Rebirth of Nezha in the Investiture of the Gods

The immortals bid farewell to Jiang Ziya and each returned to their own mountains and paths.

Jiang Ziya entered West Qi City with King Wu and the assembled generals.

King Wu went back to the palace; Jiang Ziya returned to the Commander Mansion; the generals, large and small, awaited orders to convene at the military training grounds three days later. The next day, Jiang Ziya presented a memorial expressing gratitude at court, requesting an audience with King Wu.

Jiang Ziya, wearing a golden turban, a bright red robe, and a jade belt, presented his memorial. Upper Doctor San Yisheng stepped forward to receive it and laid it on the imperial desk.

Jiang Ziya bowed deeply and said: "How deeply fortunate is Jiang Shang to have been summoned by the late king and yet to repay even a fraction of his kindness. Now, I am honored again by His Majesty's trust in appointing me as marshal. Such recognition is unmatched throughout history, and I dare not shirk my responsibility. I hereby request permission for Your Majesty to personally lead the expedition, in alignment with the wishes of Heaven and the people."

King Wu replied: "Prime Minister's proposal aligns perfectly with the will of Heaven." He promptly read the memorial:

"Thirteenth Year of Great Zhou, Month of Meng Chun (early spring), Memorial from Jiang Shang, Supreme Commander of the Expedition to Sweep Away Cheng Tang (Shang Dynasty): Respectfully observing the times and adapting to the changes, we see the destiny of Heaven and Earth manifest. Deploying troops is an act of divine transformation… should Heaven have grown weary of filth, the tyrant will sooner meet his end. This not only relieves Heaven's fury but also brings glory to Tang itself. Humbly, I submit this fervent memorial with utmost anticipation!"

Having finished reading the memorial, King Wu asked: "When does Prime Minister plan for the troops to set out?"

Jiang Ziya replied: "I have prepared thoroughly and will select an auspicious day to request Your Majesty to set forth."

King Wu ordered his attendants: "Prepare a banquet to celebrate with the Prime Minister."

Ruler and minister shared drinks, and Jiang Ziya expressed his gratitude before leaving court.

The next day, Jiang Ziya inspected the military training grounds and conducted roll call. At the fifth watch, Jiang Ziya arrived at the drill field and ascended the General Platform.

Military Officer Xin Jia reported to the Marshal: "Fire the cannon, raise the banners, beat the drums, and summon the commanders."

Jiang Ziya pondered silently: "We now have 600,000 troops; four lead divisions are necessary to coordinate the effort."

Jiang Ziya instructed the military officials: "Summon Nangong Shi, Wu Ji, Mu Zha, and Jin Zha to the platform." Xin Jia carried out the order, and the four commanders ascended the platform to bow deeply.

Jiang Ziya said: "With an army of 600,000, you four will serve as lead commanders, holding the seals for left, right, front, and rear positions. Each of you shall draw lots to determine your responsibility. Maintain your roles without error."

Military officials adorned the commanders with flowers and red ribbons and handed them the seals of office.

The four generals drank the ceremonial wine and expressed their gratitude to the Marshal…

Afterward, Jiang Ziya continued with various arrangements, assigning positions and organizing formations.

The following day, Jiang Ziya paid respects to King Wu and reported: "Troops, provisions, and all equipment are in place. Requesting Your Majesty to travel eastward."

King Wu asked: "To whom does the Prime Minister entrust domestic affairs in our absence?"

Jiang Ziya replied: "Upper Doctor San Yisheng can shoulder the responsibilities of national governance; he seems a suitable candidate."

King Wu left court to inform Lady Tai Ji in the inner palace: "Reporting to the Dowager: Prime Minister Jiang Shang will meet with the feudal lords at Mengjin. I, your son, will pass through five checkpoints to observe governance in Shang and return promptly, not disobeying fatherly instructions."

Lady Tai Ji said, "The Prime Minister's conduct is mistake-free; my son should fully follow his direction." She commanded the palace attendants to prepare wine to send King Wu off.

The next day, Jiang Ziya led his 600,000-strong army out of West Qi. King Wu, mounted on an armored horse, led the Imperial Army to Ten Miles Pavilion.

There, the royal brothers arranged the Nine Dragons Banquet to farewell King Wu and Marshal Jiang.

The brothers offered wine to King Wu and Jiang Ziya, and after drinking, they departed on the chosen auspicious day.

Precisely on the thirtieth year of King Zhou's reign, March 24th, the army began its march under the resounding signal cannon, with imposing military might. The grand army left West Qi headed toward Yan Mountain, advancing with jubilant spirits and boundless vigor.

After crossing Yan Mountain, they reached Shouyang Mountain.

At Shouyang Mountain, they encountered Uncle Yi and Bo Qi. These two, though perhaps lesser-known figures in the Divine Enthronement legend, hold an enduring position in the historical narrative of China.

The pair, unwavering in their misguided loyalty, confronted Jiang Ziya and Ji Fa as soon as they appeared, cursing them for their perceived betrayal, cruelty, and lack of righteousness.

