Quick Read Fengshen Yanyi

Author: Xu Zhonglin (Ming)
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-06-01
Features: The Investiture of the Gods is the only vernacular, long-form, mythological novel in Chinese history that depicts history through magical means. It completes the succession of dynasties amidst battles of sorcery and treasures, swords, and lights. The Investiture of the Gods is a mythological novel centered on the conflict between the Shang and Zhou dynasties, written with a blend of fantasy and reality. The actual plot elements are minimal, mostly fictional. However, the novel creates a vibrant and colorful mythological world.
In the later period of the Shang Dynasty, the court was corrupt and chaotic. By the time of King Zhou, it became even more tyrannical and debauched. Thus, divine will decreed the rise of Zhou and the fall of Shang. The Queen Mother of the West sent the fox spirit Daji to disrupt the Shang Dynasty. Later, the wild chicken spirit and the jade pipa spirit were added, and King Zhou grew even more tyrannical, believing slanderous words, creating the torture device called the "bào luò" (braze-iron rack), executing loyal ministers, and slaughtering his consorts. He also extorted the people's wealth.
The Primordial Lord of Heaven sent Jiang Shang—Jiang Ziya—to issue decrees, aiding Zhou in overthrowing Shang. Jiang Shang led his disciples and the Zhou army to conquer cities and expand their influence, growing increasingly powerful. Meanwhile, the Neng Tian Jiao master, a fellow descendant of the same lineage as Jiang Shang, split with his disciples and the Western Buddhist ancestors, forming one faction, while aligning with the Tong Tian Jiao master on the other side. They engaged in battles of sorcery and formations, showcasing various magical arts, weapons, and strange formations, each displaying their divine prowess. The former represented justice, while the latter represented evil.
Eventually, the same master of both factions, Hongjun Laozu, intervened to end the conflict and brought Tong Tian Jiao back to the immortal mountain. Once the (immortal) disputes were resolved, the Shang Dynasty followed suit. King Zhou burned himself to death in the Star-Rippling Tower. After the three female demons fulfilled their mission to destroy Shang, they were executed. King Wu of Zhou ascended the throne, establishing the Zhou Dynasty for eight hundred years, and Jiang Shang was summoned to proclaim the gods. The entire story concludes with a chorus of victory.