Rebirth of Nezha in the Investiture of the Gods

Qin Tianjun explained the "Heavenly Termination Array" to Grandmaster Wen Zhong, saying: "This array was derived from my master's calculations of the Innate numbers. It harnesses Innate Pure Qi and contains the mysteries of Chaos. Within it resides the Three-headed Banner, representing Heaven, Earth, and Humanity — the Three Talents — united as one Qi. If anyone enters this array, where the thunder roars, they will be reduced to ashes; as for those following the Immortal Path, their bodies would shatter into dust. Hence the name, 'Heavenly Termination Array.'

Upon hearing this, Grandmaster Wen Zhong was overjoyed and asked, "What of the 'Earth Fierce Array'?"

Zhao Tianjun replied: "My 'Earth Fierce Array' is devised according to the numbers of Earth's Dao. It holds a condensed and substantial essence within, while outwardly demonstrating elusive and shifting mysteries, capable of endless transformations. Hidden within is a red banner, and when activated, thunder erupts above while fire ignites below. Should mortals or immortals enter this array, there is absolutely no chance of survival; even those adept in Five Elements Techniques cannot escape this calamity!"

Grandmaster Wen Zhong asked further: "What about the 'Wind Roar Array'?"

Dong Tianjun said: "The 'Wind Roar Array' conceals profound mysteries by following the numbers of Earth, Water, Fire, and Wind. Within it are Wind and Fire — both belonging to Innate energies — alongside Samadhi True Fire and countless blades concealed within. If mortals or immortals enter this array, the clash of Wind and Fire, accompanied by myriad blades, will instantly turn their limbs into dust. Even those who wield Abnormal Skills capable of overturning seas or shifting mountains cannot avoid their bodies dissolving into pus."

Grandmaster Wen Zhong continued to ask: "What is the ingenious purpose of the 'Cold Ice Formation'?"

Yuan Tianjun replied: "This array cannot be achieved in a single day's effort and is named 'Cold Ice,' though it is essentially a mountain of blades. Hidden within are profound mysteries, with icy mountains above like sharp fangs and icy chunks below resembling swords and blades. If mortals or immortals enter this array, the movement of thunder and wind will strike them instantly, causing their limbs to turn into dust. No matter their skills, escape from such perils is truly impossible."

Grandmaster Wen Zhong asked again: "What marvels lie in the 'Golden Light Formation'?"

The Golden Light Saint Mother said: "My 'Golden Light Formation' absorbs the essence of the sun and moon, harboring the energies of Heaven and Earth within. It consists of twenty-one treasure mirrors, each hung atop high poles. If someone — mortal or immortal — enters this array, and a mirror is triggered, its movements unleashing thunderous vibrations, golden light will immediately shoot out and envelop the body, reducing them instantly to pus and blood. Even the ability to soar in the heavens will fail to cross this array."

Grandmaster Wen Zhong asked once more: "How does the 'Blood Transformation Array' operate?"

Sun Tianjun replied: "My array utilizes Innate Spiritual Energy and contains both Wind and Thunder within, while housing several pieces of Black Sand. Should mortals or immortals enter, the sound of thunder will trigger winds that stir Black Sand. As soon as even the tiniest speck touches the body, it will transform into a pool of blood. Not even immortals can escape its deadly effects."

Grandmaster Wen Zhong asked again: "What of the 'Fiery Flame Formation'?"

Bai Tianjun said: "My 'Fiery Flame Formation' is of unparalleled ingenuity and nothing like ordinary creations. It contains three types of fire: Samadhi Fire, Sky Fire, and Stone Fire. These three fires combine into one Qi within, accompanied by three red banners. If mortals or immortals enter this array, and the banners flutter, the three fires will simultaneously surge outward, reducing them to ashes in an instant. Even with protective fire-mantras, evading the Samadhi True Fire is impossible."

The Grandmaster then asked: "What marvels does the 'Soul Disorientation Array' hold?"

Yao Tianjun replied: "This array is nothing ordinary; it closes the door to life and opens the gate to death, gathering the fearsome qi of Heaven and Earth to form its power. Within resides a white paper banner bearing Talismanic seals. Should mortals or immortals enter this array and the white banner unfurls, their souls will dissipate and spirits scatter, vanishing instantly. Whether immortal or divine, none can survive."

