Rebirth of Nezha in the Investiture of the Gods

Let us now speak of the day when the fleeing soldiers from Juelong Ridge returned to Sishui Pass and reported to Han Rong that Grandmaster Wen had perished at Juelong Ridge. A memorial was promptly drafted and sent to Chaoge.

Upon seeing the report, Wei Zi hurriedly entered the side hall to greet King Zhou with a bow, addressing him as his ruler. The king said, "Without my decree, what matter does Royal Uncle bring forth?"

Wei Zi relayed the account of Grandmaster Wen's demise in full detail. King Zhou was greatly astonished: "Just a few days ago, in a trance-like moment, I clearly saw Grandmaster Wen at Lu Platform, reporting that he had suffered defeat at Juelong Ridge. And now it has truly come to pass!"

King Zhou was deeply grieved. He asked the civil and military officials around him, "With the Grandmaster's recent passing, which official should I appoint to capture Jiang Shang and bring him to Chaoge to avenge the Grandmaster?"

The officials debated without reaching a decision. Upper Doctor Jin Sheng stepped forward and said, "General Deng Jiugong of Three Mountains Pass has previously crushed the rebellious Nanbohou E Shun and achieved many great victories. If anyone could defeat West Qi, it must be him."

King Zhou issued a decree: "Quickly dispatch the ceremonial banners and yellow axe, granting him supreme command over this campaign. Send an envoy immediately, and there must be no delay, even through the night." The envoy, Wang Zhen, carried the royal edict to Three Mountains Pass. Along the way, both man and horse moved like arrows and flew through the autumn scenery, which was pleasant and temperate for travel.

As the royal envoy passed through various provinces, cities, counties, and departments, he spent more than a day on the journey. Eventually, he arrived at Three Mountains Pass and rested in the courier station. The next day, he proceeded to the Commander's Mansion of Deng Jiugong. Deng Jiugong and his generals burned incense and formally received the decree before opening it to read. The edict proclaimed:

"When the Son of Heaven wages war, it is to punish rebels and save the people. The great generals, entrusted with authority beyond the borders, act on behalf of Heaven to rescue those in peril. You, General Deng Jiugong, have repeatedly achieved merit at Three Mountains Pass by ensuring strict surveillance without alerts at the border beacons, swiftly quelling E Shun's rebellion with a magnificent victory, and establishing illustrious accomplishments. Now, Ji Fa has acted against propriety, harboring fugitives and welcoming traitors, causing great chaos. Despite my repeated expeditions to hold him accountable, he resists the imperial army and continues to sow discord and enmity. This has brought repeated disgrace upon the royal forces and gravely undermined the dignity of the state, an intolerable misdeed that deeply angers me. I hereby command you to proceed with utmost diligence, assess the situation as you go, and eliminate the primary culprits through decisive action. Present their captives to the court to restore order to the state. Rest assured that lands and rewards shall not be withheld from those with merit. Heed this carefully and do not fail my heavy trust in you. This is a royal decree."

After reading the decree, Deng Jiugong prepared to receive the envoy and make arrangements.

When everything was settled, Deng Jiugong organized a ceremony to bless the banners before leading the troops the following day. Suddenly, a report came that "a dwarf had delivered a letter."

Deng Jiugong ordered the messenger to be admitted into the Commander's Mansion. The visitor, no more than four feet tall, bowed beneath the eaves and presented the letter. Deng Jiugong opened it and, upon reading, realized it was a recommendation from Shen Gongbao, introducing "Tu Xingsun to serve under your command."

Seeing Tu Xingsun's unimpressive appearance, Deng Jiugong hesitated: "If I don't accept him, I fear Fellow Daoist Shen will take offense; but if I do, it may disrupt protocol…"

After pondering for a while, he sighed. "Very well, let him handle provisions for the army."

Deng Jiugong declared, "Tu Xingsun, since Fellow Daoist Shen has recommended you, I dare not disregard his wishes. The rear forces are short on supplies; I appoint you as the Food Supervision Officer for the five armies."

