Rebirth of Nezha in the Investiture of the Gods

In the end, under Huang Feihu's various stubborn and unyielding demands, Jiang Ziya had no choice but to promise numerous concessions and draft written agreements before he could persuade Huang Feihu to take action.

Although Huang Feihu continued to participate half-heartedly, the combined military forces created an imposing momentum that made Chong Shun too afraid to resist.

However, while this was the case, a superficial display of resistance was still necessary, and Huang Feihu refrained from taking any action, merely observing from behind.

After all, his agreement with Jiang Ziya stipulated that he would only intervene if West Qi showed signs of defeat.

As it turned out, Huang Feihu's intervention wasn't even needed. Under Ji Chang's army, Chong Shun put up only minor resistance before abandoning the city and fleeing.

Unfortunately for Chong Shun, luck wasn't on his side; he was ultimately captured again. Jiang Ziya naturally wouldn't spare him and had him executed publicly.

Meanwhile, Ji Chang fell ill due to the exhaustion of travel and warfare. At 97 years of age, following a taxing campaign, it was no surprise that he became gravely ill.

And so, King Wen's condition worsened daily, with no signs of improvement. Ministers and generals came to inquire about his health, day after day.

King Wen issued an order: "Summon the Prime Minister to the palace."

Ziya entered the inner palace and approached the dragon bed. Kneeling, he announced, "Your old subject Jiang Shang, answering the royal summons, has arrived to inquire about Your Majesty's wellbeing. How fares your noble health?"

King Wen replied, "I summoned you here today not to discuss trivial matters. I, dwelling in the Northwest and commanding the Western region, lead 200 leaders of feudal princes, under the extensive grace of His Majesty. Though times are chaotic, the distinction of monarch and minister remains intact, and our loyalty stands firm. Even though we've subdued Chong Shun and returned victorious, outward achievement masks inner turmoil. Cruel ministers and rebellious subjects deserve punishment, yet for a minister to slay another without imperial endorsement is an act of autonomy. Moreover, Chong Shun holds the same rank as I, and acting without authorization constitutes a great transgression.

Since slaying Chong Shun, I've been haunted nightly by sorrowful cries. Whenever I close my eyes, he stands before the bed. I fear I cannot linger among the living much longer. Today, I called for you because I have one request—do not disregard my words: If I pass away, even if the Son of Heaven becomes utterly depraved, you must not heed the provocations of the feudal lords to wage war against him. If you betray my words, I shall not meet you kindly in the underworld."

Having spoken, tears streamed down his face. Ziya knelt and replied, "Your servant, bestowed with favor and entrusted with the position of Prime Minister, dares not disobey the royal command. Should I betray your words, I would be unfaithful."

As monarch and minister discussed this, Prince Ji Fa suddenly entered the palace to inquire after his father's health. Seeing Ji Fa arrive, King Wen rejoiced and said, "You have come, my son, just as I had hoped."

Ji Fa performed the formal greeting. King Wen said, "After I die, you will still be young and may recklessly heed the words of others to launch military campaigns. Even if the Son of Heaven lacks virtue, you must not act rashly and earn the reputation of a minister rebelling against the crown. Come here, and bow to Ziya as your Adoptive Father. Listen to his teachings and guidance morning and night. Obeying the Prime Minister is as good as obeying me. Now invite the minister to take the seat of honor and bow to him."

Ji Fa invited Ziya to ascend and bowed to him as his Adoptive Father. Ziya knelt before the dragon bed and wept, saying, "Your servant has been immeasurably favored by Your Majesty. Even if my liver and brain are strewn or my bones are shattered in sacrifice, it would not suffice to repay the kindness of the kingdom! Your Majesty must not worry over your servant and should take care to recover your strength—you will surely recover soon."

King Wen said to Ji Fa, "Shang may lack the Way, yet I am a servant, bound to my duty and must never act beyond my station, lest I invite criticism from future generations. Love and respect your brothers, be compassionate to the people, and even in death, I shall have no regret."

He also said, "Recognizing goodness without hesitation, acting with righteousness without doubt, and shunning wrongdoing—these three principles are the essence of cultivating oneself and the foundation for governing the nation and ensuring the people's wellbeing."

Ji Fa bowed again to receive his orders. King Wen said, "I have received unparalleled grace from King Zhou, yet I will no longer behold his noble visage to offer direct counsel, nor will I be able to complete my Eight Diagrams teachings at Youli and enlighten the people!"

Having spoken, he passed away. He died at the age of 97, later posthumously titled Zhou Wen Wang. This occurred in the 20th year of King Zhou's reign, during midwinter.

Exalting King Wen's virtues: towering above numerous lords. Encountering an unwise ruler, he cautiously pursued his goals.

Three remonstrances in the capital of Shang, seven years imprisoned at Youli. The Innate Secrets revealed through the divination, the Book of Changes passed down to later generations.

The Flying Bear appeared in dreams, the Red Phoenix emerged in the singing city. The benevolent teachings illuminated the legacy of Houji, the virtuous achievements carried forward by Gong Liu.

Forever guarding the integrity of a loyal minister, he abstained from plotting rebellion against Shang. Even under the ancient Qi Mountain, few could match the caliber of the Western Count.

Thus, the Western Count King Wen passed away, and his mortal remains were kept in the White Tiger Hall. All the officials convened to deliberate on the succession. Taigong Wang led the ministers to install Ji Fa as the successor to the Western Count, later posthumously titled King Wu.

