Rebirth of Nezha in the Investiture of the Gods

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Li Mingzhu, having dealt with Xiao Sheng and Cao Bao to acquire the Treasure Money, rushed toward the Yin Shang camp at once, hoping to make it in time to deal with Randeng's Heaven Measuring Ruler.

If the Heaven Measuring Ruler were to fall into Zhao Gongming's hands, allowing him to refine the Twenty-four Heavenly Realms and achieve a breakthrough to Quasi-Saint, he would become a figure comparable to Duobao.

This would undoubtedly provide an extraordinary boost to Jie Sect's power.

Meanwhile, Zhao Gongming rode a tiger, whip in hand, and shouted upon leaving camp, "Bring Jiang Ziya to meet me!"

Jin Zha heard this and rushed to report, saying, "A tiger-mounted Daoist requests the teacher's response."

Randeng said to Ziya, "The visitor is none other than Zhao Gongming of Luo Fu Cave on Mount Emei. Proceed cautiously."

Understanding Zhao Gongming's might, Randeng dared not approach carelessly.

Although Zhao Gongming was still a Daluo Golden Immortal, he absolutely could not be treated as one of lesser standing, akin to their Profound Sect's Yun Zhongzi—who would dare belittle him?

Ziya greeted Gongming, bowed, and asked, "Fellow Daoist, from which famed mountain and cave mansion do you hail?"

Gongming replied, "I am Zhao Gongming of Luo Fu Cave on Mount Emei. You have shattered the Nine Arrays of my Daoist friends, relying on your skills to harm them. My heart aches greatly! Additionally, you've hung Zhao Jiang atop the reed canopy, which fills me with hatred! Jiang Ziya! I know you are a disciple of Yuxu Palace. Today I have descended the mountain to settle scores with you personally!"

With a whip in hand, Gongming lunged at Ziya atop his tiger. Ziya, wielding his sword, dodged and countered in haste. The tiger and sword clashed momentarily, but soon Gongming unleashed his whip into the air. It emitted divine light, dazzling like lightning, and struck fear into all.

Unable to evade, Jiang Ziya was struck fatally by Zhao Gongming. Witnessing this, Yang Jian immediately stepped forward to save him, engaging Zhao Gongming head-on.

The heavens dimmed, the earth grew desolate, and the cosmos shrouded itself in black mist.

Yang Jian secretly unleashed the Howling Celestial Dog to join the fray. Zhao Gongming, fighting Yang Jian, Jin Zha, Mu Zha, and the dog simultaneously, fully dominated them, showcasing his unparalleled strength.

Realizing they could not overpower Zhao Gongming, the trio and the beast withdrew back to camp.

Jiang Ziya's mortal body, struck down by Zhao Gongming's whip, was brought to the Prime Minister's Mansion.

King Wu, upon hearing of Ziya's demise, along with his civil and military officials, rushed to the mansion to see him. Ziya's face was as pale as paper, eyes shut, mute, stirring King Wu's lament: "All pursuits of fame and fortune are but illusions!" He mourned deeply.

Amid King Wu's despair, news came: "Guang Chengzi is here to see Ziya at the mansion."

King Wu welcomed him to the throne hall. King Wu said, "Brother Daoist, the Prime Minister has passed away. What shall we do?"

Guang Chengzi replied, "Do not worry. This calamity was ordained for Ziya."

He asked for a cup of water. The Daoist took a pill, crushed it in his hand, pried open Ziya's mouth, and poured the medicine down his throat.

After an hour, Ziya suddenly shouted, "The pain is killing me!" His eyes opened, and he saw King Wu and Guang Chengzi standing by his bedside.

Only then did Ziya realize he had succumbed to injuries and died. Attempting to rise as a gesture of thanks, Guang Chengzi waved his hand and said, "Conserve your energy and rest. Avoid exertion. I will return to the canopy to guard against Zhao Gongming's rampage."

Guang Chengzi returned to the canopy and reported to Randeng, "Jiang Ziya has been revived and is recuperating within the city." No further elaboration was made.

The next day, Zhao Gongming rode his tiger, whip in hand, to the canopy and demanded to speak with Randeng.

Randeng rallied his fellow Daoists to line up and emerge. They saw Zhao Gongming exuding an imposing aura, his eyes fierce with malice. Randeng bowed to Zhao Gongming and said, "Greetings, Brother Daoist!"