He ordered Tai Luan to act as the main deputy commander, his son Deng Xiu as secondary deputy, and Zhao Sheng and Sun Yanhong as relief officers. He also brought along his daughter, Deng Chanyu, to join the campaign. Marshal Deng mobilized his troops, departing Three Mountains Pass and advancing westward. Along the way, banners waved grandly, and a murderous aura filled the land.

One month later, Deng Jiugong's army arrived at West Qi.

The scouts reported to the central camp: "Marshal, the East Gate of West Qi lies ahead; please issue your orders." Deng Jiugong commanded, "Set up camp."

After establishing the camp, the troops fired cannons and shouted warfare chants.

Meanwhile, Jiang Ziya, ever since defeating Grandmaster Wen, had rallied support from vassal lords across the land.

Suddenly, a scout reported to the Prime Minister's Mansion: "Deng Jiugong of Three Mountains Pass has stationed his troops at the East Gate."

Upon receiving the news, Jiang Ziya exchanged initial skirmishes with Deng Jiugong to probe his strength. Over successive battles, Jiang Ziya, with the aid of formidable generals like Yang Jian, managed to injure Deng Jiugong.

Back at his camp, Deng Jiugong was restless day and night. His daughter, Deng Chanyu, seeing her father wounded, was deeply distressed. The next day, after checking on her father, she declared, "Father, you should rest and recover, while I go avenge you."

Deng Jiugong replied, "Daughter, take care and be cautious."

Lady Deng mobilized her regiment and approached the city gates, issuing a battle challenge. Jiang Ziya was seated in the Silver Peace Palace, discussing matters with his generals, when a report came: "A female general from the Cheng Tang Camp seeks battle."

Receiving the report, Jiang Ziya pondered for a long time. King Wu Cheng, seated nearby, remarked, "Prime Minister, you have faced countless battles without fear or hesitation. Why now, upon hearing of a mere female general, do you deliberate endlessly?"

Jiang Ziya replied, "In warfare, three adversaries are to be most dreaded: Daoists, ascetics, and women. These individuals are not of the ordinary path and often wield sinister magic. If she relies on such abilities, our soldiers may be caught unprepared and suffer great harm."

Jiang Ziya's words were not without merit. Deng Chanyu herself wielded abnormal skills, able to hurl stones with her bare hands, a hundred times more powerful than ordinary concealed weapons.

Many ordinary generals from West Qi who faced her in battle were wounded or captured, allowing her to vent some of her frustrations.

But in the end, abnormal skills could not compare to authentic Daoist skill. Deng Chanyu was eventually injured by Longxuhu (Dragonbeard Tiger).

That day, both Deng Jiugong and his daughter were gravely wounded, suffering day and night.

The four officers in the camp discussed, "Our commander is injured and unable to defeat West Qi. What can be done?" While they deliberated, a message arrived: "Food Supervision Officer Tu Xingsun seeks an audience."

From within the tent, the order came: "Let him in."

Tu Xingsun entered the tent but did not see the commander. Upon inquiring, Tai Luan explained the circumstances in detail.

Learning of Deng Jiugong's and Deng Chanyu's injuries, Tu Xingsun took out elixir pills to treat their wounds.

Secretly, however, he had taken a liking to Deng Chanyu, though he did not reveal his feelings.

The following day in battle, Tu Xingsun first captured Jin Zha, then Mu Zha, and finally Yang Jian.

Using the power of the Earth Escape technique and aided by the Binding Immortal Rope, Tu Xingsun was invincible.

However, Yang Jian was skilled in transformation techniques. Even after being captured by Tu Xingsun, Yang Jian managed to rescue everyone.

Deng Jiugong, embittered by this turn of events, ordered Tu Xingsun to assassinate Jiang Ziya and Ji Fa.

While Jiang Ziya was in his mansion pondering Tu Xingsun's actions, a fierce and eerie wind swept through unexpectedly.

The wind howled mournfully, whirling and drifting. It swept away falling leaves, stirred up floating clouds, broke pine and cypress trees, churned waves into muddy chaos, and scattered birds from their perches while fish leaped uncontrollably. The walls and beams shook, barely withstanding the force; doors and windows leaned and cracked under the strain. Truly: An unseen menace strikes terror in hearts, aiding wicked forces to emerge from their lairs.