Rebirth of Nezha in the Investiture of the Gods

Previously, due to the Transmission Array, all of Minghe's avatars were separated, making it impossible for him to gather them together. Otherwise, in a battle against Yu Ding, Yu Ding would have already met a grim fate; there's no way he could have held out until now.

Additionally, it was because of Minghe's overconfidence. He wanted to use his avatars to explore other forbidden places but unexpectedly ran into Yu Ding right from the start.

To be honest, Minghe somewhat regretted it. If he'd known Yu Ding would find him so quickly, he wouldn't have chosen to provoke the Beiming Dynasty.

If it weren't for the commotion being too big, how could Yu Ding have tracked him down so fast?

"Look, there are words there!"

Ao Yu pointed to the area that had just been attacked. Because some bark had fallen off, characters had become visible.

Hearing this, everyone turned their gaze in that direction.

Although only a corner was exposed, there was no doubt that Ao Yu was correct—there were indeed words. As they approached to inspect, they all appeared puzzled; they couldn't understand any of it!

Li Mingzhu, however, remained composed. While they couldn't understand it, he could, because it was written in the Demon Clan's script.

Since Li Mingzhu could read the Demon Clan's writing, the others assisted him in fully revealing the text.

This Phoenix Tree had existed for countless years, and though its bark was thick, it was quickly stripped away under Yu Ding's Green Jade Sword, exposing the text completely.

"Hurry up, tell us what's recorded here!"

Yang Chan couldn't restrain herself and turned to Li Mingzhu anxiously.

"This was Emperor Jun's attempt to experiment with a different cultivation system for the Demon Clan. Haven't you all noticed how the demons in this world seem particularly weak? Yes, it's partly because the Heaven and Earth Rules here are not as strong as in the Primordial World. But ultimately, it's because the Demon Clan perished, causing this world to fall out of alignment. Leaving behind ten Innate Spiritual Treasures was merely incidental," Li Mingzhu said with a helpless expression.

Who would have thought that the existence of this realm originated for such a purpose? Moreover, it wasn't naturally evolved but was jointly created by many great powers of the Demon Clan.

Even just the act of creating this Small Thousand World spoke volumes about the incredible strength of the Demon Clan at their peak. Although it couldn't compare to the small worlds created by Saints, it was still extraordinarily rare.

It's important to note that back then, Nuwa had not yet attained sainthood, so she wouldn't have had the power of a Saint to assist.

Even though the formation of this world ultimately borrowed the power of the Celestial Star Battle Formation, achieving this was still no small feat.

Perhaps it was because Emperor Jun and the Donghuang had already realized the flaw in the Demon Clan's cultivation system—its reliance on blood sacrifice—which would eventually lead them to conflict with the Heavenly Dao. This might have inspired their decision to try this experiment.

But in the end, it was unsuccessful. They didn't live long enough to see it succeed; the Demon Clan had already fallen into ruin by then.

"So that's how it is. I had wondered—if this really were a treasure trove of the Demon Clan, how could it be in such a state?"

After adjusting his breath, Yu Ding stood up and nodded in agreement.

"Let's first retrieve the Spiritual Treasure from this Phoenix Tree. After battling Minghe for so many days, Uncle Yu Ding deserves this treasure."

Li Mingzhu smiled and walked forward as he spoke, brushing his hand over a section of the tree to reveal a wooden door.

No one had any objections to giving the Spiritual Treasure from the Phoenix Tree to Yu Ding. After all, it was well understood that it was thanks to Yu Ding's immense efforts that Minghe had been repelled and nearly had his combat avatar destroyed.

The Phoenix Tree might have occupied the top spot among the Ten Great Forbidden Lands, but its greatest dangers lay beneath the tree and during the climb. Retrieving the treasure at the end turned out to be the least perilous part.

Following Li Mingzhu closely, everyone stepped inside through the wooden door.

As soon as they entered, a wave of searing heat swept over them. The decor within the cave was strikingly simple, far different from the Absolute Heaven Storm.

Within the vast emptiness of the wooden cave, there was only a single crimson feather quietly lying on a stone table in the center. It was placed there plainly, without any elaborate measures.

"A Phoenix Feather!"

Yu Ding's breathing grew uneven. Like the Dragon Clan's Dragon Ball or the Qilin Clan's Five Elements Seal, the Phoenix Clan also possessed their own natal spiritual treasure—the Phoenix Feather.

This natal spiritual treasure was forged from a Phoenix's primary feather. The more advanced one's cultivation, the more powerful the forged feather. Given that this Phoenix Feather had been kept by Emperor Jun, its quality was undoubtedly exceptional.

What's more, considering that the Phoenix Tree was ranked first among the Ten Great Forbidden Lands, this Phoenix Feather was likely at least comparable to a supreme-grade Innate Spiritual Treasure. How could Yu Ding not be excited?

However, if Yu Ding were to learn that his treasured disciple, Yang Jian, had recently acquired an Innate Spiritual Treasure but was discontent about it—and had even given it away, albeit to his sister—it's certain Yu Ding would have furiously scolded him for being a wastrel.

Supreme-grade Innate Spiritual Treasures not only enhance one's strength but can also amplify the power of the avatars formed after severing the three corpses, elevating one's Daoist attainment with endless benefits.

"Wait, there's more writing!"

Li Mingzhu suddenly stopped everyone and pointed to a line of text in front of the Phoenix Feather.

"In the ninth year of the Demon Clan's Heavenly Court, in the southern Primordial World, a late-stage Quasi-Saint Phoenix was slain to obtain this feather. Its power is mediocre, so it has been left here!"

Li Mingzhu read the inscription aloud. A Phoenix Feather refined from a late-stage Quasi-Saint Phoenix was described as "mediocre"? Li Mingzhu was at a loss for words.

But Emperor Jun certainly had the authority to make such a statement. At that time, did the Demon Clan lack spiritual treasures?

He himself could directly kill a late-stage Quasi-Saint Phoenix. With such power and no deficiency in treasures, his arrogance was well-earned.

Yu Ding leaped forward, firmly grasping the Phoenix Feather. Sword Intent erupted from him, unleashing waves of Sword Qi. The Phoenix Feather couldn't resist and was ultimately subdued by Li Mingzhu.

"Congratulations, Uncle Yu Ding, on acquiring such a precious treasure!"

"Congratulations, teacher, on acquiring such a precious treasure!"

.....

The crowd echoed their congratulations to Yu Ding. Who doesn't enjoy receiving compliments? Sincere or not, Yu Ding accepted them all with a smile.

Li Mingzhu left with Yang Chan and Ao Yu shortly thereafter; this time, Yang Jian did not follow, nor did he inform Yu Ding of his intentions.

In truth, Li Mingzhu had something significant to accomplish. On the treetop of the Phoenix Tree, the inscriptions described not only the original purpose behind the creation of this Demon Clan world but also the method for controlling it.

And at the core of it all lay the River Map and Luo Book. All Li Mingzhu needed to do was return to the barrier at the edge of the starry sky. By using the River Map and Luo Book to resonate with the Celestial Stars outside the world, he could directly establish the Celestial Star Battle Formation.

Once the Celestial Star Battle Formation was complete, controlling this world would be no different than grasping it in the palm of his hand.

Although this world's Celestial Star Battle Formation couldn't compare to the one from the Demon Clan's Heavenly Court, it was still the Celestial Star Battle Formation. What's more, it harnessed the power of an entire Small Thousand World, making it formidable in its own right.