Rebirth of Nezha in the Investiture of the Gods

Over the past year, Jiang Ziya had been lingering outside Chaoge, unable to free Ji Chang. Thus, he started considering whether it might be worthwhile to return to Kunlun Mountain.

He pondered if he should consult Yuanshi Tianzun about the direction of future events. After all, the current situation remained unclear, and as a Saint, Yuanshi Tianzun likely had a better grasp of the unfolding fate.

Jiang Ziya began his journey toward Kunlun Mountain, while on Three Immortals Island, Li Mingzhu had acquired the Nine Curves Yellow River Formation.

After explaining her situation to Yun Xiao, Yun Xiao readily agreed to lend her support, as Li Mingzhu was a younger disciple under their sect.

Given the circumstances, Yun Xiao had no reason to refuse. With the Array Map of the Nine Curves Yellow River Formation and the Primordial Golden Bowl in hand, Li Mingzhu quickly retraced her path homeward.

When Jiang Ziya arrived at Kunlun Mountain, he first informed the White Crane Boy of his presence. Then, he waited outside Yuxu Palace for an audience with Yuanshi Tianzun.

"Summon Jiang Shang inside!"

Yuanshi Tianzun, seated on a cloud bed, instructed the White Crane Boy before closing his eyes again to meditate.

Jiang Ziya adjusted his attire and entered the grand, solemn, yet luxurious Yuxu Palace with utmost reverence. Facing Yuanshi Tianzun, Jiang Ziya felt both reverence and fear.

This was understandable, as Yuanshi Tianzun was the most authoritative among the Saints and had the highest expectations for his disciples.

Though his teaching skills were said to be somewhat inferior to Tongtian's, his adherence to rules and structure was undoubtedly superior to Tongtian's.

"Jiang Shang pays his respects to Teacher!"

Jiang Ziya greeted Yuanshi Tianzun respectfully. Since Yuanshi Tianzun placed great importance on proper decorum, Jiang Ziya didn't dare to show even a hint of negligence.

"I am already aware of your purpose. Do not worry—descend the mountain with peace of mind. Ji Chang still has six years of imprisonment ahead; there is no need for haste."

Yuanshi Tianzun spoke with a smile. While he wasn't particularly pleased with Jiang Ziya, he didn't find him unacceptable either.

"Thank you for your guidance, Teacher."

Jiang Ziya quickly expressed his gratitude, though Yuanshi Tianzun's words felt almost like a non-answer. But Jiang Ziya wouldn't dare voice dissatisfaction.

"You are the Prime Minister of the Mortal World, enjoying the privileges of your rank and referred to as 'Prime Minister.' Mortal affairs—how can a poor Daoist like me govern them for you? West Qi is governed by virtuous leaders; what need is there to fear practitioners of side paths? When danger arises, you will have capable allies. Do not trouble yourself about such matters—go now."

Perhaps sensing Jiang Ziya's lingering concerns, Yuanshi Tianzun added another remark.

"Teacher's wisdom and benevolence!"

Jiang Ziya bowed once more. With Yuanshi Tianzun's reassurances, Jiang Ziya felt as if he had swallowed a calming pill.

After all, the words of a Saint were as true as truth itself.

In truth, Jiang Ziya's visit to Kunlun Mountain was partly to inquire about the world's future situation and partly to see if Yuanshi Tianzun might grant him some magical treasures. As Yuanshi Tianzun had noted, the tasks Jiang Ziya was to undertake would undoubtedly be fraught with challenges.

But with Yuanshi Tianzun's statement, Jiang Ziya felt much more at ease.

"When you descend this time, if anyone calls out to you, do not answer. Should you respond, thirty-six factions will rise to confront you."

Yuanshi Tianzun offered another warning. Jiang Shang didn't understand its meaning, and Yuanshi Tianzun didn't elaborate further. Instead, he handed him the Investiture of the Gods and sent him down the mountain.

Now was the time for the Investiture of the Gods to leave Kunlun Mountain. Although the Sealing God Platform had yet to be built, keeping the Investiture of the Gods at Kunlun Mountain served little purpose. Hence, Yuanshi Tianzun simply entrusted it to Jiang Ziya.