Gongming replied, "Brother Daoist, your sect has insulted mine far too greatly! You know my Dao; I understand yours. Listen to my Daoist verse:

Chaos has never counted time, each employs the subtle Dao to complete truth. When no stars or galaxies existed, our sect preceded Heaven.

Brother Daoist, you belong to Chan Sect's Yuxu lineage; I am from Jie Sect. Your teacher and mine were bestowed secret teachings from the same master, cultivating the Dao, achieving immortality, and earning the title of Sect Hierarch.

You hung Zhao Jiang on the canopy, treating my sect as worthless, like ashes. Hanging him with a rope involves your sect equally, half the guilt lies with you. Are you unaware:

Green bamboo bears budding white shoots, Confucian caps pair with Daoist robes and White Lotus flowers. Red blossoms, white roots, and green lotus leaves—three teachings originate from the same family."

Randeng responded, "Brother Zhao, when the 'Investiture of the Gods' was decreed, were you present at Biyou Palace?"

Zhao Gongming replied, "How could I not know!"

Randeng said, "Since you know, your teacher clearly stated that among those listed in the divine ranks, all sects will be named without shadow or disparity, and clarity will be revealed posthumously. Your master declared this plainly. The fact that you are here today, betraying your heart and opposing Heaven's will, is a calamity you bring upon yourself. We have all encountered this tribulation, its outcomes unknown. Though I ascended to heavenly fruit under the Heavenly Emperor, I still cannot escape the chains of mortal dust. Despite being unrestrained, you persistently chase fame and power. Hear my Daoist verse:

Pangu measured without counting years, Yin Yang Qi arose in Innate times. Life bubbles emerged amidst violent energy, vitality molded within essence's core.

Refined Jade Liquid fosters true Daoists, purity births celestial immortals. Twisting Heaven and defying Earth corrupts the heart, futile efforts lead to sorrowful depths."

Zhao Gongming grew enraged and replied, "Do you truly think I am beneath you? Listen to my Daoist verse:

I can reverse mountains and brush away galaxies, overturning the sun and moon. Post-Heaven bred Earth in my wake; what profound sect compares to my Dao!"

Gongming concluded. Taiyi Zhenren arrived, descending atop a crane, shouting, "Zhao Gongming, today your fate is predetermined, as your name lies marked within the 'Investiture of the Gods,' set to end here!"

Gongming grew furious and lashed his whip. Taiyi Zhenren countered with his treasure sword. Whip and blade clashed briefly, but soon Gongming unleashed the Dragon Binding Rope, capturing Taiyi Zhenren midair.

Seeing Taiyi Zhenren ensnared, Chijingzi shouted, "Zhao Gongming, curb your aggression! Hear my Dao:

Understanding the essence of celestial existence transcends illusions with pure joy and detachment. The path of immortality lies beyond material bounds, reserved for those who forsake worldly hearts.

Lead refined by mercury mirrors Innate unity, reversing celestial cycles to forge the eternal union. Those who embrace life's void achieve serene perfection, yet vain human desires linger tragically."

Chijingzi charged at Gongming with his sword. Gongming's whip flew with unparalleled mastery, striking and retreating for several rounds, until Gongming unleashed his Ocean Stabilizing Pearl—a treasure of twenty-four beads.

He cast the pearls into the air, radiating five-colored divine light. Even celestial beings could neither discern its nature nor comprehend its movements. The pearls descended swiftly, striking Chijingzi violently with one blow.

Just as Gongming aimed his whip at Chijingzi's head once more, Guang Chengzi stepped forward and yelled, "Cease harming my fellow Daoist! I am here!"

Gongming, witnessing Guang Chengzi's fierce arrival, rushed to meet him. The two engaged in combat briefly before Gongming once again unleashed the pearls, forcing Guang Chengzi to fall to the ground.

The Heavenly Venerate hastily intervened but was repelled by Gongming's relentless attacks. The treasure injured five eminent immortals, including Yu Ding Zhenren and Lingbao the Grand Master, sending them retreating to the canopy.

Zhao Gongming, victorious, returned to camp. Upon reaching the central tent, he reported to the Grandmaster, who smiled with great joy at his triumph.

He hung Taiyi Zhenren on a banner pole, sealing his Primordial Spirit at the Mud Pillar Palace using talismanic marks to ensure escape was impossible.

