Chapter 110: Conquering Hou Hu

  Jiang Ziya took the Seal of the Gods and the Whip of the Gods, two precious objects, and rode the Earth Escape back to Western Qi. Another disciple in the Jade Void Palace looked at Jiang Ziya's departing direction with hatred and resentment in his heart, this person was Shen Gongbao.

  Shen Gong Bao and Jiang Ziya entered Kunlun Mountain to learn art together. Shen Gong Bao's talent was much stronger than Jiang Ziya, after decades of practice, he had already become a half-immortal body, compared to Jiang Ziya, this half-baked goods were much more powerful, and he was also good at flattering and making friends widely, always suppressing Jiang Ziya everywhere.

  He also knew about the war and the sealing of the gods, always thinking that this good thing would fall on his own head. Unexpectedly, it was actually let a useless person get the benefit. The teacher is unfair, the sky has no eyes, a sense of resentment rises, Shen Gongbao also drove the earth escape to leave Xi Qi. Yuanshi Tianzun naturally knew everything about Shen Gongbao, but Yuanshi didn't care at all, and even had a hint of satisfaction in his heart. For years, he had been misleading Shen Gongbao on many issues, now if he were to join the side of Jie teaching, it would be perfect for him to help himself.

  Jiang Ziya returned to Xiqi this time, and his prestige increased greatly. He ordered people to build a high platform in the middle of Qishan Mountain, put the "Seal of Gods" on it, and then Jiang Ziya carried out more drastic reforms of the military and politics of Xiqi. Ji Chang watched with joy in his heart, delighted that he had found such a great talent.

  Jiang Ziya knew that although the Western Qi was now strong, the foundation of the Shang Dynasty still existed. After several hundred years of prosperous rule, people had become accustomed to following the orders of the Shang king, even if they were unreasonable commands, no one dared to resist. This was prestige, this was power.

  The problem facing Xiqi was that he had to change the image of his vassals and become an existence that could sit on an equal footing with King Zhou. Jiang Ziya, San Yisheng and other ministers discussed for dozens of days and decided to raise the status of Xiqi through war.

  After discussion with Ji Chang, it was finally decided to attack Beihou Chonghou Hu. Jiang Ziya summarized the five inevitabilities of attacking Chonghou Hu at the court meeting, which made all the civil and military officials, including Ji Chang, extremely admire him.

  Chonghou Hu Shen is one of the four major vassals, with a reputation outside, it is the force that can be obtained except for the imperial court, attacking him can greatly enhance the prestige of Xiqi.

  Chong Hou's tiger-like body resides in the northern land, where the land is vast but the people are poor. With excessive exploitation, the people's hearts are lost. In reality, it appears strong on the outside but is weak within, unable to withstand a single blow.

  Chong Hou Hu met the king's evil, for Zhou Wang's supervision of the construction of the Deer Platform, provoked heaven's anger and people's resentment, all the people hated him, Xi Qi mourned the people and punished the crime, and must have won a battle.

  The northern troops are currently assisting Wen Taishi in eliminating the remnants of Yuan Futong, with insufficient military strength and internal emptiness. As long as the main force arrives, victory is certain.

  Moreover, the most important thing is that our great army occupies Fengcheng, and we can cut off Wen Zhong's million-strong army's return route, and bury Wen Zhong's hundred-battle elite soldiers in the vast grasslands. At that time, under the circumstances of mutual consumption, we will have the strength to confront Shang Zhou. At that time, Xi Qi will occupy the northwest, advancing and retreating at will, and within a few years, we can accumulate enough power. At that time, unite with the two great vassals in the southeast, and the world will be easily obtainable.

  Jiang Shang's words came down, and everyone sighed in admiration. The upper and lower ranks of Xiqi moved together, the army, equipment, and food were all being rapidly prepared. This was Jiang Zi's first battle, and the old man still made a very deliberate effort to perform well, even his blood was boiling with excitement. The key to this battle lay in one word: speed. With the momentum of a swift thunderbolt, they had to take down Fengcheng quickly; otherwise, if Wen Zhong had the opportunity to counterattack and join forces with Chong Houhu, Xiqi would be in danger.

