Rebirth of Nezha in the Investiture of the Gods

The clash under the night is indeed harrowing,

Armor discarded, without robes wearing.

Smoke and fire engulf paths returning,

Souls lost adrift, finding no bearing.

How many heroes perish in despair,

How many valiant warriors in dreams ensnared.

Who would have thought of Ji Li's cunning tongue,

Delivering Heavenly Monarchs to Beimang among.

Now, Jiang Ziya, having witnessed Wen Zhong's formation, understood his familiar Daoist craft, and devised a desperate, ruthless strategy.

It was to attack by night, using fire as their weapon.

As the story goes, Ziya led a night raid on Grandmaster Wen's camp. Jin Zha, Mu Zha, and others encircled Wen Zhong's heart deployment.

Nangong Shi, Xin Jia, and their forces charged into the right camp, clashing fiercely with Xin Huan and Tao Rong. The night was thick with tragedy—the mournful wind howled, and sorrowful clouds loomed. Amidst the intense battle, Yang Jian stormed into the rear camp, riding his warhorse and brandishing his spear, heading toward the pile of provisions and setting it ablaze.

Flames ascended fiercely towards the heavens,

Countless golden serpents spiraled in the air.

Smoke rolled and swept for three thousand miles,

Burning the provisions, Heaven lent its share.

Yang Jian employed the Samadhi True Fire in his chest, igniting the stockpiles and illuminating the heavens and earth. In the heat of battle, Wen Zhong noticed the fire and felt deep alarm in his heart, thinking: "With the provisions burned, the camp cannot be sustained."

He raised his Golden Whip to parry spears and blades, no longer willing to prolong the fight.

Jiang Ziya, seizing this moment, charged forth. He raised the God-beating Whip high into the sky. Wen Zhong could not evade the catastrophe of this sacred whip—he was struck, and Samadhi Fire spewed three to four feet from his mouth.

Mounting his black Qilin, the Grandmaster broke free from the fray and retreated. Deng Zhong and Zhang Jie, witnessing the central army's collapse, could only shield Wen Zhong and force their way out.

Nangong Shi and his comrades pursued Xin Huan and Tao Rong relentlessly. Ji Li, seeing the tide turn against them and being unable to offer further protection, had no choice but to retreat in defeat. Xin Huan's flesh-wings flapped through the air as he escorted Wen Zhong in retreat toward Qi Mountain.

Meanwhile, Jiang Ziya and his entourage returned to Ziya Mansion to celebrate their victory. The camp raid had succeeded, dealing a severe blow to Wen Zhong's forces.

Jiang Ziya rejoiced and commended his generals, saying, "Today's victory is owed entirely to your efforts. It is a blessing to the Holy Lord, the nation, and its people."

The generals responded, "The great fortune of King Wu and the virtuous governance of our Prime Minister are what have rendered Wen Zhong unable to act wisely, losing his advantage."

Following this defeat, Wen Zhong withdrew his battered forces seventy miles from Qi Mountain, secured his shattered army, and established a new camp.

In the command tent, the Grandmaster sighed deeply, saying, "For years I have led forces in battle, never once meeting with such a sharp blow. Today's failure and loss of troops are truly a bitter shame!" His heart was profoundly unsettled.

Contemplating his lack of options, he considered calling upon reinforcements, but every general had their own duties of defense. Wen Zhong, despite his loyal and ardent dedication, could not achieve his goal of swift subjugation of the Western territories and felt a burning rage for the situation he now found himself in. With his divine eyes agape, he let out a long sigh.

Ji Li stepped forward, saying, "Grandmaster, there is no need to despair; among the Three Mountains and Five Peaks, there are many Fellow Daoists. Perhaps if we invite one or two, success will be assured."

Wen Zhong replied, "The military affairs have left me frazzled, and my thoughts disordered; momentarily, I had forgotten." He ascended his command throne and ordered Deng Zhong and Xin Huan, saying, "Guard the camp well. I will return shortly." Mounting his black Qilin, he struck the Wind and Cloud Horn, causing the beast to leap into the heavens.

