Rebirth of Nezha in the Investiture of the Gods

After hearing this, Li Mingzhu no longer paid attention to the Demon Clan. After all, it didn't matter when to brainwash them; locking them up first was fine anyway.

After all, these people were all quite unruly. Perhaps locking them up for a while might straighten them out, including that East Wind Patriarch.

Do they really think that early surrender means they're off the hook?

Although Li Mingzhu valued his usefulness to some extent, crimes deserving death could be spared, but not punishment.

In fact, Li Mingzhu might impose even harsher punishment. After all, he didn't want someone who swayed with the wind.

He didn't care if people wavered elsewhere, but if someone chose allegiance to him and still acted like a fence-sitter, that was intolerable!

Li Mingzhu followed Fu Yao into the grand hall where the East Wind Patriarch received guests. Though the East Wind Patriarch was a coward and his strength wasn't particularly impressive, he certainly knew how to enjoy himself.

Take Qingxuan Island, for example. The level of luxury here was no less than that of the Dragon Palace, though it fell short in heritage.

Entering the main hall, two women in palace attire were already waiting. Both were clothed in red and possessed Golden Immortal Cultivation.

The Phoenix Clan was known for its stunningly beautiful men and women, and these two women, though no longer young, still retained their charms.

"Li Mingzhu of the Jie Sect greets the two Fellow Daoists. May I ask what brings the two of you from afar?"

Li Mingzhu cupped his hands toward the two women in salute, the gesture simple but courteous. He was not one for beating around the bush, preferring to get straight to the point.

"Phoenix Clan's Feng Qian."

"Phoenix Clan's Feng Xi."

"Greetings, Fellow Daoist Li!"

The two experts from the Phoenix Clan returned the salute. Li Mingzhu gestured for them to sit and ordered the little demons nearby to prepare tea.

Since these two were unwilling to speak directly, Li Mingzhu didn't mind. He had plenty of time.

"The room is simple, and the servants here lack proper manners. If there's any disrespect, I ask the two Fellow Daoists not to take offense!"

Li Mingzhu and Feng Qian, Feng Xi took their seats. Li Mingzhu offered a self-effacing apology first.

"You're too modest, Fellow Daoist. This Qingxuan Island is a rare Cave Heaven Blessed Land. How could it be called simple?"

Feng Qian, clearly the more assertive of the two, replied smoothly and without a change in expression.

Tea was served, and the three quietly sipped their tea without further words.

"Could the two Fellow Daoists now explain the purpose of their visit?"

Li Mingzhu suddenly asked, exuding a domineering aura. It was clear that if they didn't reveal their purpose, he'd send them away.

"Alas!"

Feng Qian sighed audibly, while Feng Xi's expression remained unchanged.

"This visit concerns two matters. Initially, there was only one, but upon hearing that Fellow Daoist had caught our clan's Green Sparrow, we ventured to ask for your mercy."

Feng Xi spoke apologetically; their request was somewhat overstepping bounds.

However, Li Mingzhu had already anticipated this matter and was not particularly surprised. Compared to the Green Sparrow issue, he was far more interested in what Feng Xi would say next.

"A trivial matter. I shall immediately order the release of Lady Green Sparrow!"

Li Mingzhu laughed heartily, showing complete indifference.

One Green Sparrow more or less meant little to him.

"Your generosity humbles us. This humble woman thanks you on behalf of my sister Green Sparrow!" Feng Xi saluted Li Mingzhu gratefully.

"No problem, no problem. Daoist Feng Xi, please speak about the other matter," Li Mingzhu responded swiftly.

"Are you aware of the aftermath of the ancient Dragon-Fenghuang War?"

Instead of stating their purpose outright, Feng Xi brought up the events of ancient times.

"It's rumored that after the Dragon-Fenghuang War, the four founding ancestors of the major clans transformed into the Four Holy Beasts to suppress the four poles of the Primordial World. Is that correct?"

