Chapter 80: 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.

He was panic-stricken, knowing full well that this matter was of great consequence; if handled improperly, it would surely bring a catastrophe upon Xiqi.

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

Ji Chang's brows furrowed tightly, and he looked 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 Xiqi will be in danger then."

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, and I truly do not wish to be a rebel."

"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 an opportunity 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, so he had to act with caution.

"But I hear the King is merely doting on the new Palace Beauty Su, and that he is only 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 rising in rebellion, which shows that the fortune of the Yin Shang is exhausted. Why must you remain loyal to Yin Shang? You are a virtuous man 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 manor.

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

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 business here?"

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

"This poor Daoist is a disciple of the Jade Void Gate, a disciple under the seat of the Jade Pure Saint, the Immortal of the South Pole. Ji Chang, you are a ruler of benevolence and virtue, and 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 stir up 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. Yin Shang is devoid of Dao, and its fortune is exhausted. This is the time for you to achieve great things, and I, a disciple of the Jade Void Gate, will also lend you a helping hand."

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

San Yisheng also hurriedly bowed: "Xiqi will certainly remember the kindness of the High Immortal."

The Immortal of the South Pole nodded with a smile.

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

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

San Yisheng was ecstatic.

"My Lord, do you see? The disciples of the Jade Void Gate support us and say 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 Jade Void disciples to overthrow Yin Shang and take its place, it was not impossible.

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

He felt indecisive in his heart.

He did not make a decision immediately, intending to first strengthen Xiqi, recruit virtuous and capable people, secretly expand his troops, and wait quietly for the opportunity.

He would wait until the virtuous man 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 energy permeated the air.

Gu Xiu was meditating in stillness, his inner energy circulating, 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. Triggering event options, please make a choice, Host."

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rebellion 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.

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

During this time, he might as well think about how to deal with Jiang Ziya.

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

"Ding!"

"Choice successful. Congratulations to the Host for obtaining a 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 still quite satisfied.

Then, he thought about the Investiture of the Gods.

With the Chan Sect accelerating the progress of the Investiture, perhaps Master Taiyi would soon take action against Shi Ji.

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

Having no heart to continue meditating, he stood up and walked out, coming into the courtyard.

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

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

Baring its teeth, a low and fierce roar issued from its throat.

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

"Could this be the Sky-Barking Hound?"

Gu Xiu stopped his steps, his gaze meeting the black dog's stare calmly.

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.

"Sky-Barking Hound, do not be rude to the Master!" A sharp shout came.

Yang Jian walked over.

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

It circled Yang Jian's legs, rubbing against them affectionately, and even let out whimpering, fawning sounds from its mouth, looking exactly like a sycophantic dog.

Yang Jian squatted down, gently stroked the Sky-Barking Hound's head, and scolded: "Sky-Barking Hound, this is my Master; how can you be disrespectful to the Master?"

The Sky-Barking Hound seemed to understand, drooping its head, its eyes full of obedience and fawning.

Yang Jian stood up and cupped his hands in salute to Gu Xiu: "Master, this is the Sky-Barking Hound I encountered while out training. Seeing that it had a connection with me, I took it in. Just now, the Sky-Barking Hound bumped into you; I hope you will not blame it. I will teach it a lesson later."

Gu Xiu smiled slightly: "It's fine. 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 Sky-Barking Hound, a hint of warning in his eyes: "Sky-Barking Hound, you are not allowed to be so rude to the Master next time, or I will not spare you!"

The Sky-Barking Hound barked twice, as if responding to Yang Jian's words, its expression also looking very aggrieved.