The black Qilin of Wen Zhong had the capability to traverse the world, covering a thousand miles in an instant; that day, it arrived at Jin'ao Island in the East Sea.

The Grandmaster gazed upon the vast sea and tranquil green mountains, sighing to himself, "Burdened with the intricate state affairs and the heavy trust left by the Late King—to free myself from this chaos and sit quietly upon a meditation mat, studying the mysteries of the Dao and reading the Book of Huangting, letting the sun and moon pass heedlessly—that would be true peace." Indeed, Jin'ao Island was a stunning place of infinite wonders.

When Wen Zhong reached the island, he dismounted his Qilin and observed. Every entrance to the caves was tightly sealed, and no one could be seen—the place was eerily silent.

Wen Zhong pondered for a moment and thought, "I might as well seek assistance elsewhere." Mounting his Qilin again, he was about to leave the island when a voice called out, "Brother Wen! Where are you heading?"

Wen Zhong turned to see none other than Han Zhixian, who had just arrived. He quickly stepped forward and bowed, greeting, "Fellow Daoist, where are you heading?"

Han Zhixian replied, "I've come to meet you. The Daoists of Jin'ao Island have gone to Bailu Island to practice their array formations. A few days ago, Shen Gongbao invited us to assist you at West Qi. I am currently refining something in the Furnace of Eight Trigrams, which is not yet complete. As soon as it is finished, I will join you immediately.

The Fellow Daoists are now on Bailu Island; Brother Wen, you should proceed there without delay." Wen Zhong, overjoyed, bid farewell to Han Zhixian and swiftly made his way to Bailu Island, arriving in an instant.

On the island, he saw various Daoists, some wearing one-stripe headbands or nine-curves turbans, others donning fish-tail golden crowns or jadeite headdresses. Some styled their hair in twin loops, while others wore topknots. They stood scattered about the mountain slopes, casually chatting, not grouped together.

Wen Zhong called out loudly, "Fellow Daoists, you live so freely!" The Daoists turned their heads and, upon seeing Wen Zhong, all stood to greet him.

Among them, Qin Tianjun stepped forward and said, "We've heard that Brother Wen is campaigning against West Qi. A few days ago, Shen Gongbao invited us to assist you, so we came here to complete the Ten Formations Diagram. Now that Brother Wen has arrived, it is truly a stroke of good fortune!"

Wen Zhong asked, "Which ten formations are you practicing?"

Qin Tianjun replied, "Each of these ten formations has marvelous applications. Tomorrow, we will deploy them at West Qi, and their transformations will be endless."

Wen Zhong observed and asked, "But why are there only nine of you? You seem to be missing someone."

Su Tianjun explained, "The Golden Light Saint Mother has gone to White Cloud Island to practice her Golden Light Formation, which is uniquely exceptional, so she is currently absent."

Dong Tianjun asked, "Have the formation diagrams been completed?" The group of Daoists replied, "They are all complete."

"Since they're ready, let us head to West Qi first. Brother Wen can wait here for the Golden Light Saint Mother to arrive and journey together. What do you think?"

Wen Zhong replied, "If esteemed Fellow Daoists are willing to offer your aid, I am deeply honored and grateful. This is a most wonderful development." The nine Daoists bid farewell to Wen Zhong and employed Water Escape to head to West Qi. How formidable was their arrival? See the following poem:

No need to elaborate on the nine Daoists heading to West Qi Mountain; they soon arrived at the camp.

Meanwhile, Wen Zhong sat on a mountain slope, leaning against a pine tree and a rock, when, after only a short while, from the southern direction appeared five spotted cloud steeds bearing a person. This man wore a fish-tail golden crown, a bright red Eight Diagrams robe, a silken sash, cloud sandals, and carried two Treasure Swords with a bundle strapped to his back. He dashed forward like a streak of lightning.

