Chapter 120 - 119 King Li Shoots the Spear

Chapter 120: Chapter 119 King Li Shoots the Spear Old Li was not a newcomer to the political scene and immediately discerned Shen Gongbao’s intention to negotiate a truce and release the captives. However, Manjusri and Puxian were his sons’ teachers, and by both emotion and principle, he felt obliged to rescue them—but he couldn’t resort to force. In his heart, he thought of his favorite book, *Big Talk of Three Kingdoms*, authored by Nezha and Daji. It contained a story about the Yuanmen Shooting Spear. Though he didn’t see himself as the world’s number one military general, and his archery skills could only be described as decent, he believed Heaven’s Will would favor his side. Thus, he said to Shen Gongbao, "Since you, State Preceptor, have objections, why don’t we make a wager?" Shen Gongbao, a seasoned gambler, immediately perked up upon hearing this suggestion. Moreover, with the presence of the Three Sects and countless figures here, a victory against Li Jing would leave him with a tale worth telling. After all, hadn’t he strived so hard to prove he was superior to Jiang Ziya? Without hesitation, he agreed. "I wonder, Heavenly King Li, what do you propose to wager on?" Li Jing succinctly explained the story of the Yuanmen Shooting Spear, then said, "Let the State Preceptor throw a long spear, and I shall shoot it. If I hit, I win, and the State Preceptor shall release Manjusri and Puxian, the two Realized Ones. If I miss, I lose, and Nantang shall no longer intervene in the Shang-Zhou war." Shen Gongbao agreed without hesitation. *Li Jing, just a mortal, not even an Immortal—how could he possibly defeat me, a Chan Sect Immortal?* Victory was in his grasp! Both men then solemnly swore their pledges. Yun Zhongzi, who had a good relationship with Nezha, generously stepped forward and produced a magnificent Fangtian Halberd. With a slight wave, the weapon whirled through the air with ferocity, and a touch of Mana sent it slashing to the side. A trench, about ten meters long, erupted immediately. Raising the halberd upright, Yun Zhongzi said, "As Shen Gongbao and the Heavenly King Li gamble, I shall add a little incentive. This halberd will serve as the prop; whoever wins shall receive it as a prize." After speaking, he tossed the halberd to Shen Gongbao. Shen Gongbao grabbed the weapon, lightly swung it, stroked the halberd’s shaft, and praised, "What a fine halberd!" Then he positioned the halberd’s head backward, its handle forward, and gathered all his Mana before hurling it into the distance. The Fangtian Halberd instantly transformed into a black shadow, vanishing into the horizon. At the same time, several Abnormal People in the Shang Army quickly raced toward the halberd’s location. On the West Zhou side, Yang Jian also immediately took action. Li Jing: "..." Though he possessed cultivation, his abilities alone made shooting the spear nearly impossible. But he had no intention of cheating and stopped those behind him who wanted to assist. He fully exerted his knowledge of Battle Array techniques, and a golden-blue Dharma Form began to manifest. First, the seven-layered pagoda in his hand floated overhead. Then, radiant blue Spirit Light condensed into a treasure bow. Li Jing focused his entire mind on the Dharma Form, sensing a heightened perception. Although he initially couldn’t know the halberd’s location, he could now vaguely feel its presence—not distinctly, but enough. That was all he needed. The Dharma Form posed with bow and arrow, and a golden arrow coalesced. Li Jing calmed his breathing, steadied his mind, and let the arrow fly like thunder, transforming into Golden Light that shot into the distance. Yang Jian and the Shang Generals were already waiting at the halberd’s location. From afar, they saw the Golden Light flying toward them, piercing through the halberd’s head and forming a deep pit behind it. Yang Jian smiled and, holding the halberd, rode his cloud back. Ci Hang, Taiyi, Yun Zhongzi, and An Tuo Jia didn’t need to go; they sensed the outcome immediately and simultaneously smiled knowingly. None of them said a word. After a moment, Yang Jian arrived with the