Rebirth of Nezha in the Investiture of the Gods

The power gap between the two sides was indeed too vast, not to mention that Ju Liusun, one of the twelve Golden Immortals of the Chan Sect, had yet to make a move.

Deng Jiugong personally took action but was captured alive by Tu Xingsun. Tu Xingsun showed no mercy towards Marshal Deng, who was about to become his father-in-law.

After all, he had only recently joined the side of West Qi, and not accomplishing something would indeed be a bit unseemly.

Now, Jiang Ziya and Ju Liusun achieved a great victory and entered the city, ascending to the Silver Peace Palace to take their seats.

After all the generals reported their accomplishments, Jiang Ziya said to Ju Liusun, "Order Tu Xingsun to marry Miss Deng today on this auspicious occasion. What do you think?"

Ju Liusun replied, "This poor Daoist is of the same opinion; there is no time to lose."

Jiang Ziya ordered Tu Xingsun, "Take Miss Deng to the backroom and enjoy the auspicious occasion today, achieving the happiness of marriage. Tomorrow I will have more to say."

Tu Xingsun accepted the order. Jiang Ziya also ordered the servant, "Escort Miss Deng to the back, settle her in the bridal chamber, and serve her well."

Deng Chanyu bore tears but said nothing; her eyes were full of resentment. Clearly, if she weren't restricted, she might have committed suicide on the spot.

After Deng Chanyu was escorted to the backroom, Jiang Ziya ordered the generals to drink celebratory wine. No further mention.

Now, Miss Deng was brought into the fragrant room. Tu Xingsun came forward to welcome her. Upon seeing Tu Xingsun's beaming smile, Chanyu felt she had no place to stand, her tears pouring like rain, and remained silent.

Tu Xingsun tried to comfort her in various ways. Chanyu, unable to suppress her anger, cursed, "Ignorant fool, betraying your master for glory! Who do you think you are, to dare act so presumptuously?"

Tu Xingsun, with a smiling face, replied, "Though the lady is of noble status, I am not an unknown person and will not disgrace you. Besides, the lady has received my treatment and healing before, and your esteemed father Taishan personally betrothed you to me after the plan to attack King Wu. Everyone knows this. Why do you insist on being obstinate?"

Chanyu said, "Falling into the trap, there is only death."

"Miss, say no more. This union between you and me is ordained by heaven, and you cannot shirk it!"

After Tu Xingsun finished speaking, he moved forward, attempting to pull her by her clothes.

At that moment, Tu Xingsun was already overcome with emotion and couldn't restrain himself. He stepped forward and embraced her tightly; the lady resisted with all her might. Tu Xingsun said, "It's an auspicious day, why struggle needlessly and miss the good occasion?"

He proceeded to untie her clothes with one hand. The lady pushed and struggled, the two entangled in a heap. Ultimately, being a woman, how could she contend with Tu Xingsun?

Now, three days prior, in the North Sea's Celestial Mansion.

Ever since Li Mingzhu was thrown into the North Sea by Laozi, he hadn't thought about leaving, but Laozi was a Saint Supreme; his words represented the heavenly will. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't escape the North Sea.

Feeling helpless, he divined the situation between Deng Chanyu and Tu Xingsun. Although he wanted to intervene, he couldn't leave the North Sea.

In the end, it was Ao Yu who reminded him, and Li Mingzhu realized that although he couldn't go out himself, he could send others to intervene.

After some consideration, Li Mingzhu decided to send Fu Yao and Lei Zhenzi to stop it. Fu Yao's strength was comparable to the twelve Golden Immortals, and Lei Zhenzi's array skills were also formidable.

More importantly, both of them were calm and resourceful, not acting impulsively; they could assess the situation and protect themselves.

Compared to the matter of Deng Chanyu and Tu Xingsun, Li Mingzhu was naturally more concerned about the safety of the two.

Just as Tu Xingsun was about to succeed, a flash of light passed through, and Deng Chanyu suddenly disappeared.

This was naturally the activation of Lei Zhenzi's array, enigmatic and elusive, demonstrating his exceptional understanding of arrays.

"Who goes there!"

With Deng Chanyu suddenly gone, Tu Xingsun was greatly shocked. To be able to rescue her so stealthily, the person's strength must be terrifyingly formidable. Thinking of this, Tu Xingsun's previously overbearing attitude immediately vanished.

Without even bothering to get dressed, he used Earth Escape to find Ju Liusun and Jiang Ziya.

Meanwhile, after rescuing Deng Chanyu, Lei Zhenzi and Fu Yao did not continue to confront Tu Xingsun but instead went to rescue Deng Jiugong.

"Miss, fear not, I am Lei Zhenzi of the North Sea, and I have come on my senior brother's orders to save you and your father. However, I do not know where Marshal Deng is being held?"

Lei Zhenzi released Deng Chanyu and first inquired about Deng Jiugong's whereabouts.

