Rebirth of Nezha in the Investiture of the Gods

Zhunti quickly calculated the cause and effect within, but did not pursue it further. The Three Corpses transformation was still the Three Corpses transformation; as long as they were converted by him, they would be part of the Western faction, thus increasing its strength.

After Zhunti resolved Kong Xuan's siege, Jiang Ziya and the others were saved. Before they could thank Zhunti, he had already returned to the Western land.

Zhunti, being a dignified and respected Saint, naturally would not mingle with Jiang Ziya.

Afterwards, Jiang Ziya divided his forces into three groups, one advancing eastward. Within three days, they broke through Three Mountains Pass and Sishui Pass, heading directly toward Jiameng Pass.

The defending general at Jiameng Pass was, in fact, Fire Spirit Saint Mother, invited by Shen Gongbao. Although she was not Tongtian's direct disciple, her status within the Jie Sect was quite high.

Moreover, her cultivation level had reached the peak of the Daluo Golden Immortal realm, and the spiritual treasures in her possession were formidable, having consecutively injured Hong Jin, Wu Ji, and others.

Jiang Ziya brought with him Wei Hu, Jin Zha, and three thousand troops, departing from Sishui Pass amidst rolling dust and heavy killing intent.

After a day, they arrived at Jiameng Pass and set up camp. Hong Jin came to see him.

Ziya said, "As a general, tasked with an expedition, one must act with foresight. How could you rashly advance and cause such a severe defeat?"

Hong Jin replied, "At first, I achieved full victories, but unexpectedly, a Daoist woman known as Fire Spirit Saint Mother appeared. She had a piece of golden radiance spanning over ten zhang, enveloping her; I couldn't see her, but she could see me. Moreover, she commanded three thousand fire dragon soldiers, rushing forward like a mountain of flames, unstoppable. The moment our soldiers saw it, they fled, leading to this lost opportunity."

Upon hearing this, Ziya was deeply puzzled: "This is yet another left-handed sorcery."

He then began strategizing a method to defeat the enemy.

Meanwhile, within the pass, Fire Spirit Saint Mother had been investigating but hadn't spotted Hong Jin near the pass. Suddenly, on this day, a messenger rushed into the city to report: "Jiang Ziya has personally led troops to this location."

Fire Spirit Saint Mother said, "Since Jiang Shang has come, it proves my descent from the mountain worthwhile. I must meet him personally to satisfy myself."

After bidding farewell to Hu Sheng, she quickly mounted her Gold Eye Camel, secretly bringing the fire dragon troops outside the pass. Reaching the front of the camp, she named herself and demanded Ziya answer her. The messenger rushed to the central army: "Report to the Marshal: Fire Spirit Saint Mother is naming herself and asking for the Marshal to answer her."

Ziya then led his generals, fired the signal cannon, and stepped out of the camp. Fire Spirit Saint Mother loudly shouted, "Is the one approaching Jiang Ziya?"

Ziya replied, "Fellow Daoist, it is none other than me. Fellow Daoist, since you are within the Taoist sect, you must know Heaven's mandate. Now, Zhou is full of sins, inciting universal wrath; all the feudal lords have gathered at Mengjin to inspect the governance of Shang. Why then do you assist Zhou in his tyranny, acting against Heaven? Do you not consider offending Heaven? Moreover, I am not acting on personal intent but following the Jade Void Order to carry out Heaven's punishment. Fellow Daoist, why persist in defying Heaven? Why not listen to my counsel and turn your spear, surrendering? I also adhere to Heaven's mercy and will certainly not let harm spread to the civilians."

Fire Spirit Saint Mother laughed and said, "You merely rely on your deceptive words, bewitching the masses. I reckon you are just an old man greedy for merit and gains, manipulating the ignorant to claim achievements for yourself. How dare you speak of obeying Heaven and aiding men? Tell me, what great Daoist cultivation do you possess to presume capable?"

Fire Spirit Saint Mother took a step forward, intending to fight Jiang Ziya, but was intercepted by Yang Jian, Wei Hu, and Jin Zha.

Fire Spirit Saint Mother could hardly withstand the fierce assault of the three, with their spears and staffs attacking ferociously. She withdrew, unsheathing her sword to unravel the pale yellow cloth, and the Golden Radiance Crown emitted a golden light spanning over ten zhang into the distance.

Ziya could not see Fire Spirit Saint Mother, who then thrust her sword and struck Ziya's chest. Without armor to resist, his flesh split open, blood staining his robes, as he staggered and escaped westward on Four Differences Beast.

Fire Spirit Saint Mother shouted, "Jiang Ziya! You won't escape this peril today!" Three thousand fire dragon soldiers shouted in the fiery light. At the large pass gate, golden serpents coiled amidst the chaos, sowing misery within the circle; flames ascended into the heavens, red light incinerating the banners. Before long, the deputy could hardly care for the marshal.

Fire Spirit Saint Mother pursued Ziya relentlessly, chasing him to a place with no escape. The fleeing Ziya was like an arrow leaving its bowstring; the pursuer as swift as clouds and lightning.

Ziya, now elderly, wounded from the sword and aching, was cornered by Fire Spirit Saint Mother's Gold Eye Camel, unable to break free. At this critical moment, Fire Spirit Saint Mother took out a Primordial Hammer and hurled it towards Ziya's back, striking his heart. He flipped over and fell off Four Differences Beast.

Fire Spirit Saint Mother dismounted her Gold Eye Camel, preparing to sever Ziya's head. Suddenly, a singing voice approached:

"One path of pine and bamboo fences, two leaves of misty clouds at the window. Three scrolls of 'Huangting,' flowers bloom in all four seasons. Casual poems flow from the hand, the alchemy furnace supports itself. Fishing in bay waters, strolling through rivers and mountains. Seated on a mat of reeds, harmonizing the departing dragon and tiger. Such skill, casting off worldly dust, madly hollering, carefree like the hare and crow."

At this moment, Fire Spirit Saint Mother was about to take Ziya's head when Guang Chengzi arrived singing. Fire Spirit Saint Mother recognized Guang Chengzi and shouted, "Guang Chengzi! You shouldn't be here!"

Guang Chengzi said, "I have come under the Jade Void Order, waiting here for you."

Fire Spirit Saint Mother, enraged, raised her sword to strike. Guang Chengzi stepped lightly, while the other twisted with urgency. The sword clashed and was parried, the blade aimed diagonally, creating a whirl of blooms; countered by overlapping strikes, the scene roiled with chilly mist behind the head.

Fire Spirit Saint Mother activated the golden light from her Golden Radiance Crown, unaware that Guang Chengzi was wearing the Sweeping Radiance Robe, which negated the crown's light entirely. Furious, Fire Spirit Saint Mother shouted, "How dare you destroy my magical treasure! I will never let this go!" She raged and wielded her sword furiously, flames surging harmfully as she battled Guang Chengzi.

Guang Chengzi, being an immortal who had broken rules, now harbored no hesitation. He hurriedly summoned the Sky-Flipping Seal high into the air. As it descended, Fire Spirit Saint Mother couldn't evade and was hit directly on the crown of her head, her brain splattering, her spirit ascending to the Sealing God Platform.

Guang Chengzi retrieved the Sky-Flipping Seal and collected Fire Spirit Saint Mother's Golden Radiance Crown. He quickly descended the hill and fetched water from the stream, drew elixir pills from his gourd, lifted Ziya and placed his head upon his lap, feeding him the pills, and descended the twelve-tiered building. After an hour, Ziya opened his eyes and saw Guang Chengzi.