Rebirth of Nezha in the Investiture of the Gods

Though there was still some unease in his heart, was the fledgling not destined to soar in the vast skies?

Even if Li Mingzhu's cultivation reached the heights of Tongtian, it was impossible for him to protect them for an entire lifetime—especially now, with the great calamity looming over the horizon. Any additional strength is invaluable as a safeguard for survival.

Not just these three young ones, but even Li Mingzhu himself had to rapidly increase his power, including those close to him.

The pain Ao Yu endured—he wouldn't allow himself to witness such suffering a second time. After all, not every trial would end so smoothly; the Sad Tears from Hou Tu exist as only a single drop.

And the only way to ensure such tragedies don't repeat is to perpetually bolster one's strength.

The principle remains the same—within the Primordial World, the mightiest fist is the ultimate truth. As long as you are strong enough, who dares to provoke you?

Returning once more to his courtyard, Li Mingzhu set up an extensive array. Utilizing three Innate Spiritual Treasures and the corpse of Leng Ying, he began his calculations.

This attempt would be far easier than the last time, when the endeavor was akin to fishing for the moon's reflection, fabricating something from nothing. This time, armed with a focal point, the task was naturally far more manageable.

Why didn't Li Mingzhu employ a Soul Search? The reason was simple: for individuals like Leng Ying, Primordial Spirits were bound by restrictive seals. If Li Mingzhu dared touch them, the consequences could be utterly horrifying.

The array activated, starlight collided, and celestial placements shifted.

Within but a moment, a painting emerged at the center of the formation—a vista of mist-laden clouds upon the Nine Heavens Palace.

Though Li Mingzhu hadn't visited the depths of the Heavenly Court in this life, in his previous incarnation as Spiritual Pearl, he was often seen traversing the Demon Clan's Heavenly Court, thus recognizing it readily as the Heavenly Court.

Moreover, even if he hadn't known, the three bold characters of "Lingxiao Palace" were unmistakable!

"Leng Ying, eliminate Ao Yu!"

Following Hao Tian's cold declaration upon the Lingxiao Palace, Li Mingzhu understood everything perfectly.

Indeed, there was likely no one other than Hao Tian capable of such cold-blooded fixation against him. Rage consumed Li Mingzhu.

"Hao Tian, do you truly believe I dare not act against your Heavenly Court?"

He murmured softly, an overwhelming, tyrannical aura erupted from his figure, instantly shattering the defensive formations around his courtyard and rippling outward uncontrollably.

This unwitting act startled everyone within the Marquis Mansion, including the couple Li Jing and his wife, as well as Yang Chan, Ao Yu, and the entire family of White Tiger. All of them gathered at Li Mingzhu's courtyard.

Seeing the assembly, Li Mingzhu immediately erected another formation—not for any other purpose but to conceal Heavenly Secrets!

For he knew well that Hao Tian possessed the Haotian Mirror, a Spiritual Treasure capable of surveying the realms, leaving no room for carelessness.

Even if a counteraction were imminent, now was certainly not the time to flaunt it. While overflowing with anger, Li Mingzhu remained rational—dragging Hao Tian off his lofty throne as Heavenly Emperor would demand intricate deliberation.

Plans must be formulated for the long term. After all, Ao Yu was still alive. If Ao Yu had truly perished and Li Mingzhu discovered it was Hao Tian's doing, the scenario would undoubtedly not be as restrained as it was now.

Even knowing the futility against Hao Tian, Li Mingzhu would risk his life a hundred times over to assault the Heavenly Court—unyielding and unwavering!

"It was Hao Tian after all?"

Fu Yao was the first to speak, disbelief evident in her tone.

"Does anyone have any opinions?"

Li Mingzhu asked, though his mind was already set, he sought their perspectives nonetheless.

"How about... just letting it go?"

Mo Liqing muttered quietly. After all, Ao Yu hadn't died—there wasn't sufficient justification for a large-scale conflict.

"Hmm?"

