Chapter 6: The Imperial Palace Banquet! The Start of a Hooked Heart and Cornered Horns

  Yun Zhongzi was at least a somewhat reputable immortal, so the things he sent shouldn't be counterfeit goods! Zhang Zixing thought to himself as he sat cross-legged, placing the jade plaque in his palms. Following the method he had been taught, he calmed his mind and cleared away distracting thoughts, gradually focusing his spiritual energy on his palms.

  At this time, a strange scene appeared in Zhang Zixing's mind: a semi-transparent human body floated in the air, with several white threads inside, which seemed to represent various meridians. On the white threads, there were some golden light points moving around. From the text that appeared at the same time, these golden light points should be the running route of internal energy in the meridians. After a while, the human body changed its posture, and the trajectory of the golden light points also changed. There were seven postures in total, with strange names like "Dòu" and "Wēi". According to the annotations on the side, this was a complete set of cultivation techniques called "War Soul Incantation".

  Yun Zhongzi said that this war soul technique looks very different from the immortal Xian family techniques, its function is "body refinement", which can improve the physical functions and energy usage skills, similar to the "external work" in martial arts, the highest level is called " indestructible". Zhang Zixing guessed that this so-called "indestructibility" only refers to mortal weapons, if it's against Mo Xie or Wu Gou's immortal swords, one's head and tofu might still be useless.

  However, Zhang Zixing never thought of relying on his own cultivation to deal with future enemies - even if he started cultivating now, even if it took thousands of years for the Sealing God War to erupt, he still wouldn't be a match for those people. Just coming across some slightly famous magical artifacts would only leave him running for his life. There are countless examples like this in the Legend of Deification, let alone when facing bosses like the Sect Master or Holy Ones.

  Zhang Zixing thought carefully and felt that the most reliable weapon he could rely on was the wisdom and knowledge accumulated by humanity over thousands of years. Although there was no computer assistance, he had confidence in relying on his memory and experimentation to make the Great Business Dynasty leap into the era of hot weapons or even further. Of course, if it were possible to manufacture 24th-century weapons, changing the entire course and outcome of the War of the Gods would not be impossible.

  Furthermore, the 36 Stratagems, Sun Tzu's Art of War, and Guiguzi's tactics were largely unknown in the Shang Dynasty. With these extraordinary strategies, there would be much to gain from the three major immortal factions of Shan Jiao, Jie Jiao, and Xifang Shi Jiao...

  As for the Battle Soul Technique that can only temper the body, Zhang Zixing felt it was very suitable for his current situation. At least, it could allow him to grasp and utilize the enormous power within his body. When Yun Zhongzi obtained this technique by chance in Western Kunlun, he found that it only contained the "minor way" of cultivating the body, which couldn't compare to the "great way" of the immortal family he was cultivating. So, he casually collected it and didn't try to cultivate its methods. This time, as a gift for Shou Wang, not only did it repay Shou Wang's kindness but also got rid of something useless - in this immortal's eyes, just the "rare treasure tea" sent by Shou Wang was much more precious than the Battle Soul Technique. In fact, Yun Zhongzi didn't know that this "minor way" item he had neglected would have such a great impact on his future "destiny"...

  After repeated trials, Zhang Zixing was certain that he had fully grasped the method of the jade card and did not rush to cultivate it. He got up and left the study room. Thinking that there were still two beauties waiting for his "favor", Zhang Zixing's heart couldn't help but feel a wave of heat, quickening his pace - of course, this was a matter of great importance, as for cultivation, he would deal with it later...

  That night, the three of them accomplished a great feat. Zhang Zixing was born with extraordinary abilities, had more energy than others, and possessed modern "techniques". He effortlessly handled both women. Jiang and Yang were both beautiful young wives who had been neglected for a long time. After a fierce battle, they were repeatedly driven to ecstasy by his skills, and he treated them with tenderness, making them feel as if they were in a dream, unwilling to wake up. From then on, Zhang Zixing finally fully integrated into his new role.

  Time flies, and in the blink of an eye, Zhang Zixing has been practicing the War Soul Technique for two months. Jiangshi and Yangshi were delighted to discover that this husband, who had always been indulgent in pleasure-seeking, had become diligent and studious, not only no longer consorting with song girls or causing trouble outside, but also cultivating his character, reading extensively, and showing concern for national affairs; sometimes he would even create some interesting and practical small items that had never been seen before, such as toothbrushes, kites, and scissors, making people look at him in a new light.

  Thanks to Zhang Zixing's care and consideration, the feelings of the three people became more profound, and their relationship was like a fish in water. This Shouwang also enjoyed the blessings of the people with peace of mind. The only thing that made him feel a little awkward was Zi Yang and Zi Hong, these two "cheap" sons, who always had a distant feeling of not being born to him. Fortunately, they were still young, and Zhang Zixing deliberately established a strict father image, so they respected their father with reverence and did not dare to be too naughty.

  At first, the slave who was rescued in the market was given the surname "Sun" by Zhang Zixing (the slaves of the Shang Dynasty were humble and had no surname), and his brother and sister were removed from their slave status. Sun's younger sister, Yu, recovered her health soon after being treated by the imperial physician. The siblings were very grateful to King Shou, and Sun even swore allegiance to King Shou in the name of his parents. As for that flying official, he was quite sensible and immediately beheaded Chen Yi after learning that his subordinate had offended King Shou, and brought a large number of gifts to apologize in person. Zhang Zixing was not pleased with him as a person, but knew it was not the time to deal with him, so did not make things difficult for him.

