Chapter 236 Li Jing and his wife come to visit
The early morning light shines through the window lattice, onto the bluestone slabs of the courtyard, bringing a hint of warmth.

On such a peaceful and quiet morning, Yang Ling and his wife Yunhua snuggled up to each other, enjoying the rare quiet time.

Soon, Yunhua gently nudged Yang Ling and said softly, "Get up and prepare breakfast for the children."

Yang Ling nodded, smiled at Yun Hua, then stood up and walked towards the kitchen.

In the kitchen, the pots and pans were arranged in order. Yang Ling skillfully lit the fire and washed the vegetables. After a while, a table full of delicious breakfast was ready.

He made fragrant rice porridge, fried a few eggs, and some freshly picked spiritual fruits.

Afterwards, Yang Ling tiptoed to his son Yang Jian's room, only to see him sitting cross-legged on the bed with his eyes closed and motionless. It was obvious that he had not slept all night and had been concentrating on meditation and practice.

Yang Ling called softly, "Jian'er, breakfast is ready. Eat something before continuing."

Yang Jian slowly opened his eyes and revealed a tired but satisfied smile. He knew that his cultivation had improved again.

He stood up, stretched, and followed his father to the dining room.

While his daughter was still in deep sleep, Yang Ling walked into her room and looked at the little figure curled up in the quilt. He couldn't help but smile dotingly. He gently rocked her and said softly, "Xiaochan, get up. Daddy picked the spiritual fruit you like to eat."

The daughter rubbed her sleepy eyes, mumbled a few words, slowly got up, and followed Yang Ling to the restaurant.

The family sat together and enjoyed breakfast happily.

Just as they were enjoying their meal, there was a knock on the door. Yang Ling put down his bowl and chopsticks, and got up to open the door.

Outside the door was Jiang Ziya with a serious face.

"Brother, I have something important to tell you."

There was a hint of urgency in Jiang Ziya's voice.

Yang Ling nodded and invited Jiang Ziya into the room, then asked, "What happened?"

Jiang Ziya entered the house, glanced at the family who were having dinner, and then said in a deep voice: "Wen Zhong left in anger yesterday. He threatened to lead the army back to Chaoge. It seems that the situation is more serious than expected."

Hearing the news, Yang Ling's brows furrowed as he realized the seriousness of the situation.

He turned to look at his wife and children, with a gleam of determination in his eyes: "It seems that we must be prepared."

Yunhua and the children also felt the tense atmosphere. They looked at each other and knew in their hearts that a storm was about to come.

Yang Ling hesitated for a moment, a gleam of determination flashed in his eyes, and he said to Jiang Ziya: "It has come to this, we can no longer hold back.

From now on, there will be no limit on the money and grain of Yang's business, and we will fully support Bigan. At the same time, let Bigan speed up the formation of an army, and he must have the ability to protect himself."

Jiang Ziya nodded, but then revealed a trace of embarrassment: "Brother Yang, most of the generals in the court are now under the command of Master Wen, and King Wucheng has fled to Xiqi. We really lack people to lead the troops."

Yang Ling's eyes were firm. He knew this was a thorny problem, but they had to find a solution: "I know this difficulty, but we can't just sit there and wait for death.

Li Jing and his wife from Chentang Pass, Zhang Kui and his wife from Mianchi County, and Kong Xuan from Sanshan Pass, they are all capable of taking on this important task. "

After hearing this, Jiang Ziya showed a hint of surprise in his eyes, and then turned to affirmation: "Li Jing is extremely intelligent, Zhang Kui is invincible, and Kong Xuan is even more powerful. If we can get their help, it will indeed bring a glimmer of hope to our Shang Dynasty."

Yang Ling nodded, a satisfied smile on his face: "Then it's settled. Send someone to contact them immediately and inform them of our decision. Time is running out, we must act as soon as possible."