  Jiang Ziya naturally knew the danger, but he still had a dark son, Chong Heihu. During the previous war in Jizhou, Ji Chang resolved the conflict and saved Chong Heihu. Chong Heihu was quite knowledgeable about loyalty and righteousness, grateful to Ji Chang, and admired Ji Chang's benevolence, almost worshiping him as a god.

  Chong Heihu sent a letter to Ji Chang, in which Chong Heihu deeply regretted his brother's behavior of being controlled by the tiger. The letter also revealed his concern for the future of the family. After discussing this matter with Jiang Ziya, Jiang Ziya keenly discovered that Chong Heihu was the key to solving the northern problem. The monarch and minister immediately made a plan to use Chong Heihu against Chong Houtu.

  Enough idle talk, the Western Qi army is ready, Ji Chang personally led the expedition, Nan Gong Yu became the commander-in-chief, Jiang Ziya became the military strategist, and Ji Fa was left to guard Xiqi. Choosing an auspicious day, the Xiqi army set out with 870,000 troops, rushing towards Fengcheng in a mighty manner.

  Chong Hou Hu built the Deer Platform for King Zhou, winning the favor of King Zhou and Daji. He returned to Feng City, stationed in the north border. Chong Hou Hu had just returned when he heard that Ji Chang was leading a large army to attack him. Chong Hou Hu was terrified, having no soldiers or generals, what could he use to resist the fierce Western Qi?

  Chong Houhu thought of his brother Chong Heihu and hastily sent a letter to ask him to come and assist in defending Fengcheng. On the other hand, he gathered the scattered troops in Fengcheng and relied on the city's defenses to hold out.

  Chong Heihu held two letters in his hand, one from Xiqi and the other from Fengcheng. Chong Heihu was caught in an unprecedented struggle between heaven and man, what to do?

  As the sky gradually brightened, the rooster sang loudly. Chong Hei Hu, who had been sitting still all night, made a decision and led his 50,000-strong army to rush towards Feng Cheng. After making up his mind, Chong Hei Hu marched swiftly, and just as they were about to arrive at Feng Cheng, they set up camp and were about to rest when someone suddenly came to report that a Taoist priest had come to request an audience.

  Chong Heihu had also practiced Taoism under the sect of Jue, so he was extremely respectful to Taoists. He personally went out to welcome them and stood outside the gate, where he saw a middle-aged Taoist standing in front of him with his hands behind his back. The man was not tall, slightly hunched over, with a pair of yellow eyes shining brightly, and only a few strands of beard on his chin, which was pointed forward, making him look quite unrefined.

  That Taoist saw Chong Hei Hu personally come out to greet him, with a hint of a smile at the corner of his mouth, but in Chong Hei Hu's eyes, it seemed to have a few hints of mockery.

  "Respected Master, I suppose you don't know me either. I am Shen Gongbiao, a disciple of the Jade Void Palace on Mount Kunlun and the senior fellow apprentice of Jiang Ziya, the Prime Minister of Western Qi. This time, I have come at the behest of Grand Tutor Wen Zhong. Won't you please let me in?"

  Chong Houhu was taken aback by this, as Xiqi had not received the order from King Zhou of Shang, and launching a private attack on Chong Houhu could be considered an act of rebellion. As Shen Gongbao was Jiang Ziya's senior fellow disciple, he should have been helping Xiqi, so why would he come at Wen Zhong's command? It was truly strange, but the stranger it was, the more Chong Houhu dared not to slack off.

  Shen Gongbao was invited into the grand tent and offered fragrant tea. Shen Gongbao didn't decline, taking a few sips.

  "Lord Chong, I have come for your sake. I'd like to ask first if you know the meaning of loyalty and righteousness?"

  Chong Heihu's expression didn't change upon hearing this, but he sensed that there was more to Sheng Gongbao's words than met the eye, and his tone wasn't friendly - could it be that he had come looking for trouble?

  "Although Chong is just a martial artist, he has always been true to others with a sincere heart. How could he not know loyalty and righteousness? Master Dao wouldn't be here to deceive Chong, would he?"

  "Haha, since it's like that, I have something to ask you about. I hope Lord Chong will tell me the truth."