"Father is held at the forward camp; I'll lead you there!"

After being rescued, Deng Chanyu showed no reservation and began to lead Fu Yao and Lei Zhenzi in search of Deng Jiugong, truly a heroine among women.

With Deng Chanyu leading the way, Lei Zhenzi and Fu Yao easily rescued Deng Jiugong, and Jiang Ziya and the others arrived after hearing the news, hoping to detain Fu Yao and Lei Zhenzi.

But with Fu Yao's Kunpeng speed, how easy was it to detain them?

Not to mention Lei Zhenzi's unassailable array; though not particularly destructive, it prevailed in its multitude and density.

After being rescued by Lei Zhenzi and Fu Yao, Deng Jiugong rallied his remaining troops, clearly struggling to stand against West Qi and was forced to retreat to Sishui Pass.

After retreating to Sishui Pass, Deng Jiugong conferred with Han Rong, and though reluctant to admit it, he reported the severe defeat to Chaoge.

In Chaoge, Upper Doctor Zhang Qian read the report and was greatly alarmed, hurriedly seeking an audience with the emperor, who was at the Star-Picking Tower. Thus, he ascended the tower to make a report.

The attendants informed the emperor, "Majesty, Upper Doctor Zhang Qian awaits orders."

King Zhou, hearing this, ordered, "Summon him upstairs."

Following the order, Zhang Qian ascended the tower and knelt before the dripping eaves.

King Zhou said, "I have not summoned you in vain; what petition do you have? Present it quickly."

Zhang Qian bowed and reported, "There is an urgent petition from Han Rong at Sishui Pass. I dare not conceal it; though it may incite the dragon's anger, I am prepared to die without regret."

Upon hearing this, King Zhou ordered the court officer, "Bring Han Rong's report to me at once."

Zhang Qian quickly spread Han Rong's report on King Zhou's desk. King Zhou, not having finished reading, was already furious, exclaiming, "Deng Jiugong, having received great favor from me, suffered such a defeat. And that West Qi, with the support of the leftist Chan Sect, is truly despicable. Summon the ministers to a meeting!"

Zhang Qian had no choice but to retire downstairs, waiting for the emperor to take his throne. At the Nine-Span Hall, the bell and drums sounded together, and upon hearing this, all officials rushed to the courtyard to wait.

Soon, the peacock screen opened, King Zhou arrived and took the throne to issue orders: "Command all ministers to deliberate."

All the civil and military officials arrived before the emperor, bowing and awaiting his orders. King Zhou said, "Deng Jiugong has suffered a great defeat and retreated to Sishui Pass. West Qi has the assistance of the leftist Chan Sect, and this is utterly despicable. What strategies do you propose to highlight the nation's enduring punishment?"

Upper Doctor Fei Lian stepped forward to propose, "I vouch for one person who can surely defeat that Jiang Shang!"

"Speak quickly! If you can quell West Qi, I will grant you a high position!" King Zhou, delighted at these words, urged further, even promising great rewards.

"Loyalty to the country is an official's duty. The person I speak of is the Jizhou Marquis Su Hu. Although Su Hu once rebelled against Yin Shang, his strength is undeniable, and he is the best choice to deal with West Qi!"

Fei Lian hurriedly responded, not daring to be evasive.

"That indeed makes sense. Follow your suggestion and command Su Hu to attack West Qi."

King Zhou, after hearing this, nodded in agreement.

He promptly ordered the military officer, "Quickly dispatch the Yellow Banner and White Halberd and send the decree to Jizhou."

The envoy left Chaoge for Jizhou without further words and arrived at the Jizhou posthouse the next day. The following day, the report was sent to the Su Hou Mansion. Su Hou immediately went to the posthouse to receive the decree. After burning incense, he unfolded and read the decree:

"I have heard that the mandate for conquest comes from the emperor; the delegation beyond the borders lies with the main commander. Establishing merit and securing authority within the seas is every minister's duty. Ji Fa of West Qi acts rebelliously and resists royal armies, which is exceedingly hateful. I specifically command you, Jizhou Marquis Su Hu, to oversee the six armies to launch an assault; you must capture the culprits and eradicate the chaos. Upon triumph and return, I will not hesitate to grant rewards. Be diligent! This is my decree."

After receiving the decree, Su Hu was deeply worried, for he had heard of West Qi's great strength.

Ultimately, being a subject, having received the imperial decree, there was no choice; he had to prepare for the expedition against West Qi.

Now, the next day, the drum sounded in the court, and the generals assembled to pay respects.

Su Hu declared, "With the emperor's decree, I am commanded to launch a western campaign. Generals, prepare to set out." All the generals obeyed, rallying one hundred thousand troops, raising the Treasure Banner that very day, mobilizing the army; along with the advance officers Zhao Bing, Sun Ziyu, Chen Guang, and the Five Armies Rescue Officer Zheng Lun, they set out from Jizhou that very day, their military might appearing formidable.