Jiang Ziya knew the urgency of the situation, so he said nothing more and immediately stood up and said goodbye: "I'll make arrangements right away."

Watching Jiang Ziya's back disappear out the door, Yang Ling turned back to the dining table. His wife and children were looking at him.

Yang Ling gently touched his son's head, smiled at Yunhua and his daughter, and said, "Don't worry, everything will be fine."

Yunhua looked at her husband deeply, her eyes full of trust and support: "No matter what happens, we will be with you."

……

Jiang Ziya walked hurriedly through the winding palace corridors and headed straight for the main hall.

Bigan had been waiting there for a long time, his face revealing a hint of anxiety. When he saw Jiang Ziya, he immediately came forward to greet him.

"Zi Ya, you're here." There was a hint of relief in Bigan's voice.

Jiang Ziya nodded and got straight to the point: "Bigan, Senior Brother Yang has something for me to tell you. He has decided to fully support you. The money and food from Yang's business will be supplied without limit. At the same time, he suggests that you speed up the formation of the army to prevent any accidents.

In addition, he also proposed to summon Li Jing and his wife from Chentangguan, and Zhang Kui and his wife from Mianchi County..."

Hearing this, Bigan's eyes flashed with a hint of surprise, and then he became firm: "Okay, I understand. Yang Ling's move is really for the benefit of the Shang Dynasty."

He immediately summoned his attendants and ordered them, "Go, immediately draft an imperial edict to summon Li Jing and his wife, Zhang Kui and his wife, and Kong Xuan to the court to obey your orders."

The attendants took the order and left. Bigan turned to Jiang Ziya and said, "Ziya, I know you don't want to get involved in government affairs, but now the Shang Dynasty is in a precarious situation. Your wisdom and strength are indispensable to us. I once again implore you to serve as an official in the court and lend a hand to me."

Jiang Ziya was silent for a moment. He looked out the window. The sky over Chaoge was gloomy and a storm seemed to be brewing. He took a deep breath and turned to face Bigan with a firm look in his eyes: "Bigan, I promise you, for the sake of the Shang Dynasty, I am willing to come out of the mountains."

After hearing this, Bigan excitedly held Jiang Ziya's hand and said, "That's great, Ziya. Your joining us will definitely give us hope of victory."

He then loudly announced to the public: "Pass on my decree, appoint Jiang Ziya as the senior official, and grant him a seat to listen to government affairs."

The edict was quickly drafted and Bigan personally stamped it with the seal. His entourage then set off quickly to various places to convey the imperial decree.

Jiang Ziya and Bigan stood side by side, looking at the envoys going away. They both knew in their hearts that this was a battle that concerned the fate of the Shang Dynasty, and they must unite to usher in the dawn.

……

As the morning light began to shine, the outline of Chentang Pass gradually became clear under the dimly lit sky.

This ancient city, after years of baptism, still stands on the eastern horizon, welcoming the new day.

On the city wall, the mottled stone bricks glow with a faint golden luster under the morning sun, as if telling a thousand-year-old story.

The city gate slowly opened, and the first ray of sunlight penetrated the gap in the city gate and sprinkled on the bluestone paved street.

On both sides of the street, the old shops gradually woke up, and the wooden doors and windows were pushed open one by one, making creaking sounds, breaking the tranquility of the night. The vendors began to get busy, preparing for the day's business, and the cries of hawking, chatting, and the clash of pots and pans intertwined into a symphony in the early morning.

On such a vibrant morning, Nezha's figure is particularly eye-catching.

He wears his iconic red bellyband, rides on wind-fire wheels, holds a fire spear, and his short black hair flutters in the morning breeze. Nezha always has a mischievous smile on his face, and his eyes sparkle with curiosity about the world and desire for adventure.

Nezha was frolicking in the streets, and his presence always caused a commotion. Sometimes he would control the wind-fire wheels to spin under his feet, bringing up clouds of flames and dust...

His movements are agile, like a naughty little monkey, making him elusive.

