Rebirth of Nezha in the Investiture of the Gods

Upon arriving at the Phoenix Clan, Kong Xuan took a single step forward with Li Mingzhu and ascended Wutong Mountain. Without the Parasol Wood's suppression, the volcanoes on the mountain began to erupt continuously.

It is fortunate that the inhabitants here are all members of the Phoenix Clan, born as children of the flames; otherwise, survival here would truly be impossible.

"Young Clan Leader!"

At the moment Kong Xuan arrived, the Great Elder led numerous Phoenix Clan members forward, all bowing respectfully to Kong Xuan.

The present Kong Xuan had already awakened the Phoenix Ancestor Bloodline, making him the rightful Phoenix Clan leader in every sense of the word.

"There's no need for so much courtesy with me. A mere Phoenix Clan holds no interest for me!"

Kong Xuan snorted coldly, though he was not as distant and indifferent as he had been on his previous visit.

Upon hearing Kong Xuan's words, the Great Elder displayed an expression of self-evident understanding. This was as it should be.

If Kong Xuan truly desired the power and status of the Phoenix Clan, the Great Elder would find it unusual. To be confined to the Phoenix Clan and the Nanli Volcano was nothing short of a hero with clipped wings.

Feng Xiao's face noticeably twitched. Though Kong Xuan showed no interest in the Phoenix Clan leader's position, which should have been cause for celebration, being looked down upon in such a manner made him deeply uncomfortable.

"May I ask what brings the Young Clan Leader here today?"

The Great Elder asked respectfully, treating Kong Xuan with the same reverence he would show to the Phoenix Ancestor.

On the side, Feng Xiao felt even more aggrieved. He was the rightful leader of the Phoenix Clan, yet the Great Elder had never accorded him such profound respect.

"To return your Parasol Wood!"

Kong Xuan snorted coldly, and with a wave of his hand, the Parasol Wood returned to its original position.

"Young Clan Leader, your great kindness is akin to giving new life to the Phoenix Clan!"

The Great Elder knelt in gratitude. If his previous respect was solely due to Kong Xuan's power and status, then this time it was rooted in admiration for his magnanimity.

Although outwardly without care, Kong Xuan still remained mindful of the Phoenix Clan.

"What use is thanking me? I wasn't the one who restored the Parasol Wood!"

Kong Xuan sneered, finding the fawning tiresome.

"On behalf of the entire Phoenix Clan, I express my deepest gratitude to Daoist Li. If Daoist Li commands us in the future, we will surely assist without reservation!"

The Great Elder bowed to Li Mingzhu in thanks. Though Li Mingzhu's actions were still fresh in their memories, the fact remains he had restored the Parasol Wood, effectively giving the clan new life. No matter how significant the grievance, this was enough to wipe the slate clean.

"Good!"

Li Mingzhu spoke sparingly. He was merely following Kong Xuan to the Phoenix Clan; Kong Xuan was the true protagonist of this visit.

"Leave now; I wish to roam the Nanli Volcano alone!" Kong Xuan waved his hand, dismissing the group, and began wandering alone among the volcanic terrain. His thoughts remained a mystery to all.

At this moment, it seemed Kong Xuan was entering the Enlightenment Realm and merging with the heavens and earth. Brilliant five-colored light emanated strongly from his body, almost fusing with him completely.

The Five-colored Divine Light was already unimaginably powerful. If Kong Xuan truly mastered it fully, the extent of its strength would be beyond comprehension!

Luo Xuan, watching from the side, clicked his tongue in awe. No wonder Tongtian, their Sage Master, had praised Senior Brother Kong Xuan so highly; he truly was a prodigy of the heavens!

Kong Xuan's body was entirely enveloped in brilliant five-colored radiance, and a majestic Phoenix Illusion appeared above him. Seeing this illusion, the Phoenix Clan members—present since the Dragon-Phoenix Tribulation—were moved to tears.

That was the Phoenix Ancestor!

At the same time, with the appearance of the Phoenix Illusion, all Phoenix Clan members across the Nanli Volcano bowed their heads, trembling in fear.

