Rebirth of Nezha in the Investiture of the Gods

After all the Golden Armored Celestials dissipated, Li Mingzhu and Luo Xuan continued their journey, proceeding with utmost caution, not daring to be careless.

Since Hao Tian had already intercepted them once, it was entirely possible he would obstruct them a second or even a third time, something Li Mingzhu had to guard against.

No one knew the true extent of Hao Tian's power accumulated over the years. Perhaps the Saints knew but disregarded it, yet Li Mingzhu could not afford to be careless.

Holding the supreme position in the Three Realms, even if in name only, the resources under Hao Tian's control were not inferior to those of the various Saint sects. With resources, loyalty naturally followed.

Even more frightening, Hao Tian had never revealed his true strength, neither his own nor that of the Heavenly Court.

The Heavenly Court appeared lifeless, nearly empty with only a few members, but anyone daring to underestimate Hao Tian would undoubtedly meet a grim end.

Because he understood Hao Tian's cunning and methods, Li Mingzhu acted with utmost prudence.

Despite his cautious preparations for potential obstructions, Hao Tian remained Hao Tian—supreme below the Saints. How could the traps set by such a being be so simple?

No matter how meticulously guarded, ultimately, Li Mingzhu fell into the trap.

The Nine-layered Heaven Pass, Eighth Layer: Teng Snake Annihilation!

Three Teng Snakes at the Great Perfection of the Daluo Golden Immortal Realm blocked their path—beasts ranked even higher than Dragon and Phoenix. Li Mingzhu instructed Luo Xuan to retreat temporarily while he advanced alone, spear in hand.

Luo Xuan knew his own strength, though decent, could not aid against the Three Teng Snakes in any meaningful way.

"The female demon trained Sword Intent for thirty thousand years, producing a world-shattering strike. Though I have practiced spears for just a short while, I have my own thrust. Today, I shall use you as offerings for my Divine Skills!"

Li Mingzhu stepped forward, each step birthing lotus blossoms underfoot, ascending toward the heavens. Every step accumulated momentum, and as the final step landed, his spirit, energy, and vitality surged to their zenith!

Having witnessed Yun Zhongzi's effortless prowess in the Daluo Realm, Yu Ding's extraordinary Sword Light, and Qianye Wuheng's Grandmaster elegance, Li Mingzhu too had a spear strike worthy of making the Primordial Daluo bow before him!

"For ten thousand ages, I alone shall reign supreme!"

With one thrust, wind and clouds roared!

The three mighty Teng Snakes, despite their apparent strength, were utterly obliterated under Li Mingzhu's spear strike, without the slightest resistance.

This domineering spear technique had evolved from Ghost Car's Overbearing Spear, yet it was even more overwhelming. This was merely the first spear; the rest of its techniques remained to be created.

Having grasped the core of the principle "Supremacy of Self," the Overbearing Spear from Ghost Car was clearly no longer suitable for Li Mingzhu. Just as Kong Xuan had meditated atop Wutong Mountain for three days, Li Mingzhu had also gained enlightenment!

This spear thrust was the fruit of that enlightenment.

Witnessing Li Mingzhu's effortless slaughter of the Three Teng Snakes, Luo Xuan, standing nearby, was already overwhelmed with astonishment and unable to speak.

Back when Senior Brother Duobao was in the Daluo Realm, he likely wasn't much stronger than this!

Yet, Li Mingzhu hadn't even reached the Daluo Golden Immortal Realm. He was merely in the Golden Immortal Realm, although his physical body had advanced to the peak of the Daluo Golden Immortal Realm. But even so, this level of strength was astonishing!

Were he relying solely on physical strength, Li Mingzhu surely couldn't have achieved this level of dominance. But this strike integrated his spirit, energy, and vitality, executed at his peak momentum.

Its overwhelming power was entirely logical—failing to achieve such an impact would have been unnatural for him.

However, this strike had taken a significant toll on Li Mingzhu, prompting him to sit down on the spot to restore his energy.

Luo Xuan, understanding his role, began protecting Li Mingzhu as his guardian. Although Li Mingzhu was of a younger generation, his strength rendered Luo Xuan capable only of admiration.