In the morning light, every corner of Chentangguan looks particularly beautiful. The sunlight shines on the ancient buildings, giving them a layer of golden brilliance.

The flowers and plants on the street appear more colorful under the nourishment of the morning dew.

Nezha shuttled through the crowd, his figure like a red lightning, bringing infinite vitality to Chentang Pass this early morning.

Sometimes he chased and played with the children, sometimes he stopped to watch the performances of street performers, and sometimes he curiously peeked in front of the vendors' stalls.

As the sun gradually rose higher, Chentang Pass became increasingly lively in the morning light.

The vendors’ cries became louder and the pedestrians’ footsteps became more hurried.

Nezha's mischievous behavior finally caused trouble. His mischief on the street caused many vendors' goods to be knocked over, and even several pedestrians were accidentally knocked down by him. The messy scene made people around frown and talk about it one after another.

Upon hearing the news, Madam Li rushed to the scene. When she saw this scene, her face suddenly darkened. She bowed repeatedly to everyone and said apologetically, "I'm really sorry. It was all caused by my naughty Nezha. I will be responsible for compensation. Please calm down."

Afterwards, Madam Li asked the housekeeper who was accompanying her to take out the money bag and compensate the affected vendors and pedestrians one by one. She also grabbed Nezha who was about to slip away and said sternly: "Come home with me!"

Nezha grumbled in dissatisfaction, but under Madam Li's firm gaze, he could only follow her back obediently.

When Nezha returned home, he was still complaining, so Mrs. Li tried to persuade him: "Nezha, although you are very talented, you can't always do wrong things. Your behavior will not only cause trouble to others, but also bring bad reputation to our family. You must remember that you must be responsible."

Nezha lowered his head. Although he felt unwilling, he knew that his mother was right.

At this time, Li Jing was sitting at the desk with a letter in his hand, looking worried. Mrs. Li saw her husband like this and hurriedly asked, "Brother Jing, what's wrong with you?"

Li Jing looked up at his wife and handed her the letter: "The new king in the court has issued an edict, ordering my husband and I to go to Chaoge to obey his orders."

Madam Li took the letter and asked curiously, "Why did they summon us so suddenly? Is there something important going on in the court?"

Li Jing shook his head, a trace of worry in his eyes: "I don't know either. The edict does not explain the reason. But judging from the urgency of the edict, I'm afraid the situation in Chaoge is not good."

Mrs. Li frowned, feeling a little uneasy: "What should we do now?"

Li Jing stood up, his eyes firm: "Since the court has summoned us, as military commanders, we should be loyal to the country. We must set off immediately and go to Chaoge."

Mrs. Li nodded in support: "I'll go and prepare my luggage now."

Nezha listened to the scene with a glimmer of excitement in his eyes. For this adventurous boy, this unknown call was undoubtedly a new challenge. He was eager to try and couldn't wait to see what happened in Chaoge.

Li Jing and his wife were busy preparing supplies for the long journey. The atmosphere at home became tense and busy, and everyone was preparing for the upcoming journey. And Nezha's heart was full of expectations and curiosity about the future.

After half a month's journey, Li Jing and his wife arrived in Chaoge with Nezha.

They did not go directly to the palace, but visited Yang's house first.

Yang Ling was naturally enthusiastic about their arrival. He went out to greet them personally and invited them into the mansion with a smile on his face.

"Thank you for your hard work along the way. Please come in." Yang Ling's voice was filled with sincere concern.

Li Jing smiled slightly to express his gratitude, but when he heard that Yang Ling arranged for them to stay in the next yard, he declined with a little embarrassment: "Brother Yang, we dare not disturb you, let's find an inn to settle down."

However, Nezha was already attracted by the grandeur of the mansion. He happily agreed and said excitedly while holding Li Jing's hand: "Dad, let's live here. It's so fun here!"