The suppression of the bloodline's power rendered Kong Xuan, who had awakened the Phoenix Ancestor Bloodline, the undisputed master of the Phoenix Clan!

Even Feng Xiao, whose Phoenix Blood was the richest, could only bow his head before the Phoenix Illusion's presence!

Though Kong Xuan was in the Enlightenment Realm, just his presence alone suppressed the entire Phoenix Clan, leaving none with the courage to raise their heads!

While much of this was attributed to the suppression effect of the Phoenix Bloodline, Kong Xuan's unparalleled strength also played a pivotal role. Without his sheer power, even the richest bloodline could never produce such overwhelming results!

Strength was forever the ultimate criterion!

Three days later, Kong Xuan emerged from the Enlightenment Realm and left with Li Mingzhu and Luo Xuan.

What Kong Xuan comprehended during these three days, and to what extent his strength had grown, remained a mystery!

"Master Kong Xuan, might you be interested in accompanying me to the Heavenly Court for a visit?"

On the way, Li Mingzhu inquired of Kong Xuan.

"What business do you have at the Heavenly Court?"

"To exert dominance over Haotian and advocate for Gouchen's position!"

"You intend to occupy Gouchen's position?"

"Not I; it is a young kin of mine, possessing the Golden Crow True Form. Thus, I have such plans."

"Very well. If that's the case, I shall accompany you. Although I can't fathom why you seek this position, since you've asked, I'll agree! Haha!"

Kong Xuan laughed heartily, then vanished.

"Soon, I shall seek you out!"

A voice echoed from the void, but Kong Xuan himself was nowhere to be seen.

"Nephew Mingzhu intends to dominate the Heavenly Court?"

After Kong Xuan left, Luo Xuan couldn't help but ask Li Mingzhu.

"Indeed!"

Li Mingzhu declared with a murderous intent. If it weren't for Haotian's deeply entrenched influence and formidable strength, Li Mingzhu might have directly attacked the Heavenly Court.

"May I join you on this endeavor?" Luo Xuan, equally filled with killing intent, spoke. Long Ji being taken to the Heavenly Court had dealt a significant blow to this Flame Immortal.

"If Master wishes to join, I couldn't be more pleased! Let us return to the North Sea first, and I'll detail the plans along the way!"

Li Mingzhu laughed aloud. Luo Xuan's strength was formidable, and his alliance raised Li Mingzhu's forces to a higher level!

Though both were strong, the journey back to the North Sea from Nanli Volcano was not one to be completed in haste.

Along the way, Li Mingzhu shared the details of his strategy, as well as the actions Haotian had taken against him during this period.

"Nephew Mingzhu, according to your explanation, wouldn't it be better to appeal directly to the Sage Master? The Master would surely act justly on your behalf. Why take such a risky route?"

Luo Xuan asked with some confusion. Although Li Mingzhu's plans were flawless, had Kong Xuan declined, Luo Xuan would not believe Li Mingzhu had any chance of success.

While Haotian appeared incompetent on the surface, suppressed by the Sage factions, Luo Xuan understood Haotian's terrifying methods after witnessing them firsthand. Without the Sage's oversight, the major sects would long have been devoured without a trace.

"Master, you don't understand. You don't know the true weight of public opinion!"

"Strength may be the ultimate law of the Primordial World, yet, under certain conditions, even this law can be overturned!"

Li Mingzhu smiled faintly, offering little further explanation.

While appealing to Tongtian might temporarily incur punishment on Haotian, it could not accomplish anything substantive. Haotian would remain Haotian, the Supreme of the Three Realms would remain the Supreme of the Three Realms. Such a course was far less impactful than his bold approach.

Moreover, as Li Mingzhu explained, when everyone supports the idea that the young Golden Crow deserves to hold Gouchen's position, even Haotian's opposition would become powerless to refute.

Besides, Li Mingzhu had his contingencies. Yet, he left this comment unsaid—for he had more than one contingency in place!

Haotian, just you wait. This is only the beginning!