Rebirth of Nezha in the Investiture of the Gods

Under Lei Zhenzi's illusion technique, the 50,000 vanguard troops effortlessly infiltrated Zhang Guifang's main camp.

Given how easily they entered Zhang Guifang's camp, whatever remains to be done would pose little issue.

However, Lei Zhenzi, being an exceedingly cautious individual, didn't immediately dispel the illusion nor did he expose his army prematurely.

Instead, he issued orders: first set fire to the camp, then begin the assault.

If one were to act, the act must be decisive—leave Zhang Guifang no chance of survival.

Even if Zhang Guifang's 200,000 troops couldn't all be disposed of, they must be rendered incapable of rallying again. Following Li Mingzhu for so long, Lei Zhenzi had learned quite a few lessons.

Amidst the heavens-shaking blaze, Lei Zhenzi dispelled the illusion, and the 50,000 troops began their unbridled rampage across Zhang Guifang's camp.

Breaking into smaller units of 100 soldiers each, in such a disorganized camp they became unstoppable chopping machines, slaughtering wherever they went.

Seeing the blazing fires, Li Jing realized Lei Zhenzi had succeeded, promptly leading his remaining 50,000 troops to charge forward in unison with the Yin forces.

"What's the commotion?!"

Roused from rest by the shouts and cries outside the camp, Zhang Guifang barked angrily.

"General, the camp is under attack! Li Jing has launched a raid!"

A panicked voice echoed outside the tent, only to fall silent moments later—uncertain whether silenced by death or by fleeing.

"Capture Zhang Guifang alive, and seal him as a general!"

Lei Zhenzi suddenly shouted. Though he lacked the authority for such declarations, he trusted Li Jing wouldn't hold it against him.

Motivated by Lei Zhenzi's promise, his soldiers fought with even greater fervor, annihilating Zhang Guifang's army with no resistance whatsoever.

Partly due to Lei Zhenzi's perfect timing, and partly because of Zhang Guifang's recklessness—he had never anticipated Li Jing would raid the camp.

As the ancient art of war dictates: "Seize victory through surprise!"

That was the principle. Indeed, Li Jing's arrangements often adhered to this philosophy, such as his prior scheme to capture Canglan City. If not for Gao Ming and Gao Jue's interference, would the outcome not be the same?

Alas, since such strategies are inherently unconventional, they naturally involve risks. When Gao Ming and Gao Jue uncovered the plan, the surprising advantage was lost.

Thus, the Mo Family brothers were defeated by Zhang Guifang, who had set an ambush. Ultimately, it boils down to the principle of "surprise."

Because Chong Houhu had prepared in advance and Li Jing was unaware, that too was a surprise.

In warfare, strategy revolves around unpredictability. Those who can think one step ahead naturally secure the upper hand.

While the laws of war are irregular, their applications are universal. Even in daily life, wouldn't outcomes differ if one contemplated events a step further?

After Lei Zhenzi regrouped with Li Jing, their combined forces grew even more imposing. This quashed Zhang Guifang's last thoughts of mounting a counteroffensive, prompting his retreat.

With this retreat, even should Zhang Guifang survive, life under Chong Houhu's command would likely be miserable!

"Zhang Guifang, where do you think you're running?"

Amidst the chaos of battle, Lei Zhenzi spotted Zhang Guifang, leaping skyward to intercept him as he fled.

"Who are you, little brat, daring to block the path of your grandfather Zhang Guifang!"

Arrogant and unyielding, Zhang Guifang dismissed Lei Zhenzi outright, speaking with such boastful disdain.

Alas, Zhang Guifang underestimated the situation. Not only did Lei Zhenzi possess cultivation and divine skills far superior to his own, but even a powerless child would spell trouble given the circumstances.

In such a scene, what hope could Zhang Guifang possibly have?

"Your executioner, Lei Zhenzi of the Jie Sect!"

Lei Zhenzi sneered coldly, raising a hand to summon a cascade of violet lightning from the heavens, striking Zhang Guifang directly.

Having apprenticed under Yun Xiao, Lei Zhenzi mastered not only arrays but also various thunder skills, wielding them effortlessly.

Additionally, Yun Xiao had petitioned Tongtian for the Purple Lightning Hammer—a supreme innate spiritual treasure. Tongtian had teasingly remarked that if Lei Zhenzi ever found a Daoist partner equally adept in thunder magic, he would gift the Fishing Drum as well.

This drum too was a supreme innate spiritual treasure. Indeed, Tongtian Saint, possessing the most spiritual treasures among the Saints, lived up to his reputation. Despite Li Mingzhu's silent reservations, she welcomed the gesture wholeheartedly.

The violet lightning, Lei Zhenzi's self-created Purple Surge Divine Thunder, was of low grade, its power modest at best.

Yet, it sufficed to slay Zhang Guifang, whose cultivation was meager—comparable to Li Jing's—relying solely on his dismounting technique to achieve his current status.

Meeting Lei Zhenzi now, his fate upon the Investiture of the Gods was inevitable.

As expected, when the violet lightning struck, Zhang Guifang stood no chance, disintegrating instantly into ash, his true spirit ascending to the Divine Enthronement List.

Once inscribed on the list, when the divine enthronement is accomplished, the Power of Heaven will craft him a new body. However, he would be bound to serve the Heavenly Court throughout the calamity cycle, unable to advance in cultivation or Daoist attainments.

This explains why members of the three sects dread appearing on the Divine Enthronement List. But for someone like Zhang Guifang, being enshrined might not necessarily be a curse.

Upon Zhang Guifang's death, Yin Shang's forces were utterly demoralized, devolving into one-sided slaughter.

"Zhang Guifang is dead! Surrender and you shall live!"

Li Jing, a seasoned strategist, seized the momentum, shouting boldly.

Hearing Li Jing's proclamation, the Yin Shang soldiers began surrendering en masse, alleviating Li Jing's dire manpower shortage.

Of course, Li Jing wouldn't indiscriminately use these surrendered soldiers. That would be equivalent to digging his own grave; reeducation was necessary.

For this, delegating to the Treasure Division Rock was ideal. Even Daluo Golden Immortals could be swayed by it—mere soldiers were trivial in comparison.

Still, while some surrendered, others resisted stubbornly, prompting Li Jing to respond mercilessly—kill them!

Though adept at conciliatory tactics, Li Jing was equally skilled in ferocious slaughter!

The surprise raid on Canglan City and Zhang Guifang's camp lasted less than three hours, yet yielded immense gains.

Not only was Zhang Guifang consigned to the Divine Enthronement List, but his 100,000 troops were eradicated, 50,000 captured, while only 50,000 fled.

This outcome owed itself to Li Jing's swift strategy, avoiding prolonged battles or excessive risks. Otherwise, even the 50,000 survivors would've been annihilated.

The victory not only brought tangible benefits, but also significantly boosted morale, which had previously been waning.

This morale surge was Li Jing's primary concern, as the upcoming trials would be the true test. Without morale, how could the North Sea City be defended?

After the battle at Canglan City, Li Jing wasted no time occupying the city, instead retreating swiftly to North Sea City.

While the initial plan was to repel the enemy outside the North Sea, strategies and orders were never rigid—they must adapt to changing circumstances.

With Chong Houhu inevitably advancing upon hearing of Zhang Guifang's defeat, holding Canglan City would clearly be an unwise choice.