Li Jing looked helplessly at his son's expectant face, and finally nodded in agreement. He knew that his son had a feeling of admiration for Yang Ling after the last lesson, and naturally would not miss this opportunity.

Seeing this, Yang Ling quickly arranged for his servants to lead them to the next courtyard to settle down. Although the courtyard was not as luxurious as the main courtyard, it was also fully equipped, elegant and quiet, and quite elegant.

After settling in, Li Jing and his wife were invited to Yang Ling's study, where Yang Ling personally made tea for them. The atmosphere was warm and cordial.

"Actually, it was me who recommended you to Chaoge this time," Yang Ling said straight to the point.

When Li Jing and his wife heard this, their doubts immediately disappeared. They knew Yang Ling very well and knew that he would not involve them for no reason.

"Brother Yang, what do you mean?" Li Jing asked.

Yang Ling looked solemn: "The situation in Chaoge is turbulent now. Although Bigan wants to turn the tide, his strength is weak. You two are famous and renowned. If you can lend him a helping hand, you will surely be able to stabilize people's hearts."

Li Jing and his wife looked at each other, and determination was revealed in their eyes. They knew that this was a struggle concerning the fate of the country, and they could not stand idly by.

"Since Brother Yang values ​​it so much, we should do our best." Li Jing said solemnly.

Nezha listened on the side. Although he didn't understand the adults' world very well, he could feel its importance.

As night fell, the lights in the Yang Mansion gradually lit up. Li Jing and his wife had dinner with Yang Ling's family and had a pleasant conversation.

As the night breeze brought a cool breath, Li Jing and his wife, accompanied by Yang Ling, strolled along the paths in the mansion. Although they had a myriad of thoughts in their minds, they also felt a rare tranquility.

Nezha's eyes moved around the table for a few times, and finally landed on Yang Jian. He had heard about Yang Jian's deeds, and was already full of curiosity about this handsome young man.

Especially after hearing about Yang Jian's extraordinary talent in cultivation, Nezha became even more eager to test his prowess.

Yang Jian's gaze also fell on Nezha, and a spark of competition flashed in the eyes of both of them.

After dinner, Yang Jian prepared to go to the Map of Mountains and Rivers to practice as usual.

Seeing this, Nezha immediately followed him and said mischievously as he walked, "I heard that you are very good at cultivation. I wonder if you can teach me?"

Yang Jian looked back at Nezha and smiled: "Practice is not something that can be taught in a few words, but if you want to learn from me, I don't mind."

When Nezha heard the word "competition", he immediately became excited, with a gleam of excitement in his eyes: "Then let's compete!"

The two came to the map of mountains and rivers, and Nezha eagerly proposed to compete with Yang Jian. Yang Jian glanced at his father Yang Ling, as if asking for his opinion.

Yang Ling smiled and nodded, his tone gentle but somewhat serious: "You can spar with each other, but be careful not to hurt the harmony."

Nezha responded carelessly: "Don't worry, Uncle Yang, I will hold back!"

Yang Jian smiled slightly, without saying much, and just nodded. He knew Nezha's character, and also understood that this competition was a rare experience for both sides.

The two men stood still, and Nezha took the lead in wielding the flaming spear, and rushed towards Yang Jian like an arrow from a bow.

Yang Jian's expression remained unchanged, and the sword in his hand danced like a living thing, easily blocking Nezha's attack.

Nezha was unwilling to be defeated, so he circulated the spiritual power in his body, and the flames under the Wind Fire Wheel became more intense, and his attack became more fierce.

Each of his attacks was carried out with the momentum of a storm, trying to break Yang Jian's defense.

There was a gleam of challenge in Nezha's eyes. He retracted the Fire Spear in his hand, and the Qiankun Circle and Hun Tian Ling behind him appeared in his hands in an instant like divine beasts obeying his call.

The Qiankun Circle was spinning in the air, making a clanging sound, while the Hun Tian Ling was like a spirit snake, wriggling in search of prey.

