Chapter 373

Mount Kunlun.

Jade Void Palace.

Manjusri and Puxian Zhenren brought back Jiang Ziya's corpse.

"Teacher, we have brought back Ziya's physical body," the two said respectfully.

Yuanshi Tianzun sat on a meditation cushion, his face calm, nodding slightly as his gaze fell upon Jiang Ziya's body.

"Let me see what the Jie Sect has actually done to Jiang Shang."

Yuanshi Tianzun's voice was low, carrying an unquestionable majesty.

As soon as he finished speaking, a golden light tightly wrapped around Jiang Ziya's body, and the corpse slowly floated up, flying before Yuanshi Tianzun.

Yuanshi Tianzun closed his eyes, his Saint's consciousness probing into Jiang Ziya's memory and sea of consciousness like threads of silk.

He discovered that Jiang Ziya's behavior had become abnormal from the moment he descended the mountain and met Shen Gongbao.

As he delved deeper, he discovered several memories wrapped in a force that prevented him from investigating.

Yuanshi Tianzun frowned; only a Saint could prevent him from investigating.

He pondered secretly: "Could it be that fellow Tong Tian?"

Unreconciled, the Saint's power erupted from his body, and he broke through by force, finally discovering a clue amidst the layers of fog.

Jiang Ziya seemed to be looking at a scroll, but the golden light shining upon it was so blinding that he could not see it clearly at all.

Yuanshi Tianzun wanted to see what was written on it,

but every time he tried, he was blocked by a mysterious force.

Hardening his heart, he immediately sacrificed the Three-Treasure Jade Ruyi, which hovered above his head, shining brilliantly.

With the help of the Three-Treasure Jade Ruyi, he forcibly broke through that layer of obstruction and finally discovered that Jiang Ziya was looking at a golden slip.

Before he could even see what was written on it, Yuanshi Tianzun suffered a backlash and spat out a mouthful of blood.

The moment the Saint's blood hit the ground, brilliant Dao flowers bloomed, radiating rich Dao principles.

"Teacher!" Manjusri and Puxian Zhenren's expressions changed, both greatly alarmed.

The Saint had actually been injured.

Yuanshi Tianzun's expression was as heavy as iron as he said slowly: "Jiang Ziya's deep memories have indeed been tampered with; even with my power, I cannot pry into them."

Manjusri and Puxian Zhenren were full of astonishment.

"Teacher, could it have been done by the Shangqing Saint?"

Yuanshi Tianzun shook his head gently, his tone certain: "Tong Tian cannot reach the level where he could make me suffer a backlash."

"Teacher, what should we do now?" Manjusri asked.

Yuanshi Tianzun frowned, lost in thought, and spoke slowly after a moment.

"Since we cannot pry into Jiang Ziya's memories, there is no need to force it. Now that we know Jiang Shang was indeed bewitched by the Jie Sect, I will personally act to completely erase Jiang Shang's memories, let him be reborn, have him act entirely according to our orders, and focus solely on completing the Investiture."

Manjusri nodded: "Ziya was deeply bewitched by the Jie Sect and is beyond saving; this is indeed the only way."

Puxian Zhenren agreed: "Ziya's existence is for the purpose of presiding over the Investiture; this move is indeed the most secure."

Yuanshi Tianzun's expression was gloomy as he said: "You may withdraw first."

"Yes, Teacher." The two retreated respectfully.

After Manjusri and Puxian Zhenren exited the Jade Void Palace.

Yuanshi Tianzun began to clear Jiang Ziya's memories; a vast Hunyuan force swept over, and Jiang Ziya's body instantly dissolved, leaving only white bones.

He then took out the Eight-Treasure Glazed Vase containing the Three-Light Divine Water and poured it gently over the bones.

At a speed visible to the naked eye, tender flesh grew on the white bones, and before long, it was reshaped into Jiang Ziya's likeness, completely reborn and granted a new life.

Jiang Ziya then slowly opened his eyes, stood up blankly, his eyes dull and expressionless, like a puppet.

Yuanshi Tianzun waved his hand, and a stream of light shot into Jiang Ziya's body.

Then he called out.

"Jiang Ziya, Jiang Ziya, wake up!"

