meditating in stillness, his Qi circulating throughout his body, when suddenly the system's notification sound rang in his mind.

"Ding!"

"Detected that Ji Chang is recruiting troops and buying horses, waiting for the arrival of Jiang Ziya. Event options triggered; please make a choice, Host."

"Option One: Go to Xiqi to stop it. Reward: One top-grade innate spiritual treasure!"

"Option Two: Go to Zhaoge to report this matter. Reward: One low-grade innate spiritual treasure!"

"Option Three: Ignore this matter. Reward: One Five-Turn Golden Pill!"

Gu Xiu opened his eyes slightly, looked at the options in front of him, and frowned.

"Is the Chan Sect about to officially push forward the Investiture of the Gods? No wonder the system has been prompting so frequently these days."

Looking at the first option, Gu Xiu directly ruled it out; Xiqi is the base camp of the Chan Sect.

Rebelling against Shang is inevitable; how could it possibly be stopped?

If he really stopped it, Yuanshi would definitely take action.

The second option gives a low-grade innate spiritual treasure, which is okay, but Gu Xiu had just returned from Zhaoge and was too lazy to make another trip.

In any case, before Jiang Ziya goes to Xiqi to serve as Prime Minister, Ji Chang will not take any action.

During this period, it would be better to think about how to deal with Jiang Ziya.

"System, I choose three, ignore this matter."

"Ding!"

"Choice successful. Congratulations to the Host for obtaining one Five-Turn Golden Pill!"

Although the quality of the Five-Turn Golden Pill is average, taking it can improve one's cultivation significantly, so Gu Xiu was quite satisfied.

Then, he thought about the matter of the Investiture of the Gods.

The Chan Sect was accelerating the progress of the Investiture; perhaps soon, Perfected Taiyi would make a move against Shi Ji.

"It seems the real contest is about to begin."

No longer in the mood for meditation, he rose and walked out, arriving in the courtyard.

A black dog with a vigorous build suddenly darted out from somewhere.

The black dog's fur was pitch-black and shiny, like the ink of deep night, and its eyes flashed with a vigilant light.

It bared its teeth, and a low, fierce growl emanated from its throat.

Gu Xiu was puzzled: "Where did this dog come from?" He recalled that Yang Jian's standard equipment included a dog.

"Could this be the Xiaotian Dog?"

Gu Xiu stopped in his tracks, meeting the black dog's gaze with a calm expression.

Facing Gu Xiu's gaze, the black dog's body tensed, its muscle lines clearly visible, every hair standing on end, staring fixedly at Gu Xiu, full of aggression.

"Xiaotian Dog, do not be rude to Master!" A sharp shout came.

Yang Jian walked over.

Hearing this familiar voice, the black dog's originally fierce aura instantly dissipated, and it ran over, wagging its tail happily.

It rubbed affectionately against Yang Jian's legs, making whimpering, fawning sounds in its throat, looking exactly like a sycophant.

Yang Jian squatted down, gently stroking the Xiaotian Dog's head, and scolded: "Xiaotian Dog, this is my Master; how can you be disrespectful to him?"

The Xiaotian Dog seemed to understand, drooping its head, its eyes filled with obedience and fawning.

Yang Jian stood up and bowed to Gu Xiu with cupped hands: "Master, this is the Xiaotian Dog I encountered while out training. Seeing that it was fated with me, I took it in. Just now, the Xiaotian Dog offended you; I hope you will not blame it. I will teach it a lesson later."

Gu Xiu smiled slightly: "It's no matter. It is loyal and protective of its master, just a bit reckless. It does indeed need to be taught well how to be a good dog."

Yang Jian apologized again, then looked at the Xiaotian Dog, a hint of warning in his eyes: "Xiaotian Dog, don't you dare be so rude to Master next time, or I won't spare you!"

The Xiaotian Dog barked twice, as if responding to Yang Jian's words, its expression also looking very aggrieved.