Facing Nezha's all-out effort, Yang Jian remained calm. He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and activated the Nine Revolutions Yuan Gong in his body.

A powerful aura suddenly emerged from his body, as if he was an immovable mountain, standing firmly in place.

Nezha shouted loudly, and the Qiankun Circle was like a meteor breaking through the sky, rushing straight towards Yang Jian with unparalleled power.

Not to be outdone, the Hun Tian Ling transformed into a golden light, trying to bind Yang Jian tightly. However, at this critical moment, Yang Jian opened his eyes, and a gleam of light flashed in his eyes.

He stretched out his hand, and in full view of everyone, he caught the flying Qiankun Circle with his bare hands. The powerful force caused the Qiankun Circle to stop rotating instantly.

At the same time, the Hun Tian Ling had quickly wrapped around his body, trying to restrain him. But Yang Jian's body shook, and a powerful momentum burst out. The Hun Tian Ling could not be tightened, but was pulled by his power and could not move.

Nezha was surprised and excited when he saw this scene. He knew that he had met a real opponent. He was unwilling to give up and swung the Fire Spear again, which turned into a red light and stabbed Yang Jian fiercely.

Yang Jian remained calm in the face of Nezha's attack.

He raised his arms, and the restraints of the Hun Tian Ling were instantly stretched open. He swayed and appeared in front of Nezha. In Nezha's surprised eyes, Yang Jian grabbed the tip of the Fire Spear, and the spear body trembled because of the huge force.

The two men confronted each other like this. Nezha tried to break free, but found that Yang Jian's power was like an abyss, unfathomable.

His fire spear was in Yang Jian's hand and couldn't move at all.

In the end, Nezha reluctantly relaxed the power in his hands, he knew that he had truly lost to Yang Jian today.

He looked up at Yang Jian, his eyes full of seriousness: "Yang Jian, you are so amazing, I surrender!"

Yang Jian smiled and let go of his hand, returning the Fire Spear to Nezha, saying in a calm tone: "Nezha, you are also very good. In the future, we can learn from each other and make progress together."

The two smiled at each other. This competition not only did not create any rift between them, but instead made their friendship even deeper.

Just as Nezha and Yang Jian were praising each other and preparing to compete again, Yang Chan came quietly, with a hint of helplessness and a sweet smile on her face, and said softly: "All you know is fighting and killing. Really, can't you learn from me how to grow flowers and grass?"

When Nezha and Yang Jian heard Yang Chan's words, they were stunned for a moment, and then they both showed awkward smiles at the same time.

The two men knew very well that their love for fighting far exceeded their interest in gardening, but faced with Yang Chan's proposal, it was difficult for them to directly refuse.

"Xiaochan, you also know us..." Nezha was about to explain, but was pulled by Yang Jian, who shook his head slightly, signaling Nezha not to say more.

Yang Jian quickly put on a smile and said to Yang Chan: "Sister, we are having a good chat. I will definitely learn from you someday."

A playful light flashed in Yang Chan's eyes. She knew the tempers of the two teenagers, so she said nothing more. She just snorted softly and turned away.

As Yang Chan's figure gradually walked away, Nezha and Yang Jian looked at each other, smiled knowingly, slipped away quietly, and continued their competition.

The night was as dark as ink, and the two people's shadows were stretched out in the moonlight. Nezha's heart was filled with curiosity about Yang Jian's magical powers, and he couldn't wait to see them for himself.

"Yang Jian, what was that move you just made? Why did I feel that your strength suddenly became much stronger?" Nezha asked.

Yang Jian smiled slightly, with a hint of mystery in his eyes: "That is the Nine Revolutions Yuan Gong that I practiced. It can not only strengthen the body, but also change into thousands of forms."

Nezha's eyes lit up when he heard this, and he asked eagerly, "Can you show me how to do it now?"