  At this time, the front-line express reported that the Taishi who was suppressing the rebellion in Beihai had won a great victory and was returning to the court. The Emperor's dragon countenance was greatly pleased, and he issued an edict to hold a grand feast for all officials in Xianqing Hall.

  As the King of Longevity, Zhang Zixing naturally had to attend this banquet. When he learned about Wen Zhongban's news, his heart couldn't help but feel a little nervous. Wen Taishi was one of the four direct disciples of Jin Lingshengmu, the master of Tongtian Sect, although not the first-rate power in the sect, but also a knowledgeable and skilled person with extraordinary skills, who was very familiar with the original King of Longevity. He had to be careful not to reveal any flaws.

  Since becoming the King of Shou, this was Zhang Zixing's first time attending such a grand court banquet with all officials gathered, and it was also an eye-opener for him. The supreme leader, Emperor Yi, made a routine speech before the banquet, thanking the gods and ancestors for their protection, which led to the swift suppression of the rebellion. Upon hearing this, Zhang Zixing secretly ridiculed that in that case, the gods and ancestors had become the first heroes who contributed to the suppression of the rebellion, so what was the use of having Grand Preceptor and soldiers?

  What is the cause of the Battle of Sealing the Gods?

  The Yu Xu Palace of the Kunlun Mountains, the Yuan Shi Tian Zun of the Pan Tian Teachings, had twelve disciples who fell into the mortal world and were ordered by the Emperor of Heaven to surrender. Therefore, this gathering of the three teachings will compile the teachings of Pan, Jie, and Ren into 365 positions for the gods to be born in the apocalypse. These so-called immortals and spirits, for their own personal grievances or killing karma, do not hesitate to overthrow the ruler's power in the mortal world, causing the common people to suffer from terrible wars and disasters. They are the true culprits of destroying peace!

  Zhang Zixing was indignant in his heart, but still maintained a respectful expression on his face, as if listening attentively to the Emperor's speech. Although Emperor Yi had been in poor health recently, today he was radiant and spirited, putting aside his usual sickly appearance. After thanking the gods and ancestors as usual, the true heroes, Grand Preceptor Wen Zhong and the other generals, finally received their due praise.

  Wen Zhong was a veteran of two dynasties, appearing to be over fifty years old. He had a majestic appearance, with piercing eyes and an extraordinary aura that commanded respect. Zhang Zixing couldn't help but admire him in secret, but thinking about how this loyal and dedicated old minister of the Shang Dynasty ultimately met his demise at the hands of the ruthless Dragon Ridge, his heart felt a pang of sorrow.

  At the position below Wen Zhong was a tall and young martial general, born with Danfeng eyes, Wocan eyebrows, and a short mustache, somewhat resembling Guan Yu, the famous martial general of the Three Kingdoms. He was Huang Feihu, the deputy commander who followed Wen Taishi on this expedition. In the book, Huang Feihu can be said to be the number one martial general of the Shang Dynasty, not only is his martial arts powerful, but he also knows tactics and is a rare talent. Zhang Zixing knew that if the trajectory of fate could not be changed, then in the future, this strongest martial general under him would betray the Western Zhou and become the main force to overthrow the Shang...

  At this time, Emperor Yi finally finished speaking, and the master of ceremonies announced that the banquet was about to begin. The musicians and music slaves struck up a lively and pleasant melody on the beautifully crafted bronze bells and drums. The palace maidens with slender figures brought in an abundance of food and wine one by one. In addition to bowls and plates, the Shang Dynasty court also used dishes made of jade, lacquerware, white pottery, and bronze. However, at this time, the jade and ceramic wares were relatively simple. The main courses consisted of beef, mutton, pork, fish, cured meat, and animal organs, accompanied by some delicious vegetables of the time (such as shepherd's purse and leeks).

  This was the famous "Ding Food" of the Shang Dynasty, where cooked meat dishes were first placed in a well-prepared Ding and cooked, then taken out by attendants from the Ding, dipped in various seasonings and presented to the emperor and ministers. Interestingly, there was also a strict hierarchy system for Ding food, with nine Dings for the emperor, seven for the vassals, five for the nobles, and three for other officials, and any violation would be considered treason. The food in the different Dings also had its own rules, which will not be elaborated here. At this time, the "Ding" was no longer just a simple cooking vessel, but a rather representative ritual vessel.

  Zhang Zixing tasted some of the dishes and felt that they were indeed very fresh and delicious, absolutely belonging to completely non-polluting natural foods. However, the cooking methods and seasonings were relatively lacking, not as good as the flavor after adding his own seasonings in Shouwangfu. The wine was made from some grains, although it was better than what was sold in the market taverns, but for Zhang Zixing who came from the 24th century, it was still difficult to swallow.

  "Third Prince, you usually enjoy drinking heavily, why are you so restrained today?"

  The speaker was a young man in white with short whiskers, who was the eldest son of Emperor Yi and the elder brother of Shou Wang. Emperor Yi had three sons: Qi (also known as Wei Zi Qi), Yan (also known as Wei Zi Yan) and Shou Wang, who was the youngest. Qi and Shou Wang were full brothers born to the same mother, who gave birth to Wei Zi Qi when she was still a concubine of Emperor Yi. She was later promoted to be the empress and then gave birth to Shou Wang. Wei Zi Yan, on the other hand, was born to another concubine. According to the rituals of the Shang Dynasty, both Wei Zi Qi and Wei Zi Yan were considered sons of concubines.

  It was precisely this "son of a concubine" identity that filled the two princes with apprehension towards King Shou, and even his outwardly kind elder brother Wei Zi Qi was no exception.

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