This wasn't a secret in the Primordial World, and Li Mingzhu naturally knew of it.

"Indeed. Back then, the Phoenix Ancestor, Ancestor Dragon, White Tiger, and Black Tortoise—all clan leaders—transformed into the Four Holy Beasts to stabilize the aftermath of millennia of war. As repayment for the endless karmic ties, our Phoenix Clan has since guarded Nanli Volcano."

Feng Xi's eyes showed traces of reminiscence as she spoke slowly. That era, ah, when the Phoenix Clan ruled the Primordial World unchallenged, was now forever gone!

"And how does this relate to what you mentioned?"

Li Mingzhu keenly cut to the heart of the matter. Surely they didn't tell such a long story for nothing?

"You—"

Feng Qian pointed at Li Mingzhu, frustrated by his bluntness. How could someone be this rude?

"Feng Qian, don't be disrespectful."

Feng Xi quickly restrained Feng Qian, offering Li Mingzhu an apology, "My younger sister lacks tact. I hope Fellow Daoist can overlook this."

"Let's not worry about it. Daoist, please continue." Li Mingzhu signaled his indifference.

"Our Phoenix Clan migrated completely to Nanli Volcano. The clan guards the Earth Core while we guard the volcano. The fire spiritual energy at Nanli Volcano is both abundant and volatile, providing a suitable environment for our clan to thrive.

We also transplanted our sacred Parasol Divine Wood to the volcano, allowing it to flourish. However, it seems excess can breed calamity!"

Feng Xi sighed deeply, her face showing obvious melancholy.

"How so?"

Li Mingzhu pressed, his tone serious. Given the implications for Phoenix Clan secrets, he didn't expect Feng Xi to reveal everything.

"The Parasol Divine Wood absorbed an overwhelming amount of fire spiritual energy. Nanli Volcano's fire spiritual energy is violent in nature, and now the tree shows signs of withering. Rumor has it that Fellow Daoist is capable of controlling Taiyang Fire, hence we boldly request your help!"

Feng Xi unloaded all her thoughts at once, feeling relieved. Whether or not Li Mingzhu would agree was up to fate.

After all, their Phoenix Clan hadn't placed all their hope in Li Mingzhu. Many in the Primordial World were adept at Fire Dao skills, though Taiyang Fire remained unrivaled.

"Oh? Is there more to this?"

Li Mingzhu was intrigued. True, he could control Taiyang Fire, but why was he the solution for restoring the Parasol Divine Wood? For that matter, wasn't fire the Phoenix Clan's forte?

"Our Phoenix Clan currently relies entirely on the fire spiritual energies of Nanli Volcano for cultivation, rendering us unable to assist the Parasol Divine Wood. But Fellow Daoist, who wields Taiyang Fire—the origin of all flames—could indeed aid us!"

Feng Xi seemed to anticipate Li Mingzhu's thoughts and offered her explanation.

"Then I shall accompany the two of you to Nanli Volcano. If I am truly capable of saving the Parasol Divine Wood, I will do my utmost!"

Li Mingzhu didn't commit firmly, only stating he'd try. As for compensation, there was no need to bring it up; the Phoenix Clan would surely offer it themselves.

"Fellow Daoist, your generosity humbles us. On behalf of the Phoenix Clan, I extend our deepest thanks. Should you come with us, the Phoenix Clan will undoubtedly show its immense gratitude with a grand gift!"

True to form, Feng Xi immediately brought up the matter of rewards.

"Speaking of gifts would be too formal. We're all Fellow Daoists; it's only natural to aid each other!"

Li Mingzhu laughed heartily. However, for someone like him—who wouldn't act without gain—a reward was essential.

Still, some things were better left unspoken. Feng Xi was tactful enough to understand this.

But Feng Qian glared at Li Mingzhu fiercely. In her eyes, this man was no different from an opportunist.

Even though it wasn't explicitly apparent, it was as though he carried the air of a cunning merchant. Female intuition never lies, alas!