Within Lingxiao Palace, Hao Tian seemed unsurprised by this outcome. Though Li Mingzhu's spear strike had indeed been impressive, Hao Tian's discerning eyes easily identified its underlying causes and therefore did not overly concern himself.

Seven layers remained ahead. Hao Tian was confident. If Li Mingzhu could truly overcome this treacherous trial, then Hao Tian would have nothing more to say.

Li Mingzhu and Luo Xuan resumed their journey, this time abandoning their cautious vigilance. It was clear vigilance wouldn't help.

The Nine-layered Heaven Pass, Seventh Layer: Golden Lion Barrier!

A golden lion, at the early stage of Quasi-Saint!

Li Mingzhu could no longer contain his amazement—just how many rare beasts from the Primordial World had Hao Tian gathered at his side? Including the Heavenly Silkworm, there were now three types of supreme divine beasts!

Facing a Quasi-Saint, Li Mingzhu was naturally unable to confront it head-on—not even entertaining the thought. Fortunately, he possessed the Nine Curves River Map and the Primordial Golden Bowl!

With the complete Nine Curves River Map unfolded and the Primordial Golden Bowl in tandem, though he fought fiercely for a long stretch, Li Mingzhu still managed to decapitate the Golden Lion in fury.

Beneath the setting sun, drenched in lion blood, Li Mingzhu appeared like a demonic specter, breaking through three passes in a single day!

At Lingxiao Palace, Hao Tian's optimism waned. Now he finally understood how Leng Ying had met his demise. With the Nine Curves River Map in hand, Li Mingzhu had the ability to challenge Quasi-Saints!

That night, Li Mingzhu did not press forward. He could sense the endless obstructions awaiting him.

As the next day dawned, following a night of meditation and cultivation, Li Mingzhu and Kong Xuan resumed their journey.

No surprises—the moment they advanced further along the path, they encountered another layer of obstacles set by Hao Tian.

The Nine-layered Heaven Pass, Sixth Layer: Myriad Phenomena Maze!

A realm of illusions capable of bewildering Quasi-Saints, dreamlike and ethereal!

Under the Spiritual Eye, all falsehoods were revealed and dispelled. The Three-foot Magic Sword slashed through them!

It could be said this was the easiest layer Li Mingzhu had ever passed. Any illusions not profound enough to threaten a Quasi-Saint at the later stage were entirely powerless before Li Mingzhu.

The Nine-layered Heaven Pass, Fifth Layer: Heavenly Net!

A formation composed of one hundred thousand Daoist soldiers. This was no mere mockery akin to the Heavenly Net deployed against Sun Wukong during Journey to the West but a genuine formation wholly constituted of Daoist soldiers.

What are Daoist soldiers?

They are creatures raised from a young age among the Demon Clan, engraved with formation runes, and eventually assembled into formations—these are Daoist soldiers.

These soldiers were not solely the possession of the Heavenly Court. The Three Sect traditions also employed them, though they were considered foundational forces rarely called upon, for cultivating a force of Daoist soldiers was no simple task.

Faced with a formation of Daoist soldiers, Li Mingzhu, despite his skill, had not yet grown overconfident enough to rely solely on his own strength. Ultimately, he used the Nine Curves River Map and the Primordial Golden Bowl to annihilate them.

Thus, Li Mingzhu had already broken five layers, with four remaining ahead. However, he had no knowledge of how many obstacles still awaited him.

The Nine-layered Heaven Pass, Fourth Layer: Blind Daoist!

One man and one blade, standing atop the sea, Li Mingzhu's expression turned grim.

A Quasi-Saint!

Yet another Quasi-Saint, and not at the early stage—this one had reached the middle stage.

At Lingxiao Palace, Hao Tian, upon witnessing the Blind Daoist's emergence, finally exhaled in relief. A Quasi-Saint at the middle stage—surely this would be enough to kill Li Mingzhu!

"State your name and prepare to die!"

The Blind Daoist stood with his blade.

"Li Mingzhu of the Jie Sect, here to take your head!"

Li Mingzhu let out a cold snort. Even if he couldn't win, his aura would never weaken.

Instinctively, Li Mingzhu sensed this layer was altogether different from the ones before. Though the previous obstacles were indeed formidable, they were ultimately lifeless and rigid.

But this blind swordsman—this one was different!