Rebirth of Nezha in the Investiture of the Gods

Li Mingzhu and Fu Yao exchanged a glance, both able to see the joy in each other's eyes. Since they managed to bluff the Old Ancestor Dongfeng, it meant their plan was feasible.

After all, to elevate the Little Golden Crow to Gouchen's Position, they had to have some genuine strength. Otherwise, it would be hard to manage if the truth was exposed.

Of course, if they possessed enough power, none of this would matter. With sufficient strength, even a random creature like a cat or dog could take on Gouchen's Position, and no one would dare to object.

But therein lay the problem—although Li Mingzhu and the others were reasonably powerful now, their strength clearly hadn't reached the level where they could disregard everything. If it had, there would be no need for all these schemes.

"Dongfeng, take these invitations and distribute them. Deliver them to every member of the East Sea's Demon Clan. If you fail, don't bother coming back!"

Li Mingzhu handed over the prepared invitations to Dongfeng. For a matter such as this, entrusting Dongfeng, a local expert, was the most appropriate choice. Meanwhile, Li Mingzhu began strategizing further with Fu Yao.

To target Hao Tian, Li Mingzhu spared no effort. In truth, it wasn't solely aimed at Hao Tian but also served as an alternative approach to handle the Divine Enthronement calamity.

After all, the so-called Divine Enthronement calamity was essentially a Heaven and Earth calamity. It arose because the Primordial World could no longer sustain the abundance of cultivators' spiritual energy, necessitating a grand catastrophe.

Yet, the Heavenly Dao always leaves a sliver of hope. Thus, the Investiture of the Gods was created, ensuring that those listed therein would ascend to take positions in the Heavenly Court. Since this process couldn't be reversed, starting by diminishing Hao Tian's authority made sense.

After all, most of the Jie Sect's immortals would eventually end up listed on the Investiture of the Gods. If Li Mingzhu managed to secure control of the Heavenly Court, the distinction between being listed or not would merely boil down to a single calamity during which cultivation would be impossible.

Especially concerning Li Mingzhu's pursuit of the Emperor Ziwei position—what positions are most vacant in the Heavenly Court?

Of course, the Star Lord positions, which fall under the jurisdiction of Emperor Ziwei. In his previous life, Emperor Ziwei was held by Bo Yikao, who never dared to oppose Hao Tian, allowing Hao Tian to wield immense power.

But what if Li Mingzhu secured the Emperor Ziwei title?

Thus, while Li Mingzhu appeared to be merely seeking revenge on Hao Tian, he was undoubtedly plotting for the future.

"Can just a handful of us truly subdue the East Sea Demon Clan?"

On Qingxuan Island, Fu Yao couldn't help but question Li Mingzhu. Was this plan overly ambitious? Logically, they should proceed step-by-step, just as they were now pacifying the Old Ancestor Dongfeng, capturing targets one by one.

"Of course, it's not just us few. You all wait here; I'll make a trip to Three Immortals Island!"

After finishing his words, Li Mingzhu disappeared. Even if he couldn't convince Lady Yun Xiao to strike directly, borrowing the Nine Curves Yellow River Formation and the Primordial Golden Bowl was already enough.

With such treasures in hand, Li Mingzhu could even fend off a Quasi-Saint, let alone these East Sea Demon Clansmen. Even if they used to be war generals for the Demon Clan and possessed extraordinary skills, it wouldn't be enough.

Qingxuan Island's proximity to Three Immortals Island meant that Li Mingzhu arrived swiftly. Upon reaching the island's perimeter, just like before, he dared not intrude and instead performed a respectful greeting outside, seeking an audience.

This time, however, Li Mingzhu was surprised when someone directly came out to meet him. It wasn't just anyone—it was Bixiao, known as the Little Witch of the Jie Sect.

"Greetings, Master-Aunt Bixiao!"

Li Mingzhu respectfully saluted Bixiao. Facing this deity, he didn't dare provoke her in the slightest.