Some troops contemplated killing Uncle Yi and Bo Qi, but Jiang Ziya intervened. Whether this act was sincere benevolence or mere hypocrisy, no one could be certain.

Ultimately, Uncle Yi and Bo Qi remained steadfast in their defiance. Even after Ji Fa established dominance over the realm, they refused to consume even a single grain from the Zhou Dynasty. They lived on the mountain collecting wild herbs and singing songs, and eventually, they starved to death.

Nonetheless, their souls were later guided by Li Mingzhu, reincarnated, and subsequently accepted as disciples under her tutelage.

After passing Shouyang Mountain, Jiang Ziya and his troops arrived at Golden Chicken Ridge.

On the ridge, a cavalry contingent, flying two crimson banners, stationed themselves to block the advancing army.

The scouts reported to the front of the army: "Reporting to the Marshal: A contingent is stationed at Golden Chicken Ridge to impede the troops. Please issue an order."

Jiang Ziya commanded: "Establish the camp."

He convened at the command tent and dispatched reconnaissance troops to inquire, "Who are these forces stationed here barring our advance?"

Before the inquiry was completed, reports came from the flanks: "A general requests to engage in battle."

Uncertain of the identity of the opposing forces, Jiang Ziya asked, "Who would face them in battle for reconnaissance?"

Left flank commander Nangong Shi stepped forward in the tent and declared, "I shall go!"

Jiang Ziya instructed: "First engagements are critical; proceed with caution."

Nangong Shi mounted his horse and led his troops out. The war drums thundered as he galloped ahead of the camp. Opposing him was a general adorned in a turban and iron armor, astride a black horse with a long spear in hand.

Nangong Shi barely had a chance to confront the adversary when, within moments, he and several troops were swiftly enveloped in a cascade of five-colored divine light.

Jiang Ziya was utterly shocked by the scene. Who could be behind such a display of power?

Setting aside Jiang Ziya's astonishment, within the Yin Shang camp, the figure responsible revealed himself—it was none other than Kong Xuan. Kong Xuan had no idle interest in aiding Yin Shang.

He was invited by Shen Gongbao, though it was clear Shen Gongbao lacked the influence to compel the involvement of the "foremost under the Saint." Kong Xuan acted of his own accord.

Driven by his ambition for sainthood, Kong Xuan sought to test the cosmic boundaries personally, daring to tread such sacred paths in pursuit of enlightenment.

Kong Xuan's aspirations knew no bounds, pushing him to forsake all for his purpose. Regarding Jiang Ziya's lesser forces, such as Nangong Shi, Kong Xuan viewed them as inconsequential, dispatching them effortlessly without even engaging face-to-face.

The following day, Kong Xuan led his forces directly to the battlefield, addressing the gate sentry: "Request your commander to converse."

The commander relayed the message to central command: "Kong Xuan requests an audience with the Marshal."

Jiang Ziya ordered: "Deploy the Eight Elite Generals to the battlefield." The crimson Treasure Banner unfurled as Jiang Ziya flanked by four lieutenants and disciples, arranged in a wide wing formation, advanced. Riding his Four Unlike mount, Jiang Ziya arrived to confront Kong Xuan, whose formidable presence proclaimed an extraordinary background.

His figure gleamed like gold illuminated by flames, with armor dazzling in brilliance. His crimson warhorse exuded a commanding aura, while five radiant beams surrounded his form. He seemed to draw power from the origins of creation itself, conjuring suns, moons, and stars into existence. His singular virtue was profoundly rooted in Daoism, marking his bond with the Western path.

Jiang Ziya noticed the five-colored beams behind Kong Xuan: blue, yellow, red, white, and black.

Jiang Ziya harbored doubts, and Kong Xuan, galloping forward, confronted him directly: "Are you Jiang Ziya?"

Jiang Ziya replied: "Indeed."

Kong Xuan demanded: "You were once a minister of Yin Shang. Why do you rebel, falsely claim kingship, ally with lords, defy Heaven's will, and forsake righteousness? I have come under divine orders to subdue you. Withdraw and adhere to your duties as a loyal subject, securing your homeland. But if you hesitate even briefly, I will flatten West Qi, leaving you no chance for regret."

Jiang Ziya answered: "The mandate of Heaven is ever-changing, favoring only those of virtue. In antiquity, Emperor Yao's son, Dan Zhu, proved unworthy, and he ceded rule to Emperor Shun. Emperor Shun's son, Shang Jun, proved unworthy as well... Virtue now resides in our Zhou, enforcing Heaven's punishment. General, why not align with Heaven and join our Zhou to punish the tyrant together?"

Kong Xuan rebuked: "You, the disloyal attacking your overlord, claim this isn't defiance? You fabricate polluted words to mislead the masses, incite rebellion, and resist divine forces—such audacity is truly detestable!"

Leaping skywards, Kong Xuan unleashed a crimson beam of light, manifesting boundless red flames. Though Yang Jian intercepted the attack, he was severely injured in an instant, completely outmatched!

Kong Xuan laughed boisterously: "A speck of light dare compete with brilliance?"

With Yang Jian struggling back from injury, Kong Xuan advanced further, standing alone against Jiang Ziya's vast army of 600,000 men.