Rebirth of Nezha in the Investiture of the Gods

Randeng fled, and Zhao Gongming still wanted to give chase, but Li Mingzhu stopped him.

"Uncle Gongming, don't chase them. Let us return to camp. Watch as I set up the formation to make those Yuxu disciples suffer!"

Li Mingzhu said with a smile while handing the Heaven Measuring Ruler to Zhao Gongming.

This time, there were no further delays; Zhao Gongming had finally been saved, and the Heaven Measuring Ruler wrested from Randeng's hands.

However, the many schemes employed earlier by the Chan Sect had thoroughly enraged Li Mingzhu. Thus, he resolved to set up the Nine Curves Yellow River Formation.

And he was not afraid of the Primordial taking sudden action. Due to the karmic entanglement of the Tai Chi Diagram, Tongtian had already informed Li Mingzhu that Laozi could intervene on his behalf once.

Li Mingzhu knew his status wasn't lofty enough to casually demand a Saint's intervention, but a single lifesaving act from Laozi was feasible. And now, the timing was just right to use this favor.

With this assurance in hand, Li Mingzhu dared to recklessly deploy the Nine Curves Yellow River Formation.

"Good!"

Zhao Gongming pondered for a moment and then agreed with Li Mingzhu's proposition. At the same time, he also showed immense curiosity about the Heaven Measuring Ruler in his hands.

He could sense an attraction and yearning emanating from the Ocean Stabilizing God Pearl—a restless sensation; clearly, there was a significant connection between the two artifacts.

He believed that if he could fully comprehend both, he would undoubtedly reach the Quasi-Saint level, advancing his abilities to new heights.

Li Mingzhu and Zhao Gongming returned to camp. Zhao Gongming secluded himself to study the Ocean Stabilizing God Pearl and the Heaven Measuring Ruler, while Li Mingzhu began setting up the Nine Curves Yellow River Formation.

The Nine Curves Yellow River Map and Primordial Golden Bowl were at the core. Generally speaking, simply shaking the Yellow River Map would erect the formation. However, this time Li Mingzhu made it even larger and deadlier.

Using white soil, he drew a diagram, marking where it began and where it ended. Within it hid Innate secrets—life-and-death mechanisms; externally, it adhered to the Nine Palaces and Eight Diagrams, aligning inward and outward movements methodically. Though there were only six hundred people involved, its intricacies were no less potent than an army of a million. Even if an Immortal were to enter, they would suffer soul destruction.

With iron-blooded warriors of the Human Clan manning the formation, paired with the Nine Curves Yellow River Map and the Primordial Golden Bowl, even a late-stage Quasi-Saint entering the formation would face inevitable annihilation.

Li Mingzhu relied on Laozi's lifesaving card and steeled his resolve to decimate the Chan Sect in one fell swoop.

"Did they really think I wouldn't get angry?"

Wen Zhong arrived to inspect the formation and saw dense clouds rising within, obscuring visibility. He asked, "What profound secrets does this formation hold?"

Li Mingzhu replied, "This formation adheres to the Three Talents and contains the wonders of heaven and earth. Inside lie Confusing Immortal Pills and the Sealing Immortal Technique, which strip Immortals of their divinity, destroy their souls, trap their forms, dissipate their qi, sever their origin, and maim their bodies. If an Immortal enters, they become mortal; if a mortal enters, they perish outright. Within these winding curves, no straight path exists. The marvels of creation meet their peak, and the secrets of Immortals are laid bare. Even Saints from the Three Sects would find it hard to escape this formation."

Upon hearing this, Wen Zhong rejoiced and ordered, "Men, prepare for battle and leave the camp!"

Wen Zhong mounted his black qilin as four generals took their positions to his left and right.

Li Mingzhu called out, "Scouts, deliver a message to Jiang Ziya and summon him to respond personally."

When Jiang Ziya and the Chan Sect Immortals appeared, Li Mingzhu stepped forward, standing proudly in midair.

Li Mingzhu shouted at Jiang Ziya, "Jiang Ziya, in terms of the Five Elements Technique, both our sects are proficient. Moving mountains, overturning seas—you and I are both skilled. Today, I have a formation; see if you can break it. If you do, we will yield to West Qi and no longer oppose you. If you cannot, then prepare to take your life!"

Yang Jian interjected, "Daoist, we will examine your formation with our uncle. Do not use this opportunity to secretly strike with hidden treasures or artifacts."