Hearing someone call, Jiang Ziya's gaze began to move, gaining a little spirit, and he bowed to Yuanshi Tianzun: "Disciple Jiang Ziya pays respects to Teacher."

Yuanshi Tianzun nodded slightly.

"Ziya, you previously fell under the Jie Sect's bewitchment; I have resurrected you. During this time, I have ordered Manjusri and Puxian Zhenren to go to the North Sea to find Bo Jian and build the Investiture Platform."

"On this trip, I will bestow upon you the Wuji Apricot Yellow Flag for protection and lend you the Four-Not-Like as a mount. You shall go to Xiqi and preside over the Investiture properly; there must be no mistakes."

"Yes, Teacher." Jiang Ziya bowed, his voice flat, devoid of any emotion.

At this time, seeing there was no more excitement to watch in Xiqi, Gu Xiu returned to the East Sea.

As soon as he returned to his residence, he saw Bi Xiao in the courtyard, sitting at a stone table.

Seeing Gu Xiu return, she said: "Gu Xiu, you've finally returned."

Gu Xiu walked over and sat down: "Junior Aunt, did you come to find me for something?"

"Can't I come find you if there's nothing wrong?"

Gu Xiu shook his head: "That's not it."

Bi Xiao chuckled: "I won't tease you anymore. Did you point out the breakthrough opportunity for our Eldest Brother before?"

Gu Xiu pondered for a moment and understood she was talking about Zhao Gongming.

"I did indeed point out the breakthrough opportunity for Senior Uncle Zhao Gongming before. Why?"

Bi Xiao looked surprised, her eyes full of curiosity: "I didn't expect it was really you who pointed it out. How did you know?"

Gu Xiu smiled calmly: "That is a secret."

Bi Xiao pouted: "Forget it if you won't say. Eldest Brother said his breakthrough opportunity indeed lies with the twenty-four Sea-Calming Pearls, but he has never had a suitable treasure to stabilize the earth, fire, water, and wind, so he has never succeeded. This time, after Eldest Brother came out of seclusion, he specifically came to find you."

Gu Xiu understood in his heart that Zhao Gongming had come this time for the whereabouts of a treasure that could stabilize the earth, fire, water, and wind, so he asked: "I wonder where Senior Uncle Zhao Gongming is now?"

"Eldest Brother came to find you, discovered you weren't here, so he went to find us. Eldest Sister and Second Sister are currently discussing the major events that have happened during this time with Eldest Brother."

Gu Xiu nodded: "That's fine, then Junior Aunt, let us go find the Master and the others."

Just then, a hearty laugh came: "Junior Nephew, since I am the one asking for help, how can I let you make the trip yourself?"

Zhao Gongming, dressed in a black robe, his figure dashing, walked over with long strides.

Gu Xiu nodded slightly and cupped his hands: "Greetings, Senior Uncle."

"Eldest Brother." Bi Xiao ran over happily.

Zhao Gongming laughed: "You girl, you only know how to run around everywhere. I am going to discuss something with Junior Nephew, Little Sister, don't you go making trouble."

Bi Xiao pouted coquettishly: "Eldest Brother, how could I make trouble? I was just waiting for Gu Xiu to return so I could have him go find you immediately, who knew you would come yourself."

"Haha, that is indeed this brother's fault."

Zhao Gongming laughed, then turned to look at Gu Xiu, his expression becoming solemn.

"Junior Nephew, thanks to you pointing out my breakthrough opportunity, I did indeed gain some insights during this seclusion, but I lack a treasure that can properly stabilize the earth, fire, water, and wind."

"Thinking of what you said last time, that you knew of a treasure that could stabilize the earth, fire, water, and wind, I had no choice but to come find you with a thick face," Zhao Gongming said with slight embarrassment.

Gu Xiu smiled slightly.

"Senior Uncle is too polite. This disciple does indeed know of a treasure that can stabilize the earth, fire, water, and wind."

"I wonder whose hands it is in? I will see if I can go ask what the other party needs and trade for it," Zhao Gongming asked with concern.

Gu Xiu said calmly: "This item is the Universe Ruler, and it is in the hands of the Chan Sect's Vice-Sect Leader, the Daoist Randeng."