The Grandmaster asked again: "What about the 'Red Water Formation'? What wonders does it conceal?"

Wang Tianjun replied: "My 'Red Water Formation' lays claim to the essence of the Ren and Gui elements, and conceals the marvels of Tianyi. Ever-transforming and boundless, it contains an Eight Diagram Platform, upon which three gourds are placed. Should any mortal or immortal enter, these gourds will be thrown down, unleashing endless torrents of Red Water. Just a drop of it on the body is enough to turn them into a pool of blood instantly. Even immortals will find no skill that can enable escape."

Grandmaster Wen Zhong asked yet once more: "And the 'Red Sand Formation'? It seems increasingly ingenious with every mention. Please elaborate for my humble mind."

Zhang Tianjun replied: "My 'Red Sand Formation' is truly unparalleled and its execution exceedingly refined. It adheres to the Three Talents of Heaven, Earth, and Humanity, dividing into Three Qi, while concealing three measures of Red Sand. Though it appears as simple Red Sand, it is as sharp as blades upon contact, defying the boundaries of Heaven, Earth, and Humanity. Should mortals or immortals charge into this array, the movement of wind and thunder will stir the flying sand, causing immediate injuries and turning entire skeletons into dust. Even immortals and Buddhas can scarcely escape."

Hearing all this, Grandmaster Wen Zhong could not contain his joy. He exclaimed, "With all you esteemed Fellow Daoists gathered here, the fall of West Qi is certain. Even a million soldiers or countless mighty generals stand no chance. Truly, this is a boon for the empire's prosperity!"

Among them, Yao Tianjun said: "Honored Daoist brothers, by my humble estimation, West Qi City is but a speck of dust, while Jiang Ziya is merely an inexperienced commoner. How could they withstand the activation of the Ten Extreme Formation? Allow me, your younger brother, to employ a small technique to eliminate Jiang Ziya. Once he perishes, their army will lose its leader and naturally disintegrate. As the saying goes, 'Without its head, a snake cannot move; without its leader, an army descends into chaos.' Why must we trouble ourselves over trivial competition with them?"

Grandmaster Wen Zhong responded, "If you, Fellow Daoist, possess extraordinary skills that can bring about Jiang Shang's death without wielding bow or arrow nor harming soldiers or civilians, it would be an immense blessing. May I ask how this can be achieved?"

Yao Tianjun replied: "Without making a sound or arousing suspicion, in twenty-one days his life will naturally end. Even if Ziya is a transcendent immortal or Buddha, he cannot escape."

Grandmaster Wen Zhong rejoiced and asked for further details.

Yao Bin whispered into the Grandmaster's ear, saying, "You must… do this and that; naturally, his life will end. Why trouble the other Daoist brothers unnecessarily?"

Grandmaster Wen Zhong was ecstatic beyond measure and said to his fellow Daoists, "Today, Brother Yao shall employ his great mana to eliminate Jiang Shang on my behalf; once Shang is dead, his generals will crumble, and victory will be effortlessly achieved. This is truly the essence of strategy, conquering West Qi through wit and laughter alone. It is evident that our emperor's heavenly fortune has moved the esteemed Daoists here to aid us."

The group replied, "This task is entrusted to Brother Yao for Wen Zhong; let's not speak of effort or ease."

Yao Tianjun bade farewell to the others and entered the "Soul Disorientation Array," where he constructed an earthen platform and set up an altar. On the platform, he placed a straw figure, inscribing "Jiang Shang" upon its body. On the figure's head, he lit three lamps, and at its feet, seven lamps. The three atop were named Soul Summoning Lamps, while the seven below were called Soul Summoning Lamps of Dissolution.

Yao Tianjun stood amidst the array, with disheveled hair and armed with his sword. He stepped in calculated patterns, chanting incantations before the altar, casting talismans and gesturing in the air. Thrice he bowed each day, continuing for three to four days, until Ziya was completely disoriented, restless whether sitting or lying down.