"Yang Jian, since when did you become so petty? Such timidity doesn't suit your reputation!" Li Mingzhu laughed uproariously. "It seems that courage can indeed be contagious. Spending too much time with those hypocrites from the Chan Sect has clearly made you lose your heroic spirit."

"Li Mingzhu, don't get too cocky. Watch as I handle you!"

Provoked by Li Mingzhu, Yang Jian stepped directly into the Nine Curves Yellow River Formation.

Once inside, Yang Jian observed:

The formation spans heaven and earth, with overwhelming forces mirroring the Yellow River. Somber winds howl, a chilling aura seeps into the bones. Black mist obscures the sun and moon. Endless desolation, infinite darkness. Gloom pierces the heavens; shadows shroud the earth. Souls dissipate, spirits fade; millennia of cultivation become empty dreams. Divinity erodes, energy wanes—though one might escape countless calamities, here they stumble and fall. Truly: Immortals cannot endure; even lofty Buddhas lose their five vital breaths. Caught in this doom-laden trap, where can the Real Ones hide?

Terrified, Yang Jian hadn't even exchanged a single blow before Li Mingzhu deployed the Primordial Golden Bowl. A golden light, swift as lightning, enveloped Yang Jian and hurled him into the depths of the formation.

Previously, handling Yang Jian would have required a significant effort, but now it was as effortless as lifting a feather.

"The Chan Sect's Daoist skills are mere child's play!"

Li Mingzhu laughed boldly, emboldened by his reliance on Laozi's protection.

"Leisurely I lie beneath the mountains' clouds, where the moonlight and breeze are priceless. Within my gourd lies mystery; stillness grants great cosmos. As the sunset fades into hues of dusk, crows gather upon tree branches. Beneath flowers and willows, we meet with laughter; amidst forlorn landscapes, we find our wandering homes. A thatched hut shelters a carefree life, unyielding to golden halls or dewy heavens."

After finishing his chant, Chi Jingzi shouted, "Enough with the grandiose words! Li Mingzhu, today your name shall inevitably appear on the Investiture of the Gods!"

He stepped forward, sword in hand. Like a bird in flight, he attacked swiftly but hadn't exchanged several blows before Li Mingzhu raised the Primordial Golden Bowl. A ray of golden light pierced the air, capturing Chi Jingzi and hurling him into the Yellow River Formation. Dizzy and disoriented, his Mud Pillar Palace was immediately sealed.

Guang Chengzi, enraged by Li Mingzhu's tyranny, roared, "Cease your arrogance! You disgrace the Immortals of the Way and rely on the crooked path of the Biyou Sect!"

Li Mingzhu intercepted Guang Chengzi and said mockingly, "Guang Chengzi, don't brag about being the first to strike the Golden Bell in Yuxu Palace. Even you cannot escape the fate of falling before my treasure."

Guang Chengzi replied with a grim laugh, "I have already broken my vows, how can I escape? The karmic ties are set; how can destiny be defied? As I now face a killing tribulation, regret is futile!"

Li Mingzhu wasted no words and, relying on the power of the great formation, activated the Primordial Golden Bowl. Soon, Guang Chengzi too was captured.

What is a Quasi-Saint next to the might of the Primordial Golden Bowl and the Nine Curves Yellow River Formation? Nothing but prey awaiting doom.

The Primordial Golden Bowl was fated to sever the three divine lights atop the heads of Yuxu disciples. Such was Heaven's decree, unavoidable and inexorable. It drew all Yuxu disciples into the Yellow River Formation, sealing the Heavenly Gate and dissipating their Dao fruits. They now awaited the Investiture of the Gods to reclaim their divine status and return to their original essence.

This task was originally meant for Yun Xiao, but with the Nine Curves Yellow River Map in Li Mingzhu's possession and his unyielding courage bolstered by his trump card against the Primordial, he took the task upon himself.

Li Mingzhu proceeded to capture Manjusri Guangfa Tianzun, Universal Virtue, Ci Hang Daoist, Dao De Zhenjun, Purity Sect Leader Taiyi Zhenren, Lingbao Grandmaster, Ju Liusun, and Yellow Dragon—all eleven disciples—into the formation. Only Randeng and Jiang Ziya remained.

Li Mingzhu once again bellowed, "The crescent moon will not become whole again—your evil deeds are at their end! Randeng Daoist, today you cannot escape!"

He launched the Primordial Golden Bowl to seize Randeng, but upon realizing the dire situation, Randeng utilized the Earth Escape technique to turn into a gust of wind and flee.