halberd, followed by the Shang Generals. Kneeling on one knee and holding the halberd with both hands, Yang Jian proclaimed loudly, "The target was hit; Heavenly King Li has won!" Li Jing hurriedly supported Yang Jian. Though he hadn’t interacted much with Yang Jian, he’d often overheard Nezha’s conversations with Jinzha and Mu Zha and knew about Yang Jian’s troubled past—he deeply sympathized with him. He gently helped Yang Jian up, his face kind as he patted his shoulder and said, "Since Brother Yang has helped, I shall gift this prize to you." As a middle-aged man, he especially appreciated thoughtful and respectful youths like Yang Jian. Yang Jian was stunned by his words. The kind yet dignified expression on Old Li’s face unexpectedly overlapped with the hazy image of his father in his heart. Shaking his head, he bowed again: "Thank you, Heavenly King Li." Then he stored away the Fangtian Halberd. Shen Gongbao’s face was full of resentment, but he didn’t dare violate the oath he had sworn. An Tuo Jia stepped forward, saluted Li Jing, and opened his eyes, which revealed swirling vortexes. Manjusri and Puxian’s forms emerged from captivity. They glanced around and, though initially confused by the situation, felt reassured upon seeing their disciples and sect brethren nearby. After freeing them, An Tuo Jia didn’t leave immediately but addressed Li Jing, "Heavenly King Li, your dedication to the Buddhist spirit humbles me. I have long admired the teachings of the West. Could we perhaps exchange insights?" Old Li had no knowledge that the little baldy before him, blindfolded and sporting tusks, was actually a Daluo Golden Immortal capable of blowing him into oblivion with a mere breath. However, he could faintly sense the fear held by the Great Shang’s forces toward this individual, indicative of his high status. Li Jing candidly replied, "I merely happened to receive some guidance from Saint Zhunti and, by fortunate coincidence, obtained the Saint’s Scripture. Although I read it daily, my lack of aptitude leaves my cultivation shallow. If Daoist Friend is interested, we could study it together." An Tuo Jia: "..." Ci Hang, Manjusri, Puxian: "..." Although the term *humblebrag* hadn’t been coined yet, all four shared the same sentiment at that moment. *Seriously? Saint Zhunti personally guided you, and you regularly read the Saint’s Scripture, yet you still claim shallow cultivation and poor aptitude?* An Tuo Jia, having contemplated joining the Western Sect for some time, had consulted Fantian and observed the cultivation characteristics of its core disciples. His prior intervention against Shen Gongbao had already shown his alignment. This "humblebrag" from Li Jing only validated his suspicions. In his eyes, Li Jing’s cultivation level was insignificant; his emergence was clearly part of the Saint’s plan. With a deferential posture, An Tuo Jia said, "I look forward to your guidance, Daoist Friend." Hearing this, Ci Hang and the others were equally tempted; they wished to witness the Saint’s Scripture. Manjusri and Puxian, as teachers of Jinzha and Mu Zha, easily struck up a conversation. With a warm smile, Ci Hang casually spoke of past campaigns alongside Nezha, praising him as a hero among youth and a champion against demons. Old Li, ever discerning, graciously invited the group to visit Qinyang for a small gathering to exchange knowledge. The four gladly accepted. Old Jiang watched from the sidelines with some envy—he too wished to join. This ramshackle West Zhou affair no longer held much appeal for him. After all, he shared a decent rapport with Nezha. Following this line of conversation, Old Li casually brought up connections with Nezha, only to discover that ties between Shang and Zhou extended top to bottom. Old Li: "..." *No wonder my influence works so well.* The Mo Family Four Generals and the E Family brothers trailing behind him felt suddenly validated and proud. *See that? This is our boss!* Filled with excitement, Li Jing declared firmly, knowing the value of building alliances over antagonism: Nezha’s diplomacy brought great honor to his reputation. "Let the banquet begin!" "All expenses will be covered by me, Heavenly King Li!"