Rebirth of Nezha in the Investiture of the Gods

After the grotto heaven's completion, Li Mingzhu widely distributed invitations to host a grand banquet.

The establishment of the cave mansion and Daoist school was a significant event. Under Wudang Saint Mother's instructions, Li Mingzhu decided to arrange an extravagant celebration.

Of course, this had deeper implications. The establishment of the cave mansion and Daoist school meant that most guests invited by Li Mingzhu would inevitably attend.

And if they came, surely they wouldn't arrive empty-handed?

With Li Mingzhu's nature, how could he let such a golden opportunity to amass wealth slip away?

Thus, Li Mingzhu extended invitations to immortals across the Primordial World, not sparing even the Chan Sect or the Western Sect.

In matters such as these, appearances were always of paramount importance. Li Mingzhu was confident they would attend.

One month later, Li Mingzhu activated the Celestial Star Battle Formation. Immortals from all corners of the Primordial World began arriving in the North Sea, making it a scene of unprecedented splendor with immortals visible everywhere.

The grandeur of Li Mingzhu's banquet rivaled that of a quasi-saint establishing a Daoist school.

Aside from Li Mingzhu's personal strength and connections, much of this stemmed from his identity as Nuwa's pupil and an elite disciple of the Jie Sect.

Even some loose cultivators of the Primordial World, though uninvited, came to offer congratulations after hearing of the affair.

These loose cultivators lacked high status or cultivation levels, but their sheer numbers were overwhelming. Li Mingzhu welcomed them all and led them into the cave mansion.

After all, since they had come, Li Mingzhu saw no reason to turn them away. Upon witnessing the majesty of his cave mansion, these loose cultivators were left in awe.

Though man-made, its craftsmanship could only be described as divine.

As if by prior agreement, shortly after these loose cultivators entered the mansion, the Jie Sect immortals began to arrive one after another.

Among them were Duobao from Golden Turtle Island, Zhao Gongming from Luo Fu Cave of Emei Mountain, and Yun Xiao from Three Immortals Island… Apart from Bixiao, the eight true disciples of the Jie Sect were nearly all present.

With elders of his sect arriving, Li Mingzhu naturally dared not show neglect, entrusting Wudang Saint Mother with their reception.

Following the Jie Sect, representatives of the Western Sect arrived. As usual, only Mile and Pharmacist made the trip.

Li Mingzhu treated them courteously. After all, they had brought lavish gifts, and a smile cost him nothing.

As for the Human Sect, only Xuandu came, being Laozi's sole remaining true disciple. Li Mingzhu respectfully welcomed him inside.

The Chan Sect, with the most grandeur and prestige, arrived last with all twelve Golden Immortals, making a formidable impression.

Even Kunpeng, Zhen Yuanzi, and Minghe made the rare decision to arrive together, with a young woman named Xiao Qian accompanying Minghe. Upon seeing Li Mingzhu, she immediately abandoned her master.

Minghe, at a loss for words, could only let her act as she pleased.

With such a grand gathering of the Primordial World's elites, it was inevitable that this was no mere feast. As expected, the event naturally transformed into a Daoist discourse assembly.

Soon after, it further evolved into a clash between Eastern and Western philosophies, a development Li Mingzhu had anticipated from the start.

As long as he reaped benefits, Li Mingzhu didn't mind—these eminent figures were unlikely to offer anything cheap.

Reflecting on this, Li Mingzhu silently resolved to host more such gatherings in the future. Though enduring these Daoist debates was taxing, the rewards always made it worthwhile.

Meanwhile, in the Mortal World, Bo Yikao led a group en route to Chaoge.

Bo Yikao's journey to Chaoge was naturally to rescue his father, Ji Chang. To that end, he brought three treasures from West Qi as tribute.

A tragic figure, Bo Yikao was undoubtedly talented but stubborn by nature. Hoping to save Ji Chang, he refused to bribe Fei Zhong and You Hun, the two favored ministers.

He believed that with West Qi's three treasures, he could secure Ji Chang's release.

Indeed, these three treasures were extraordinary.

The Three National Treasures of West Qi were the Seven Fragrance Car, the Hangover Rug, and the White-faced Ape.

The Seven Fragrance Car, left behind by Emperor Xuanyuan after defeating Chi You by the North Sea, required no pulling or steering. It could travel east or west at will and was a legendary heirloom.

The Hangover Rug could miraculously sober up anyone who slept on it, no matter how drunk, within moments.

The White-faced Ape, though a beast, could perform 3,000 minor tunes and 800 grand tunes, entertaining banquets with songs and dances as gracefully as an oriole's song or a swaying willow.

These treasures were undoubtedly exceptional, but how could they ever pique Lady Xi's interest?

Thus, Bo Yikao's fate was sealed. Especially now, history had deviated significantly. Historically, Daji, the Nine-tailed Fox, had taken Lady Xi's position.

The Nine-tailed Fox, at least, harbored a slight infatuation for Bo Yikao. Though unsuccessful, she initially refrained from severely harming him.

Lady Xi, however, was no such person. From the moment Bo Yikao set foot in Chaoge, he was as good as dead in her eyes.

The only question was how to ensure his death in the most advantageous way.

Bo Yikao's death was inevitable, yet Ji Chang's survival was crucial. Bo Yikao's sacrifice was necessary to push Ji Chang toward resolutely rebelling against the Shang dynasty.

What delighted Lady Xi even more was discovering Daji hidden among Bo Yikao's entourage. This only cemented her determination to see him dead.

Lady Xi personally captured Daji and presented her to King Zhou. Upon questioning Daji, King Zhou had no patience to grant Bo Yikao the opportunity to present his treasures.

Without hesitation, he ordered Bo Yikao's arrest. Bo Yikao, upon seeing Daji, was shocked and dismayed. He had no idea she had accompanied him to Chaoge.

"Bo Yikao, what do you have to say for yourself?"

King Zhou glared coldly at Bo Yikao. His discovery that another man had shared intimacy with what he considered his own woman ignited uncontrollable rage.

As someone who viewed himself as the most exalted being, the notion that someone else had dared to touch what he claimed was intolerable.

Bo Yikao remained silent, fully aware that his fate was sealed and that words would be futile.

"Guards! Seize him! Kill them, kill them all!"

King Zhou, enraged and humiliated further by Bo Yikao's unyielding and contemptuous gaze, roared in fury.

"Calm yourself, Your Majesty. To simply execute them would be far too lenient,"

Lady Xi whispered into King Zhou's ear while lying against his chest. Whatever she said made King Zhou's anger vanish instantly, replaced by a sinister grin.

Her suggestion had been, "It is said Ji Chang is renowned as a sage who abstains from flesh. Why not turn Bo Yikao into a meat dish and see if Ji Chang will consume it? If he does, what harm would there be in letting him go?"

King Zhou, after a moment of contemplation, grasped the beauty of her cruel scheme and readily agreed, his mood immediately lifted.

As for Daji, she was handed over to Lady Xi for handling.