Rebirth of Nezha in the Investiture of the Gods

A golden pillar soared behind Yao Tian, his aura growing increasingly powerful. In an instant, it surpassed the Daluo Golden Immortal level, reaching the Quasi-Saint stage.

The pillar of heavenly law rose steadily and showed no sign of stopping as yet. The golden pillar continued to rise.

Quasi-Saint early stage, early-stage peak, mid-stage, mid-stage peak, all the way to the late Quasi-Saint stage—only then did the golden pillar come to rest.

At the same time, behind Yao Tian, two Daoists—one clad in black, the other in white—emerged simultaneously. They were none other than his manifestations of good and evil.

With this profound leap in cultivation, Yao Tian's form transformed into an approximately twenty-year-old youth, his previous countenance still faintly discernible.

"Greetings, Teacher!"

Though his cultivation level had leaped beyond Li Mingzhu's, Yao Tian still paid respects to Li Mingzhu at once. All his achievements were due to Li Mingzhu's guidance, and he naturally had to bow with gratitude.

"Not bad. Go now, and take charge of Gouchen!"

Li Mingzhu laughed heartily. Yao Tian's breakthrough had been unexpected even for him.

Indeed, all of the Four Sovereigns held such latent fortune. Li Mingzhu's Purple Emperor Seal no longer carried similar power because it had been sealed by a great formation, which had long since worn away the Azure Dragon's spirit within.

In his prior life, even Lei Zhenzi, True Martial Sovereign, and the Antarctic Immortal Weng—all members of the Four Sovereigns—had never truly wielded such seals, serving in name only.

But Yao Tian had now received the Gouchen Seal and had been subdued by Kong Xuan, so his accomplishments were only natural and rightful.

Yao Tian ascended to the Gouchen throne in the Western Gouchen Heavenly Palace, appointing demon generals!

This was an independent faction belonging solely to him, unbound by the Heavenly Court's gods and, naturally, not under Hao Tian's jurisdiction.

Though the ranks of the Four Sovereigns were said to be equal to Hao Tian, they were ultimately subject to his authority—especially after the Divine Enthronement, where all gods were governed by Hao Tian.

Without Hao Tian's approval, even the Four Sovereigns would be mere figureheads.

"From now on, as the Gouchen Sovereign, I invite all demon clans under heaven to come to the Gouchen Heavenly Palace to hear my teachings!"

Yao Tian's voice reverberated across the Primordial World. This was a privilege granted by the Heavenly Dao, though such an opportunity was granted only once. Beyond this, Yao Tian would need Saint-level cultivation to repeat such a feat.

Without Saint-level cultivation, spreading his voice throughout the Primordial World again would be all but impossible.

"The Wudang Saint Mother of the Jie Sect arrives to congratulate the Emperor on his enthronement!"

A resounding announcement rang across all thirty-three heavens—Li Mingzhu himself had taken up the role of ceremonial officiant.

"Greetings, Teacher!"

Li Mingzhu smiled and saluted Wudang. Yao Tian's ascension to the Gouchen position had fulfilled a long-cherished aspiration of his.

"No need for formality. Well done this time. Let's go."

Wudang Saint Mother smiled warmly and entered the Gouchen Heavenly Palace alongside Li Mingzhu.

"Guang Chengzi of the Chan Sect arrives to congratulate the Emperor on his enthronement."

Guang Chengzi arrived next. After all, the Gouchen position had been established by the Saints collectively. The Chan Sect thus had no choice but to give face, and so Guang Chengzi presented himself.

"Mile and the Pharmacist of the Western Sect arrive to congratulate the Emperor on his enthronement."

Like the Chan Sect, the Western Sect also sent representatives. However, while the Chan Sect gifted an Innate Spiritual Treasure, the Western Sect's offering was far humbler—a single Bodhi Seed.

This Bodhi Seed, though valuable, was clearly far inferior to an Innate Spiritual Treasure.

But Li Mingzhu was not picky—good things were to be accepted freely regardless.

"Great Immortal Zhen Yuanzi arrives to congratulate the Emperor on his ascension to Gouchen."