Understanding that Yuanshi Tianzun did not wish to engage with him further, Jiang Ziya dared not linger and began his descent. On the way, however, he encountered the Southern Pole Immortal.

The Southern Pole Immortal was originally a transformation of an immortal crane and had been accepted by Yuanshi Tianzun as a registered disciple. Now possessing the cultivation level of a Daluo Golden Immortal, he managed various tasks in Yuxu Palace with a notable status.

"The destined order of Heaven cannot be altered. If anyone calls out to you, do not answer—this matter is extremely important! I cannot accompany you further."

The Southern Pole Immortal passed these words to Jiang Ziya before departing. With warnings from both Yuanshi Tianzun and the Southern Pole Immortal, Jiang Ziya traveled with heightened caution.

Yet some events could not be avoided through mere caution. The individuals Yuanshi Tianzun and the Southern Pole Immortal had referred to turned out to be none other than Shen Gongbao.

These two figures, destined rivals entangled in the Investiture of the Gods, finally crossed paths.

Initially, Jiang Ziya adhered strictly to Yuanshi Tianzun's instructions. Shen Gongbao called out eight times before Jiang Ziya finally turned around and saw him.

"Senior Brother, why have you been calling out to this poor Daoist?"

Jiang Ziya asked Shen Gongbao courteously. At this time, Jiang Ziya still regarded Shen Gongbao as a respected senior brother.

Shen Gongbao replied, "Ziya, I have a proposal to share with you. Hear me out—a perfect solution: Why not join me in supporting Zhou and overthrowing West Qi? Firstly, you and I would work in harmony as brothers. Secondly, this would prevent conflict between us. Wouldn't that be the best of both worlds? What do you say?"

"Utter nonsense!"

Jiang Ziya brushed his sleeve and walked away. He couldn't comprehend Shen Gongbao's words and even if he could, he would never consent to align himself with Shen Gongbao's schemes.

Subsequently, Shen Gongbao tried to confront Jiang Ziya through a series of magical duels. Yet each attempt was secretly thwarted by the Southern Pole Immortal following behind. This deepened Shen Gongbao's hatred for Jiang Ziya.

Meanwhile, Li Mingzhu arrived swiftly at the North Sea after obtaining the Nine Curves Yellow River Formation. Inspecting a spot above a vortex, she sensed something amiss and approached for a closer look.

She discovered a resentful spirit—a soul that had successfully cultivated itself. Its cultivation level had already reached that of a True Immortal.

"Nephew Mingzhu, we meet again. This spirit and I share a karmic bond. Might you let it go to me?"

Suddenly, Jiang Ziya appeared at the North Sea and greeted Li Mingzhu.

Jiang Ziya had been drawn to the North Sea by sensing something tied to his fate, yet he hadn't expected to encounter Li Mingzhu, whose presence unnerved him.

Truthfully, Jiang Ziya wished he could avoid Li Mingzhu entirely. Upon seeing him, Li Mingzhu understood what was truly being suppressed in the vortex.

The spirit turned out to be Bai Jian, a general who had fought alongside the Yellow Emperor. Now, Bai Jian was fated to become one of the minor gods guided by the Investiture of the Gods under Jiang Ziya's request.

"Since it is destined for my senior uncle, why not give it to him? Consider it a benevolent exchange of karma."

Li Mingzhu responded with a smile, showing no intention of troubling Jiang Ziya.

In truth, however, Li Mingzhu had subtly set a trap for Jiang Ziya. The "benevolent exchange of karma" referred to a debt of gratitude, which effectively established a karmic tie.

These karmic ties required repayment, especially since Jiang Ziya's cultivation level was lower than Li Mingzhu's.

Li Mingzhu was in high spirits after acquiring the Nine Curves Yellow River Formation and the Primordial Golden Bowl, hence her lenient demeanor. Otherwise, she wouldn't have bothered speaking much to Jiang Ziya.

Regardless of Bai Jian's utility, she decided to claim him first. Even a preordained god of the Investiture of the Gods would not be spared from her ambitions.