Approaching the cave entrance of Bailu Island and finding no one from the prior party, he spotted a yellow-faced, long-bearded Daoist with three eyes clad in red—it was none other than Wen Zhong.

The Golden Light Saint Mother hurriedly dismounted and greeted, "Brother Wen, why are you here?"

The two exchanged courtesy and asked, "Where have the nine Daoists gone?" The Grandmaster replied, "They have already headed to Qi Mountain, leaving me here to wait and travel with you."

The two were delighted, mounted their steeds, and rode on clouds straight to Qi Mountain, arriving in no time. At the camp, Ji Li led the generals to welcome them. They entered the central command tent and met with the Daoists.

Qin Tianjun asked, "Where is West Qi City located?" Wen Zhong replied, "After our defeat the other night, we withdrew seventy miles to this encampment near Qi Mountain."

The group said, "Let us mobilize the army overnight and march toward it." Wen Zhong ordered Deng Zhong to prepare the front troops, assembling men and horses. The sound of a cannon blast signaled the charge towards West Qi City. They established a camp, and the army settled in.

Jiang Ziya, meanwhile, had been discussing state affairs daily at the Prime Minister's Mansion with his generals after the recent victory. Upon hearing the clamor, he remarked, "It seems Grandmaster Wen has obtained reinforcements."

Yang Jian nearby replied, "Grandmaster Wen was recently defeated and has been away for half a month. My apprentice brothers have heard that he belongs to the Jie Sect and has surely invited allies from other sects. We must be cautious in our defenses."

Jiang Ziya surveyed the camp and observed sorrowful clouds, chilling mists, flashing bursts of killing energy, and mournful winds. Additionally, ten streams of black energy soared skywards, enveloping the military command tent. Ziya was deeply startled by this sight. His disciples stood silently without words. Unable to devise a plan for resistance, they descended from the walls and returned to the mansion to strategize, but no solutions presented themselves.

Meanwhile, at the Cheng Tang Camp, Wen Zhong and the Ten Heavenly Lords convened to discuss plans to crush West Qi.

Yuan Tianjun said, "I've heard that Jiang Ziya is of the Kunlun lineage. Both sects originate from the same source and share a profound truth. In the mortal world's chaos and slaughter, we should avoid leaning on such thoughts. Since we possess the Ten Formations, we should first compete in wisdom and tactics to demonstrate the mysteries of our sects. Resorting to brute force is unbecoming of our Taoist principles."

Wen Zhong responded, "Brother's words are most reasonable." The next day, the Tang camp's cannons boomed, signaling the deployment of their formations. Wen Zhong mounted his black Qilin with the Golden Whip and issued a challenge to Jiang Ziya to respond.

Word was brought to the Prime Minister's Mansion. Jiang Ziya promptly organized his armies and emerged from the city. Flags of five colors adorned the forces, and the generals carried themselves with majestic vigor. Jiang Ziya, mounted on the Four-Unalike Beast, surveyed the Tang camp's formation. From atop his Qilin, Wen Zhong stood wielding the Golden Whip. Behind him were ten Daoists, fierce in appearance; their faces displayed hues of blue, yellow, red, white, and purple, all riding stags. How could one imagine their grandeur? Witness this poem:

Strands of green silk drape a celestial crest,

Within their chests, mysteries that uplift the oppressed.

Though immortality aligns with Dao and virtue,

"Investiture of the Gods" records their fateful test.

Qin Tianjun rode forward on his stag, approached Jiang Ziya, and bowed, saying, "Greetings, Jiang Ziya!"

Ziya dismounted and responded with a courteous bow, saying, "Greetings, Fellow Daoist. May I ask which eminent mountain you hail from, and which Cave Mansion do you reside in?"

Qin Tianjun replied, "I am Qin Wan, a Qi Refiner from Jin'ao Island. You are a guest of the Kunlun Sect, and I am a disciple of the Jie Sect. Why do you rely on Daoist Skills to oppress our sect? Such actions are unbefitting of our Taoist decorum."