Zhen Yuanzi soon followed. Known throughout the Three Realms for his opportunistic wisdom, Zhen Yuanzi would not miss this chance to build rapport with the Jie Sect.

.....

Afterward came representatives of the Human Sect's Xuandu, Kunpeng, and numerous great powers of the Primordial World, who arrived in succession. The Gouchen Heavenly Palace was abuzz with activity.

Even if underlying tension and rivalries existed among the immortals, such occasions demanded displays of cordiality.

All were well aware that the Gouchen position had the Saints' endorsement—symbolizing their authority. Regardless of Yao Tian's relative junior standing, who would dare challenge him and risk offending the Saints?

"I am deeply grateful to all senior immortals and eminent figures of the Primordial World for coming to celebrate. Though my strength and Dao attainment are shallow, my achievements are owed entirely to my teacher and each of you. Let us drink to this occasion and discuss the Grand Dao together in times to come!"

Though young and once timid, Yao Tian increasingly grew into his role. His commanding presence, embodying the full weight of Li Mingzhu's teaching, radiated outward.

What was meant by "discussing the Grand Dao together"? It was a bold declaration: I may have once lacked the cultivation and standing of others, but now, by raising this cup, I have joined your level.

His confidence, though audacious, was backed by his current position at the late Quasi-Saint stage.

Now, he was the Western Gouchen Heavenly Emperor!

"Well said! The Emperor is deserving of this position!"

Xuandu was the first to give his approval, draining his cup in one go.

What the Saints decreed was rightful and indisputable.

With Xuandu taking the lead, the other immortals followed suit, drinking their cups in acknowledgment of Yao Tian's new identity and status.

The Western Gouchen Heavenly Palace was brimming with jubilation, while Hao Tian's Palace of the Polestar grew noticeably desolate. Only a sparse few ministers remained, as most had gone to participate in the revelries at Gouchen Heavenly Palace.

Hao Tian himself announced that he was entering closed-door cultivation, keen to avoid the unsettling spectacle.

Meanwhile, throughout the Primordial World, Yao Tian's ascension to Gouchen stirred countless discussions. Regardless of their nature, envy and admiration were ubiquitous.

All sighed at Yao Tian's fortune in finding a teacher like Li Mingzhu. Without Li Mingzhu's careful scheming and tireless efforts, how could Yao Tian have achieved this rank?

Resentment ran deep!

Of course, such sentiments remained confined to private grumblings. Now wielding control over the demon clans and commanding authority across the Primordial World, Yao Tian was not one to be provoked lightly.

Though Hao Tian had retreated into seclusion, his schemes had not ceased. His focus shifted away from directly targeting Li Mingzhu to destabilizing his influence in the Primordial World.

While Yao Tian's ascension to Gouchen indeed consolidated his position, it also restricted his mobility, making it unlikely for him to frequently descend to aid Li Mingzhu.

But Hao Tian had a piece on the board in the Mortal World—Lady Xi. Since Li Mingzhu occupied the North Sea, Hao Tian aimed to seize it from him. Could the strength of a single region possibly withstand the full might of the Yin Shang nation?

Hao Tian's plan was flawless—or was it?

As the festivities at Gouchen Heavenly Palace concluded, the assembled immortals returned to their respective cave mansions, leaving everyone satisfied as both hosts and guests.

Unlike previous gatherings, no duels or sectarian conflicts erupted. As long as the Saints' decree was involved, no one dared step out of line.

A single Saint's order was enough to suppress all heavens. Six Saints speaking as one—it was an inviolable mandate.

After providing Yao Tian with instructions and leaving the demon armies and Great Demons stationed at Gouchen Heavenly Palace, Li Mingzhu returned with Yang Chan and others to the North Sea.

Next on the agenda was arranging the Celestial Star Battle Formation. At the same time, Li Mingzhu sought to advance his Dao attainment by another tier. Additionally, there was the refinement of his self-created spear techniques, which required perfection.

After all, in just six years, the Divine Enthronement War would truly begin.