Rebirth of Nezha in the Investiture of the Gods

As soon as Li Mingzhu finished speaking, endless Taiyang True Fire suddenly emerged from the void, intertwining with Feng Huang's South Li True Fire.

However, one was a crimson red, while the other was a golden yellow—entirely different from one another.

Right after Li Mingzhu's Taiyang True Fire appeared, the previously unperturbed Great Elder finally showed a change in expression. Li Mingzhu could actually wield the Taiyang True Fire?

Although unwilling to admit it, one had to concede that Taiyang True Fire was far superior to the South Li Fire of the Phoenix Clan.

The moment Li Mingzhu's Taiyang True Fire manifested, Feng Huang's South Li Fire began to tremble incessantly, as if it had encountered the emperor of all flames!

Despite the Phoenix Clan's South Li Fire being among the finest in the Primordial World, it was still no match for Taiyang True Fire, which was second only to Chaos Fire wielded by Saints!

"This is Taiyang True Fire?"

A trembling voice came from Luo Xuan, who, as a Fire Element cultivator, regarded Taiyang True Fire as the emperor of his craft!

"To think that I could witness Taiyang True Fire in this lifetime—no regrets!"

"After the Demon Emperor Lu Ya, someone else can wield Taiyang True Fire!"

"To see this flame again—my life is fulfilled!"

....

Buzzing murmurs erupted once more. Everyone was astounded by Li Mingzhu's mastery of Taiyang True Fire. After all, it was widely acknowledged that no one in the world could wield it other than Lu Ya, and the Demon Emperor was already dead.

Even Lu Ya himself had perished not long ago, a fact known to few. But now, Li Mingzhu demonstrating Taiyang True Fire defied all conventions.

Previously, although rumors spread that Li Mingzhu could command Taiyang True Fire, no one paid it much heed. But now that he had truly displayed it, the situation completely shifted.

Even Feng Clan's Great Elder could not afford to remain complacent. However, Li Mingzhu did not care what they thought. That he dared to reveal such power proved he had trump cards, so he showed no fear whatsoever.

The Taiyang True Fire transformed into blossoms of plum flowers, just as Li Mingzhu had described—scattering across mountains and rivers in a splendor of millions!

Countless plum blossoms, like meteors, rained down upon Feng Huang, mimicking the Feathered Wing Sword barrage from earlier.

The South Li Fire Lotus, trying its best to fend off the onslaught, still struggled against the aggression of Taiyang True Fire.

In mere moments, the South Li Fire Lotus was riddled into a sieve by the plum blossoms forged from Taiyang True Fire. Everyone understood the might of the Taiyang True Fire, but none anticipated Feng Huang's loss to come this swiftly. When specks of Taiyang True Fire landed on Feng Huang's neck, nobody could respond for a split second.

"Stop!"

Finally, the Great Elder could no longer remain calm. The composed demeanor she carried earlier had all but disappeared. Though she assumed Li Mingzhu wouldn't dare kill Feng Huang, could she really afford to gamble?

After all, Feng Huang was the most outstanding member of the Phoenix Clan's younger generation and the clan leader's son. If something happened to him, even she, the Great Elder, could not bear the consequences.

"Great Elder, what advice do you have?"

Li Mingzhu halted the advance of the Taiyang True Fire, wearing a playful smile as he gazed at the Great Elder.

"Little friend, why not let Feng Huang go first? We can discuss everything else peacefully!"

The Great Elder steadied her emotions and spoke more measuredly, no longer displaying her earlier forcefulness, nor daring to call Li Mingzhu "junior."

Although she could effortlessly crush Li Mingzhu, she also knew he could absolutely kill Feng Huang under the current circumstances. It simply wasn't worth the cost!

Not to mention the possibility that Li Mingzhu could heal the Parasol Divine Wood; the reprisal from the forces behind him—should they kill him—wasn't something easily countered either.

As the Phoenix Clan's Great Elder, she had to prioritize the wellbeing of the entire clan.

"Fine, this is how it should've been from the beginning. One upper-grade Innate Spiritual Treasure, and I'll release him!"

Li Mingzhu spoke without pretense, but his demand was outrageous. To know, Innate Spiritual Treasures were a rare currency in the Primordial World; even a great clan like the Phoenix Clan would ache from losing one.

"Done!"

Though distressed, the Great Elder was decisive. She promptly flung a crimson dagger toward him.

Li Mingzhu caught the dagger and promptly released Feng Huang. Obtaining an upper-grade Innate Spiritual Treasure for free? Not bad at all!

Seeing that Feng Huang was finally freed, the Great Elder let out a sigh of relief.

As long as Li Mingzhu released Feng Huang, everything could be negotiated afterward.

Meanwhile, Luo Xuan, witnessing this, swore inwardly—calling Li Mingzhu foolish. Letting Feng Huang go so easily? What's next?

"Since you've already released Feng Huang, little friend, may I ask if you'd be willing to help our Phoenix Clan heal the Parasol Divine Wood? Rest assured, we won't let you suffer!"

Seeing that Li Mingzhu could command the Taiyang True Fire, the Great Elder naturally assumed he had the ability to heal the Parasol Divine Wood. She renewed her inquiry, though the veiled threat in her tone was unmistakable.

"As I've said before, if the Phoenix Clan demonstrates sufficient sincerity, I shall act accordingly!"

Li Mingzhu responded indifferently, wholly unsurprised by the current turn of events.

"Then, little friend, pray tell: what constitutes sincerity in your eyes?"

The Great Elder narrowed her eyes, intent on hearing his terms. If acceptable, a few benefits would be negotiable, but if he dared to make unreasonable demands, she wouldn't hesitate to resort to force!

"Three supreme-grade Innate Spiritual Treasures. That should barely qualify as sincerity, don't you think?"

Li Mingzhu spoke calmly, but his statement caused uproar among the crowd.

"Three supreme-grade Innate Spiritual Treasures? Is he insane, or am I?"

"Smack!"

"Ow! Why'd you actually hit me?"

"You told me to hit you!"

"Just because I said so, doesn't mean you should!"

...

Everyone thought Li Mingzhu had lost his mind. How could he dare to make such exorbitant demands of the Phoenix Clan? Where did his confidence come from?

"Impudent!"

Despite her usually calm demeanor, the Great Elder could no longer suppress her anger. Upon hearing Li Mingzhu's outrageous request, rage overtook her.

With a thin, withered palm, she made a slight pressing motion forward, sending a tremendous crimson palm print hurtling toward Li Mingzhu.

"You old crone, you're serious about this?"

Li Mingzhu bellowed as an Array Map unfurled beneath him. Eighteen yellow dragons emerged simultaneously to intercept the incoming strike!

Li Mingzhu's boldness came from the Nine Curves Yellow River Map and the Primordial Golden Bowl. With these two treasures, as long as the Great Elder wasn't at the invincible Realm beneath that of a Saint, she couldn't break through his defenses.

"The Nine Curves Yellow River Map!"

The crowd gasped in shock. While this Jie Sect Formation Map wasn't especially renowned, its power was something many had at least heard of.

"So this is your trump card, Mingzhu Martial Nephew? Although Yun Xiao Martial Aunt's Nine Curves Yellow River Map is formidable, do you believe it can protect you forever?"

Luo Xuan sighed quietly from below. Though he wished to assist Li Mingzhu, he was powerless to do so!

"The Array Map is excellent, and the Array Formation is equally impressive; your Array Formation Accomplishment is remarkable. But thinking it can shield you from me? That's wishful thinking!"

The Great Elder sneered. Her previous strike had only used thirty percent of her strength!