Rebirth of Nezha in the Investiture of the Gods

He came here solely to fight Yang Jian, without any intention of serving Yin Shang. His plan going forward was to wait for Li Mingzhu's message.

Li Mingzhu possessed the River Map and Luo Book, unparalleled in divination. He believed she would be able to foresee the upcoming developments with precision and provide him with the most accurate guidance. On this point, Fu Yao was completely confident.

To tell the truth, Fu Yao somewhat despised Li Mingzhu. Though subdued, she still behaved like a cunning schemer, stirring up trouble from behind the scenes.

Now turning to Su Hu, after suffering consecutive defeats and witnessing Fu Yao's departure, he secretly harbored thoughts of surrendering to West Qi.

After all, he had brought his entire family with him this time and had no emotional ties to Jizhou. If he decided to surrender, it could happen just like that.

As for his token familial relationship with King Zhou, it was nothing but a sham.

Meanwhile, Zheng Lun contemplated silently, saying, "The commander harbors allegiance to West Qi but laments his inability to repay his sovereign's debt of gratitude. Everything seems disjointed—what can be done?"

The next day, Su Hu convened a meeting and prepared to take action. Suddenly, an officer at the gate announced, "A Daoist, bearing three eyes and dressed in a crimson robe, requests to meet with the general."

Su Hu, not being of Taoist origin and unaware of the customs of the Taoist Sect, called out, "Let him enter." His attendants stepped out to invite the Daoist in. Hearing only the words "let him enter," without a polite "please," the Daoist grew quietly displeased. He considered leaving but feared disappointing Shen Gongbao.

The Daoist thought to himself, "I might as well enter the camp and see how things unfold." He swallowed his pride and entered the camp, arriving at the main tent. Su Hu, seeing the Daoist, was unsure of his purpose.

The Daoist addressed Su Hu: "Greetings, General."

Su Hu returned the gesture and asked, "What brings the esteemed Daoist here?"

To which the Daoist replied, "I have come to assist you in breaking West Qi, capturing the traitor, and relieving the emperor's troubles."

Su Hu asked, "Where does the Daoist reside, and where do you hail from?" The Daoist answered, "I come from an island.

I traverse the Ruishui River without needing a boat, freely roaming the world beyond comprehension. My Yang Spirit departs my body and escapes mortal sight; the mysteries deepen as I summon water tigers. On Jiulong Island, I refined my Qi; within the Jie Sect, I was the first disciple. If asked my name—Lv Yue, renowned across the Four Seas."

After reciting his poem, the Daoist said to Su Hu, "I am a Qi Refiner from Jiulong Island, bearing the name Lv Yue. Shen Gongbao requested that I assist you, General. Why hesitate to accept my aid?"

Su Hu inclined his head and invited him to sit. Lv Yue, unreserved, took his seat.

Just then, Zheng Lun's voice rang out, "The pain is unbearable!"

Lv Yue asked, "Who is crying out in pain?"

Su Hu thought to himself, "Let's bring Zheng Lun out and give Lv Yue a scare."

Su Hu answered, "That would be Zheng Lun, commander of the fifth army, wounded by West Qi's general, thus crying out in pain."

Lv Yue replied, "Bring him here, and let me take a look." The attendants carried Zheng Lun out.

Lv Yue glanced at him and laughed, "He was injured by Yang Jian. It's no problem—I'll heal him." He reached into his leopard skin pouch and pulled out a gourd. Pouring out a single Elixir Pill, he dissolved it in water and applied it to the wound. Like dewdrops refreshing the soul, Zheng Lun instantly recovered. His severe injury was healed.

The tiger rekindled its fierce wings, and the dragon returned to the sea once more.

Zheng Lun, his wounds healed, immediately bowed and took Lv Yue as his master.

Lv Yue said, "Since you've acknowledged me as your master, I will ensure your success."

In the tent, they sat silently for three days. Su Hu sighed, saying, "Each time I want to advance our plans, this Daoist obstructs me! How infuriating!"

Meanwhile, seeing Lv Yue remain in the tent without engaging with the enemy, Zheng Lun approached him and said, "Master, since you're assisting Cheng Tang, your disciple awaits your instructions to confront Jiang Ziya."

Lv Yue replied, "I have four disciples who have not yet arrived. Once they do, securing victory over West Qi will be guaranteed, ensuring your triumph."

A few days later, four Daoists arrived at the gate and asked the guards, "Is Lv Daoist inside? Please inform him that four disciples have come to see him."

A military officer reported to the main tent: "General, four Daoists seek an audience."

Lv Yue declared, "They are my disciples."

He instructed Zheng Lun to invite them in. Zheng Lun went to the gate and saw the four Daoists. Their faces were painted blue, yellow, red, and black; some tied their hair into buns, while others wore Taoist caps or turban-like headdresses. Clad in green, red, yellow, and black, each stood over six and a half feet tall, moving with a tiger's ferocity and glowing eyes, their appearance intimidating.

Zheng Lun lowered his head and bowed, saying, "Master requests your presence."

The four Daoists, without a hint of humility, entered the tent and greeted Lv Yue, calling him "Master." They stood on either side of him. Lv Yue asked, "Why have you arrived so late?"

One, dressed in blue, replied, "We were preparing items for the campaign, which delayed our arrival."

Lv Yue said to the four disciples, "Zheng Lun is newly under my mentorship; consider him your junior brother." Zheng Lun extended his respects to the four again.

He then humbly asked, "May I know the names of my senior brothers?"

Lv Yue pointed at each disciple and said, "This one is Zhou Xin; this one is Li Qi; this one is Zhu Tianlin; and this one is Yang Wenhui."

Zheng Lun exchanged names with them. They arranged for a feast, drinking until late into the night.

The next day, Su Hu held another meeting and saw the four Daoists present, leaving him deeply displeased and frustrated. Lv Yue said, "Today, which of you four will engage West Qi in battle?"

One of the Daoists replied, "I am willing to go."

Lv Yue permitted it. The Daoist invigorated himself and, confident in his Daoist Skills, left the camp on foot to confront West Qi.

Zhou Xin, wielding a Sword of Treasure, arrived outside the city and issued a challenge. Word reached the Prime Minister's Mansion: "A Daoist seeks battle."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Ziya, who had not engaged in battle for days, remarked, "Today, a Daoist has come—it must be another extraordinary figure."

He asked, "Who will go to meet him?"

Jinzha stepped forward and said, "I am willing."

Jiang Ziya gave him permission. Jinzha left the city, where he encountered the Daoist, whose ferocious appearance stunned him.

Hair bright as cinnabar, face shadowed in green, tusks sharp, and golden eyes gleamed. Wearing a Daoist robe of azure hue, his presence sinister, his stride cloaked in misty shoes. Sword in hand, crackling lightning flew, mysteries brewed within, ghosts wailed in agony. A harbinger of plagues descending on West Qi, this was the Eastern Wood of Jia & Yi revealed.