After King Wu had completed his father's burial, he elevated Ziya to the rank of Adoptive Father, and promoted all other ministers by one rank. The monarch and his court worked in harmony to carry forth the ambitions and governance of the late king. Vassal states from all around brought tributes to the West. The 200 feudal princes all aligned themselves with royal authority.

Regarding Ji Chang's purported loyalty, it is hardly to be trusted. After all, the Zhou Dynasty banners had already been raised—what sincerity to the Shang could there still be?

This was merely to make the historical record more pleasing and avoid bearing the stigma of rebellion.

Meanwhile, at Sishui Pass, the general Han Rong received news from the border: King Wen of the West had passed away, and Jiang Shang had established Crown Prince Ji Fa as King Wu. Rong was greatly alarmed and hurriedly composed a report, sending an envoy to Chaoge to relay the message.

The envoy entered the city within a day and delivered the report to the document chamber. At the time, Upper Doctor Yao Zhong happened upon the report and discussed it with Duke Wei Zi. "Ji Fa has proclaimed himself King Wu; his ambition is not small and hints at rebellion—we must not ignore this matter," Yao Zhong remarked.

Duke Wei Zi replied, "Master Yao, today's feudal lords have grown weary of our ruler's depravity—rewarding treachery and banishing loyalty—and harbor sentiments of defiance. Ji Fa declaring himself King Wu foretells an imminent upheaval that will shake mountains and rivers and disrupt heaven and earth. But presenting the report to the ruler will yield no action; the dim-witted king sees no peril in this and is unlikely to act."

Yao Zhong said, "Though such opinions are valid, we must discharge our duties as loyal subjects." Thereupon, Yao Zhong carried the report and awaited an audience at the Star-Plucking Tower.

Yao Zhong eventually met the ruler at the Star-Plucking Tower. King Zhou asked, "What report do you bear?"

Yao Zhong responded, "The Western Count Ji Chang has passed away. Ji Fa has declared himself King Wu and disseminated orders widely. Many feudal lords have sworn allegiance, and this poses a significant future threat. Upon reading the border report, I was filled with dread. Your Majesty should swiftly mobilize troops to punish him and uphold the law of the realm. Should we delay, the watchers and hesitators will soon follow his lead."

King Zhou said, "What can a young fledgling like Ji Fa possibly accomplish?"

Yao Zhong objected, "Though Ji Fa is young, Jiang Shang is highly capable, and figures like Nangong Shi and San Yisheng possess both strategy and valor. We must prepare preemptively."

King Zhou replied, "Though your words contain reason, Jiang Shang is merely a Daoist—what could he possibly achieve?" Thus, he did not heed the advice.

Knowing King Zhou's intent to dismiss the matter, Yao Zhong left the palace with a sigh, lamenting, "The one to destroy Shang shall surely be Ji Fa!" Let us set this aside for now.

Although King Zhou dismissed the threat posed by West Qi, Wen Zhong took the matter seriously. He secretly pondered how isolated he was in Chaoge and decided to invite some Daoist companions to strengthen his ranks.

Even if not to counter West Qi's sudden moves, they could at least contend with Lady Xi's influence.

Thus, Wen Zhong mounted his Ink Qilin, wielding two Golden Whips. With a pat to the Qilin's horn, the mystical beast summoned wind clouds beneath its feet and traveled across the world instantly.

Its four feet churned stormy wind; its scales shimmered in the mist with golden light. Traversing the mortal realm in moments, it revealed the Daoist power's glory.

Wen Zhong arrived at the Nine Dragon Island in the West Sea, where he was greeted by towering waves and rolling mists. He landed his mount at the cliffside.

Outside the cave entrance lay exotic blooms and rare grasses, their beauty unparalleled; junipers and pines were vibrantly fresh. Clearly, this was a site for immortals—not for ordinary mortals to tread.

As he admired the scene, a young attendant emerged. Wen Zhong inquired, "Is your master in the cave?"

The attendant replied, "My master is inside playing chess."

Wen Zhong said, "Go announce: Wen Zhong, Grandmaster of the Shang Court, wishes to visit."

The young attendant entered the cave and informed his teacher, "Grandmaster Wen Zhong has come to visit."

Upon hearing this, four Daoists emerged from the cave, laughing heartily, and exclaimed, "Brother Wen, what wind has blown you here?"

When Wen Zhong saw the four emerge, he greeted them warmly and invited them inside. After formal courtesies, they took their seats on meditation cushions. The Daoists asked, "Brother Wen, where do you hail from?"

Wen Zhong replied, "I come seeking an audience."

The Daoists queried, "We've secluded ourselves in this remote haven. What could bring you here?"

Wen Zhong explained, "The court faces internal turmoil and external threats. As a solitary figure, I find myself powerless to address them. Thus, I wish to invite you four esteemed Daoists to come out of your retreat."

The second Daoist remarked, "If we go, all four go together. Does Brother Wen wish only for Brother Wang's help? Then we naturally cannot remain behind."

Hearing this, Wen Zhong was overjoyed. ─ These were the Four Saints, their names listed upon the Investiture of the Gods: the first was surnamed Wang, named Mo; the second Yang, named Sen; the third Gao, named Yougan; and the fourth Li, named Xingba. They were the four divine generals of Lingxiao Palace.

Of course, under ordinary circumstances, these Four Saints of Nine Dragon Island were destined for the Investiture of the Gods.

Thus, Wang Mo and the others summoned their Water Escape technique and headed to Chaoge.

The Five Elements place water first; neither ship nor vessel is needed. Across vast earth in an instant's time, the teachings of Biyou Palace's Saint prevail.