Randeng, back at the canopy, sat quietly with five injured celestial beings, each gazing at one another in silence.

Randeng asked his fellow Daoists, "What weapon did Zhao Gongming use to injure everyone today?"

Lingbao the Grand Master replied, "Its force hit heavily, but its exact nature remains unknown; we couldn't discern it clearly."

The five celestial beings said in unison, "We only saw radiant red light, but could not identify the object's essence."

Randeng was visibly displeased upon hearing this and, glancing upwards, noticed Taiyi Zhenren hung atop the banner pole, growing increasingly restless.

The Daoists sighed, saying, "We cannot escape this tribulation. Seeing Taiyi Zhenren suffer such hardship fills us with sorrow. How can we alleviate his torment?"

Yu Ding Zhenren replied, "Fear not. Come nightfall, we shall find a solution." None among the Daoists spoke further. As the crimson setting sun faded, Yu Ding Zhenren summoned Yang Jian and said, "Tonight you must rescue Taiyi Zhenren." Yang Jian obeyed.

At midnight, Yang Jian transformed into a flying ant and approached Taiyi Zhenren's ear, whispering softly, "Master, I have been sent by Yu Ding Zhenren to liberate you. How can your Yang Spirit emerge?"

Zhenren replied, "Remove the talisman from my crown, and I shall be freed." Yang Jian removed the talisman. It was truly said:

The Heavenly Gate opened wide, Yang Spirit escaped, Kunlun's celestial fruit reclaimed.

Zhenren returned to the canopy, bowed in gratitude to Yu Ding Zhenren. All Daoists rejoiced together. Meanwhile, Zhao Gongming, halfway to drunken revelry, cried out joyously. Suddenly, Deng Zhong arrived and reported, "Master, the Daoist on the banner is no longer there!" Zhao Gongming calculated with his fingers and realized Yang Jian had rescued him.

Gongming chuckled and said, "He escaped today; tomorrow will be different!" At that moment, the second round of festivities concluded, and all retired to their quarters.

At dawn, Gongming assembled his troops and rode his tiger to the canopy, demanding Randeng to respond. Randeng, upon seeing Gongming approach astride his tiger, said to the Daoists, "You need not confront him. I shall handle this personally."

Randeng rode his stag with several disciples in tow, meeting Gongming at the front lines. Zhao Gongming said, "Yang Jian rescued Taiyi Zhenren last night, employing his art of transformation. Let him face me!"

Randeng laughed and said, "Fellow Daoist, you have the wit of a narrow vessel. This matter owes not to Yang Jian's skills but to King Wu's blessed fortune and Jiang Ziya's virtue."

Gongming, enraged, shouted, "You speak to disrupt morale—such words are intolerable!"

With a whip raised, Gongming struck. Randeng exclaimed, "Well said!" and swiftly countered with his sword. After a few exchanges, Gongming unleashed the Ocean Stabilizing Pearl. Observing with his keen eyes, Randeng saw brilliant five-colored light but could not discern the treasure's nature. As the treasure descended, Randeng quickly turned his stag and fled—overlooking the canopy—and dashed toward the southwest.

Gongming chased closely, pursuing for some time, until they reached a mountain slope.

This slope was none other than the site where Li Mingzhu had previously slain Xiao Sheng and Cao Bao at Mount Wuyi. Naturally, Xiao Sheng and Cao Bao should have come here to assist Randeng, but instead, Li Mingzhu was waiting there.

"Randeng, Fellow Daoist, do not flee. I've waited here for quite some time!"

Li Mingzhu suddenly appeared before Randeng, smiling gracefully in flowing white robes.

"Nephew Mingzhu was here waiting all along? Excellent! You and I will battle Randeng together!"

Zhao Gongming arrived shortly thereafter, seeing Li Mingzhu corner Randeng, and laughed heartily.

"Splendid, splendid!"

Randeng remained speechless and immediately attacked Li Mingzhu with the Heaven Measuring Ruler. Li Mingzhu had anticipated this very moment and seized the opportunity without hesitation.

A flash of golden light swept by, instantly snatching the Heaven Measuring Ruler.

Realizing his Spiritual Treasure was stolen, Randeng declined further entanglement with Li Mingzhu and Zhao Gongming, choosing instead to escape again.

Though heartbroken over the loss of his treasure, it was certainly preferable to dying and being bound to the divine list.