Rebirth of Nezha in the Investiture of the Gods

Luo Xuan introduced to Li Mingzhu one by one. However, most were mere cultivations that, while decent in the Primordial World, failed to catch Li Mingzhu's Dharma Eye.

Having witnessed the combat prowess of Qianye Wuheng and Yun Zhongzi in the Daluo Golden Immortal Realm, ordinary Daluo Golden Immortals hardly impressed him.

After formal greetings, Li Mingzhu sat there drinking wine, seemingly isolated, not engaging in conversation. Even Luo Xuan didn't know how to start a conversation with him.

Li Mingzhu didn't mind. Ultimately, he and they were not of the same path.

"The Princess of the Phoenix Clan arrives!"

A voice echoed like a large stone thrown into a still lake, stirring up waves!

The Quasi-Saints in the inner hall remained unmoved. Even if it was the Princess of the Phoenix Clan, at their realm, it was tough to sway them unless it was someone of the same level.

However, the Daluo Golden Immortals in the outer hall began to stir. Initially wanting to heal the Parasol Wood without much confidence, they came to the Phoenix Clan out of opportunism.

For them, forming a Daoist partnership with the Phoenix Clan Princess would guarantee a lifetime's worth of cultivation resources and the formidable backing of the Phoenix Clan.

Only upon arriving did they realize the Phoenix Clan's power. Without absolute strength, how could they invite those Quasi-Saints in the inner hall?

Dragged by Luo Xuan, Li Mingzhu joined the other Daluo Golden Immortals to welcome her.

Gazing upon the high and mighty Phoenix Clan Princess in red robe and golden crown, Li Mingzhu was utterly shocked; it was her!

It was Feng Qian, who, along with Feng Xi, had invited him to Nanli Volcano. Upon reflection, it made sense; such arrogance could only belong to the Phoenix Clan Princess.

"It is a fortune for our Phoenix Clan that you all could come. I believe you understand why we invited you to Nanli Volcano. Might anyone have a solution?"

The clear voice slowly spread, noble yet retaining elegance, truly worthy of the name Princess of the Phoenix Clan.

It was a preliminary probing. Though the Phoenix Clan spared no effort in spreading the net across the Primordial World to save the Parasol Wood, they needed to ensure genuine talent and learning.

Otherwise, merely nurturing a bunch of useless individuals, no matter how vast the Phoenix Clan, was unacceptable.

"This poor Daoist hails from Feng Huo Island, goes by Nanli Shangren, and like the Phoenix Clan, practices the Southern Ming Fire, which should aid the Parasol Wood!"

A gaunt figure stepped forward, speaking proudly.

It's rare to find someone who can cultivate the Southern Ming Fire, implying they indeed have some ability. Feng Qian nodded slightly and instructed the attendant to escort them away.

"This poor Daoist is Luo Xuan of the Jie Sect, self-proclaimed Flame Immortal, the first flame sculpted by one of the three great saints of the Human Clan, Suiren. Blessed with Meritorious Destiny!"

Luo Xuan stepped forward next, face full of pride. Though not long achieved, his Meritorious Destiny naturally inspired swagger.

Briefed by the sight of Luo Xuan announcing his background, a crowd of envy filled the area, for such Meritorious Fire ensured unobstructed cultivation, also being a high disciple of the Jie Sect, a sight of envy.

Feng Qian similarly had Luo Xuan led away. Subsequent Daluo Golden Immortals showcased their Fire Daoist Skills or declared their backgrounds, some unworthy being spotted and escorted out by Feng Qian from Nanli Volcano.

As Li Mingzhu had anticipated, Luo Xuan came to the Phoenix Clan primarily to leverage their power to rescue Long Ji.

As Long Ji hadn't been seen, she must have been captured by Hao Tian. Li Mingzhu marked this down, noting his growing grudge against Hao Tian.

Since Long Ji married Luo Xuan, she became one of the Jie Sect, and letting Hao Tian toy with her was intolerable.

Luo Xuan's excessive pride prevented direct consultation with Duobao for assistance.

"I heard another immortal from the Jie Sect is here, particularly skilled in controlling Taiyang Fire. I wonder if it's true. Could Li Fellow Daoist demonstrate it?"

Feng Qian squinted subtly, smiling at Li Mingzhu as she spoke.

Secretly, she suspected Li Mingzhu wasn't such a character and couldn't believe a mere Human Clan member could control Taiyang Fire, an innate divine ability of the Golden Crow Clan, far beyond the reach of humans.

"Taiyang Fire?"

"Must be false; even if he's a high disciple of the Jie Sect, he couldn't possibly manipulate Taiyang Fire!"

"Indeed, perhaps he is just boasting?"

...

As expected, with Feng Qian's words just ending, the remaining Daluo Golden Immortals started discussing it, refusing to believe.

While Feng Xi had previously introduced Li Mingzhu, no one took it seriously. With Princess Feng Qian addressing it, it became the center of attention naturally.

"Why the need for a demonstration? If all our Daoist learning is solely for others' amusement, how do we differ from common court songstresses?"

Li Mingzhu stepped slightly forward, speaking leisurely, yet holding an aura unique to him.

Despite seeming to have ordinary cultivation, the vigorous blood and energy pulsing beneath his delicate façade intimidated these Daluo Golden Immortals.

"If you refuse to demonstrate, how will I know if you can genuinely heal the Parasol Wood? If not versed in Taiyang Fire, you'd be better off leaving Nanli Volcano!"

Feng Qian didn't expect such a retort from Li Mingzhu; she merely sought a moment of personal triumph. Had Li Mingzhu exhibited Taiyang Fire, it would have all blown over.

But now things were tense, and Feng Qian wasn't about to just let Li Mingzhu off the hook.

"You invited this poor Daoist, and now you ask me to leave as well—when did the Phoenix Clan become so domineering?"

Li Mingzhu continued to speak, undeterred, with a play on words, unnoticed by others but understood by Feng Qian as a hint that Li Mingzhu saw through her identity long ago.

"Please, Li Fellow Daoist do not take offense. The princess was impulsive. Please join the other masters on Wutong Mountain to heal the Parasol Wood!"

As the situation reached an impasse, Feng Xi hurriedly intervened to mediate.

Even if Li Mingzhu truly didn't know Taiyang Fire, since they've invited him, and being a significant Jie Sect disciple, offending him was not an option.

The Phoenix Clan, though maintaining stability better than other clans, was no match for the Jie Sect!

"Hmph!"

Feng Qian snorted coldly and swaggered off, still considering Li Mingzhu, even as a Jie Sect disciple, merely a reckless upstart.

"No matter, let's head to Wutong Mountain!"

The Daluo Golden Immortals who had been escorted earlier were taken to Wutong Mountain, the location of the Parasol Wood and the core of the entire Nanli Volcano.

The Quasi-Saints had already gathered, currently engaged in heated debate.

"For long has the Parasol Wood been besieged by the spiritual energy of Nanli Volcano. To cure it, Yin Qi must be applied to harmonize, balancing yin and yang, which is the true path!"

A Quasi-Saint, hair white as snow, gazed at the withering Parasol Wood and spoke gravely.