In the Jie Sect, other than her elder sister Yun Xiao and their teacher Saint Tongtian, Bixiao feared no one, brazenly unruly.

Even Duobao avoided antagonizing her. As for Li Mingzhu, though his cultivation reached Daluo Golden Immortal, he wisely chose not to cross her.

"Ah, it's Little Pearl. Come, Master-Aunt will lead you to meet my elder sister!"

Bixiao smiled softly at Li Mingzhu, frightening him enough to instinctively retreat a few steps. He sensed an ill intention behind her smile.

"Am I that terrifying?"

"N-no, Master-Aunt isn't scary!"

"Then come here!"

Bixiao let out a booming command, prompting Li Mingzhu to follow hurriedly while silently reminding himself to act submissively. No need for pride here.

Many esteemed Daluo Golden Immortals and even Quasi-Saints in the Jie Sect deferred to her; how could a junior like him dare strut his ego?

"Whew!"

Li Mingzhu exhaled deeply when he finally arrived at Yun Xiao's secluded abode. Only then did Bixiao leave.

"Disciple Li Mingzhu pays respect to Master-Aunt Yun Xiao."

With ease, Li Mingzhu performed a formal greeting toward Yun Xiao. Although Yun Xiao was a Quasi-Saint, facing her didn't carry the same overwhelming pressure he felt against Bixiao.

That said, Bixiao's mischievous temperament did not detract from her genuine and heartfelt nature, a quality no one could deny.

"No need for excessive formalities. I've glimpsed parts of your plans. You must realize that if I can deduce them, the one above in Heaven can likely do so too. It isn't too late to turn back now."

Yun Xiao spoke gently, offering a subtle caution but refraining from persistent persuasion.

"Rest assured, Master-Aunt Yun Xiao. Since I've chosen this path, there's no chance for me to turn back."

Li Mingzhu chuckled faintly. Turning back? How could he?

"If that's the case, take this Nine Curves Yellow River Diagram and Primordial Golden Bowl. For the time being, use them well to accomplish your goals. What you're plotting wields significant consequences. I received insight through my teacher's transmission to fully grasp its scope. However, you needn't worry. The other Saints remain unaware, as my teacher only discerned it due to your profound connection with Jie Sect's fate. Should you require help, feel free to visit Golden Turtle Island; Senior Brother Duobao will surely pave the way for you."

Yun Xiao spoke at length before handing Li Mingzhu the Nine Curves Yellow River Diagram and Primordial Golden Bowl, then fell silent again. Li Mingzhu was left in thought.

Indeed, Saint Tongtian had long foreseen Jie Sect's destiny, yet he still chose not to retreat—his actions merely left an escape route.

The Divine Enthronement was predestined, and the Saints were aware. The intense battles within the calamity, ultimately, were staged within their control.

Knowing the outcome, Saint Tongtian pursued his clash against the Chan Sect, resulting in even greater losses for Jie Sect.

Had Jie Sect followed the original path laid out by the Investiture of the Gods from the beginning, it might have suffered a substantial decline in vitality but would not have fallen into ruin, ultimately benefiting the Western Sect instead!

Li Mingzhu stowed away the Primordial Golden Bowl and Nine Curves Yellow River Diagram and bid farewell to Yun Xiao before leaving Three Immortals Island. There were matters beyond his scope for now.

He could only adhere to his own strategies, following through to the end. As for the ultimate outcome—who could say?

At the very least, his arrival had already altered many things. Perhaps he might truly succeed in defying fate and changing destiny.

Though he always prepared for the worst, he continually steered himself away from the calamity itself, considering himself merely Jie Sect's fallback option.

What the future holds, only time will reveal.

Li Mingzhu headed back to Qingxuan Island with many thoughts swirling in his mind, unaware that Bixiao had secretly followed him all this while. If he knew, he'd surely be overwhelmed.