Yang Jian nodded, and then began to circulate the internal energy in his body. A faint light emanated from his body, and then his figure began to become blurred. Within a few breaths, he turned into an agile eagle and flew high.

Nezha was stunned. He wanted to catch up with Yang Jian's speed, but found that he could not catch up.

He could only look up from the ground and sigh, "Yang Jian, you are too powerful. I admit defeat!"

Yang Jian transformed into an eagle and circled in the air for several circles, then slowly landed, and his body returned to its original appearance.

He said to Nezha: "The path of cultivation is endless, and I only know a little bit. Nezha, you also have your strengths. Let's learn from each other and make progress together."

After hearing this, Nezha felt a sense of admiration in his heart. He knew that he had learned a lot today. This competition made him admire Yang Jian even more, and he was full of expectations for his own path of cultivation.

The two stood side by side in the moonlight, and secretly vowed in their hearts to push their skills to a higher level.

In the distance, Li Jing and his wife watched the fight between Nezha and Yang Jian quietly, and both of them had gratified smiles on their faces.

Yin Shiniang sighed softly, "Brother Yang's children are all outstanding. It would be great if Nezha could be half as steady as them."

Li Jing gently stroked his wife's shoulders and looked at the two teenagers in front of him with gentle eyes: "Nezha is also growing up. Every child has his own characteristics. We must believe in him."

At this time, Yang Ling came over leisurely. He saw the eyes of Li Jing and his wife and knew that they were paying attention to the children, so he smiled and said, "Nezha is a good child. He has changed a lot since the last time we met. His character has also improved a lot."

Hearing this, Li Jing smiled and nodded: "It is all thanks to Brother Yang's teachings that Nezha has become what he is today. Brother Yang has made an indelible contribution."

Yang Ling waved his hand and said modestly, "You're welcome. Nezha is smart and has his own strengths.

By the way, Brother Li, where are your eldest son and your son now? "

Li Jing said, "Jin Zha and Mu Zha are both practicing with the two golden immortals of the Chan Sect, Manjusri and Samantabhadra. They have shown extraordinary talents since they were young, and Shi Niang and I hope they can achieve something in the way of immortality."

Yang Ling nodded and reminded: "Now that King Wu of Xiqi has raised an army, it is said that the Golden Immortal of the Chan Sect is supporting him behind the scenes.

If Jin Zha and Mu Zha follow Master into battle, they will inevitably be involved in this dispute, and you and your son may meet on the battlefield."

Li Jing frowned upon hearing this. Although he knew that the Conferred God Tribulation was inevitable, he did not expect that even his sons would be involved in it: "They are immortals, why do they want to interfere in the affairs of mortals?"

Yang Ling sighed, with a hint of helplessness in his tone: "The Conferred God Tribulation is no small matter. Although the Golden Immortal of the Chan Sect has a high level of cultivation, it is difficult to escape the killing calamity.

If they want to survive the killing calamity, they must have disciples to protect them, which is also one of the reasons why they accept disciples! "

After hearing this, Li Jing felt mixed emotions. He knew very well the cruelty of the Conferred God Tribulation, but as a father, he naturally did not want his sons to be involved in it.

Yang Ling patted Li Jing on the shoulder and comforted him, "You don't have to worry too much. Jin Zha and Mu Zha must have extraordinary attainments as disciples of two Golden Immortals. Although the heavenly tribulation is dangerous, it is also an opportunity for them to grow."

Li Jing took a deep breath and nodded: "I understand. Anyway, thank you Brother Yang for reminding me."

At this time, Yin Shiniang also came over and heard their conversation. A look of worry appeared on her face.

Li Jing said with some shame, "If I had known this would happen, I should have listened to my wife and shouldn't have let those two golden immortals of the Chan sect take Jin Zha and Mu Zha to practice!"

"Alas!" Yin Shiniang comforted her, "It's not your fault. Who would have thought they would have such thoughts!"

……

(End of this chapter)