His statement unexpectedly drew everyone's gaze to him.

It seemed he had stirred up a hornet's nest. What did he mean by saying "not dead, so let it go"?

"Fine, you decide then. I won't say another word!"

Mo Liqing quickly backtracked, and fortunately, his disposition was well-understood by the group, sparing him further scrutiny.

"Are you certain you wish to take action against the Heavenly Court?"

Fu Yao fixed her gaze on Li Mingzhu, her growth awarding her strategic foresight, allowing her to discern his intent immediately.

"Of course. But rest assured, I'm not foolish. I know precisely what is appropriate to do and what isn't!"

Li Mingzhu responded gravely. He knew exactly what Fu Yao was implying; naturally, he wouldn't recklessly initiate a head-on confrontation with the Heavenly Court.

Revenge for its own sake, exposing themselves to mockery and opportunists? That would be absurd!

"Then how do you intend to proceed?"

Fu Yao queried further. It was a relief that Li Mingzhu possessed such pragmatism—they had only just established stability in the North Sea and attacking the Heavenly Court prematurely would be suicide.

"One of the Four Celestial Seats—Gouchen Shangdi!"

Li Mingzhu answered decisively, intending to exact a heavy toll on Hao Tian.

"Explain in detail!"

Fu Yao snorted, displeased by vague responses that demanded the listener to infer the rest.

"One of the Four Celestial Seats, Gouchen's position, is equivalent in status to Hao Tian and oversees the Demon Clan. Since it has yet to be appointed, I intend to elevate the Little Golden Crow—better known as Heavenly Silkworm—to this position!"

With the Heavenly Secrets concealed, Li Mingzhu was fearless in sharing the plan outright.

"Passing off imitation as reality?"

Fu Yao grasped Li Mingzhu's logic, understanding he intended to use Heavenly Silkworm's Golden Crow True Form to rally the Demon Clan, seizing Gouchen's position.

"Can it be done?" Fu Yao questioned skeptically. After all, securing one of the Four Celestial Seats wouldn't be an easy task given Hao Tian's resistance.

"How would we know without trying?"

Li Mingzhu countered. "Alright then, I need to run further calculations. You should all go rest now!"

With this, Li Mingzhu issued a subtle order for them to leave. Indeed, he needed time to meticulously plan. Fu Yao's concerns were not unfounded, but his schemes went beyond her comprehension.

It was not merely about elevating Heavenly Silkworm to Gouchen's position—he also intended to secure another Four Celestial Seat for himself: the position of Emperor Ziwei, and achieve this without Hao Tian's approval.

Achieving this would significantly weaken Hao Tian's forces. As for the resolution of events afterward, Li Mingzhu had yet to finalize his approach.

This monumental ambition could never be rushed. Pulling down Hao Tian, the Three Realms Emperor, was no minor feat.

The Star Flags for the Celestial Star Battle Formation also had to be refined promptly. Once the formation was complete, Hao Tian's refusal to acknowledge Li Mingzhu as Emperor Ziwei would no longer matter.

Deprived of the ability to command the Primordial Stars, Hao Tian's appeal to the loose cultivators of the Primordial World would diminish significantly.

Claiming this position would be effortless—even if Hao Tian opposed it, he would be forced to comply. The Gouchen appointment for Heavenly Silkworm, on the other hand, required careful scheming.

Using the identity of the Demon Emperor's heir to rally the entire Demon Clan would pressure Hao Tian into conceding Gouchen's position. It sounded easy, but achieving it was far from simple.

If merely invoking a name could unite the Primordial World's Demon Clan, then Lu Ya would have succeeded long ago—why wait for Li Mingzhu?

Ultimately, everything comes down to strength!

Nonetheless, Li Mingzhu had formulated a rough strategy. He wasn't relying solely on rhetoric. If the call to unite proved ineffective, then subjugation would follow!

There remain six years—six years until Ji Chang returns to West Qi and the Divine Enthronement War officially begins. During this time, Li Mingzhu must accomplish these two tasks.