Rebirth of Nezha in the Investiture of the Gods

As for everything else, Shen Gongbao didn't bother to think too deeply. He merely felt that Primordial was unfair and only wanted to prove himself.

Never once did he consider that he was merely a pawn in Primordial's hand.

So long as one hasn't become a Saint, they remain a pawn—whether important or otherwise, that's the only difference.

Some pawns are more crucial, others less so. Yet when the time demands, even the most important pawn can be sacrificed.

This is precisely why all beings in the Primordial World aspire to sanctification. Without achieving it, one remains forever a pawn.

Only Saints are the ones playing the game. Li Mingzhu also wished to be the one maneuvering the pieces, which is why she cultivated so diligently.

Indeed, right after her match with Fu Yao, she entered seclusion once more.

This time, her seclusion wasn't to refine her spear technique or raise her cultivation but to craft array flags.

Though she already had many laborers helping, the efficiency still wasn't high enough, so Li Mingzhu decided to personally join in.

Though she couldn't fully control the Primordial Starry Sky as of now, she could still occasionally wield Star Power. With its infusion, the crafting speed naturally increased severalfold.

At this rate, in at most half a year, all three hundred and sixty-five Star Flags would be completed. By then, the Celestial Star Battle Formation would be fully deployed.

Not even the strongest beneath the Saints would easily breach the North Sea. After all, this was one of the three legendary formations of the Primordial World—it was no mere boast.

It's worth noting that alongside the Celestial Star Battle Formation were the Slaying Immortal Sword Formation and the Twelve All Heaven Gods and Demons Array. Though the Celestial Star Battle Formation ranked last among them, its power was beyond question.

After Li Mingzhu went into seclusion, news of Yin Shang mobilizing their troops soon reached the North Sea. Li Jing promptly summoned everyone to the Marquis Mansion of the North Sea for a council meeting.

As the Marquis of the North Sea, and with Li Mingzhu absent, Li Jing naturally had full authority over all matters.

"I assume you've all heard: Chong Houhu has already led an army of a million strong and will arrive at the gates of North Sea City in about a month. If anyone has suggestions, feel free to speak!"

Li Jing was well aware that his son surrounded himself with individuals of extraordinary Divine Skills, so he began by seeking their counsel.

"Marquis, in my opinion, as long as we invite that individual, there's nothing we can't handle."

Mo Lishou cast a glance toward the courtyard where the Lady Banshee resided, evidently hinting at her.

"Watch your words!"

Li Mingzhu frowned sharply at him. Other than Li Mingzhu and Ao Yu, who dared disturb the Lady Banshee?

"Understood, consider it unsaid,"

Mo Lishou responded dejectedly. What he said was true, after all.

But Li Jing had no intention of troubling the Lady Banshee. Her status was exalted, her strength formidable. Her mere presence in the North Sea was already a gesture of respect toward the Li Family and acknowledgment of her bond with Li Mingzhu. She wasn't here to serve as an enforcer for Li Jing.

As one steering an entire entity, Li Jing saw this clearly and knew better than to undermine his future self.

"What does the Marquis propose then?"

Mo Liqing countered with a question, curious what Li Jing had in mind.

"The North Sea is our foundation and cannot be lost. Therefore, I have decided to first capture Canglan City and meet the enemy beyond the North Sea. Additionally, I will dispatch a surprise force to cut off Chong Houhu's supply line!"

Li Jing spoke with spirited confidence. Compared to cultivation, his talent for strategy was far superior.

These two strategies were undoubtedly feasible and well-considered.

What's more, they integrated the elements of both orthodox and unorthodox approaches, embodying the essence of military tactics. How many people could offer such insights?

"The Marquis's plan is excellent. Please dispatch troops without delay, as speed is of essence in warfare. Delay will forfeit the opportunity,"

Mo Liqing, who had some knowledge of military strategy, agreed wholeheartedly. He quickly urged Li Jing to take action.

"Marquis, I volunteer to go and sabotage their supply line!"

Lei Zhenzi stepped forward and asked for the assignment.

"Explain your reasoning. If sufficient, the task is yours!"

Li Jing responded with a smile. Lei Zhenzi's eagerness was a good sign, but such matters required careful consideration.

In Li Jing's mind, Fu Yao seemed the more suitable candidate. As the child of Kunpeng, possessing unparalleled speed in the world, even if unsuccessful, Fu Yao could easily retreat unharmed.

However, if Lei Zhenzi could also fulfill the role, Li Jing wouldn't decline. As commander of the troops and Marquis of a city, each of his decisions carried immense weight and warranted careful deliberation.

"Marquis, before my master entered seclusion, he entrusted the Wind and Fire Wheel to me. Not only does it grant unmatched speed, but it also enables the Wind and Fire Array—perfect for striking the supply line."

Lei Zhenzi didn't hold back and revealed his reasoning outright.

"Very well. Lei Zhenzi, you're hereby ordered to serve as the vanguard. Your mission: sabotage Yin Shang's supply line. Success or failure, you must return safely!"

The mission to disrupt the supply chain was inherently risky—a calculated gamble. If Li Jing and his allies recognized the supply line's importance, so would Chong Houhu.

Thus, Lei Zhenzi would undoubtedly face numerous dangers. Li Jing did not impose stringent demands, prioritizing Lei Zhenzi's safe return above all.

By now, Lei Zhenzi had already become Yun Xiao's direct disciple, which is why he addressed Li Mingzhu as senior brother. Li Mingzhu was pleased with this development.

It was only Yao Tian who couldn't let it go. He, now a disciple of Li Mingzhu, felt slighted about being ranked a generation below Lei Zhenzi, finding it hard to accept.

"The Four Generals of the Mo Family, you shall serve as the frontline vanguard! Lead the army and capture Canglan City. I will join you shortly. The rest of you, remain on standby for my commands!"

Li Jing stood up, his eyes radiating an infinite brilliance. In this moment, the aura he exuded was especially imposing.

Though everyone present surpassed him in cultivation, none dared meet his gaze directly.

Each among them departed to prepare, while Li Jing donned armor, readying himself for battle. Yet just as he opened the door, he saw Yin Shi fully dressed in battle gear waiting for him.

"Madam?"

Li Jing exclaimed in surprise. He had not expected that Yin Shi would also suit up to join him on the battlefield.

"What? Why does this surprise you? Do you not remember that back in the day, you were no match for me on the battlefield?"

Yin Shi remarked nonchalantly. Though it had been over a decade since she last stepped onto a battlefield, she showed not the slightest trace of hesitation—truly a woman equal to any man!

"Excellent! Then let us, husband and wife, fight side by side. It has been too long since I last witnessed your swordsmanship, my dear. I must say, I've missed it greatly!"

Li Jing burst into hearty laughter. Together, the couple marshaled their forces and set off!

That day, Li Jing and Yin Shi led an elite force of one hundred thousand soldiers out of North Sea City.

The citizens of North Sea City gathered outside to see them off. Every household prepared their men, armed and ready to rise at the first sign of defeat on the front lines.

This was their home, and they would defend it fearlessly!

Li Jing, however, remained unaware that their earlier discussions had already been thoroughly overheard by Chong Houhu.

Gao Ming and Gao Jue, blessed with the Divine Skills of Thousand-mile Eye and Sharp-Hearing Ear, had fully discerned every detail of their plans.