Ziya responded, "What evidence does Fellow Daoist have of me oppressing your honored sect?"

Qin Wan replied, "You executed the four members of the Mo Family from Jiulong Island, gravely dishonoring our sect. We now descend the mountain to determine victory or defeat with you. Without relying on brute strength, we can each demonstrate the teachings of our respective lineages. We are not ordinary mortals and cannot lower ourselves to base, violent contests."

After Qin Wan finished speaking, Ziya replied, "Fellow Daoist, your wisdom is vast and illuminating, your insights profound and encompassing. King Zhou's tyranny has extinguished order, and his sovereign energy is in decline. In the Western Land, a benevolent ruler has emerged, signaling the Mandate of Heaven. As the phoenix sings at Qi Mountain, it foretells the rise of sages and virtuous leaders. Throughout time, righteousness triumphs over wickedness. Blessings overcome curses; justice endures while evil perishes. Fellow Daoist, you once sought a revered teacher and have gained deep understanding of the Great Way. Surely, you grasp these principles!"

Qin Wan replied, "According to your reasoning, the Zhou Dynasty is the rightful ruler, and King Zhou is an unworthy tyrant. Yet here we are, aiding King Zhou to destroy Zhou's forces. Does this defy the Will of Heaven? Such theories are not worth debating verbally. Jiang Ziya, we have prepared the Ten Formations for your inspection. Let us not rely on brute force, as it may offend Heaven's mercy and needlessly harm the innocent masses, the valiant warriors, and the brave generals. What say you to this proposal?"

Ziya replied, "Since Fellow Daoist proposes it, how could Jiang Shang refuse?" The ten Daoists returned to their camp. Within one or two hours, they unfolded the Ten Absolute Formations. Qin Tianjun returned upfront, saying, "Jiang Ziya, I have prepared the Ten Formations Diagram for you to examine thoroughly."

Ziya replied, "I am honored to learn."

Jiang Ziya, accompanied by numerous disciples of the Chan Sect, observed each of the formidable formations. There they saw:

The first formation inscribed with "Heavenly Termination Array";

The second, "Earth Fierce Array";

The third, "Wind Roar Formation";

The fourth, "Cold Ice Formation";

The fifth, "Golden Light Formation";

The sixth, "Blood Transformation Formation";

The seventh, "Fiery Flame Formation";

The eighth, "Lost Soul Formation";

The ninth, "Red Water Formation";

The tenth, "Red Sand Formation."

After reviewing them, Ziya returned to the formation's front. Qin Tianjun asked, "Jiang Ziya, do you recognize these formations?"

Ziya replied, "I am well familiar with them all."

Yuan Tianjun asked, "Can you break them?"

Ziya replied, "Since they are of the Dao, how could I not break them?"

Yuan Tianjun asked, "When will you break them?"

Ziya replied, "These formations are not yet entirely complete. Once they are finalized, inform me through written word, and I shall then counter."

"Farewell!"

Wen Zhong, along with the Daoists, returned to camp. Ziya entered the city, returned to the Prime Minister's Mansion, and was consumed by worry. Truly, his brows were tightly knit in anguish, unable to devise a strategy.

Yang Jian, standing at his side, asked, "Master Uncle, earlier you mentioned you could break these formations. Is it truly within your ability?"

Jiang Ziya replied, "These formations are imparted by the Jie Sect and are mystical illusions of rare design. Their names are uncommon, and how can they be easily broken?"

As the Ten Heavenly Lords moved to the frontlines, Li Mingzhu was, of course, already aware and secretly made his way there as well.

Though the momentum seemed unstoppable, he still wanted to try; saving one soul was better than saving none at all!

Frankly speaking, Li Mingzhu hadn't expected Shen Gongbao to be so ridiculously resilient. Despite his severe injuries, it only took a few days for him to be back on his feet and causing trouble everywhere again!