Rebirth of Nezha in the Investiture of the Gods

While in discussion, Guang Chengzi suddenly entered to report, "Two revered Masters, Zhunti Daoist from the Western Sect has arrived outside."

Laozi and Primordial immediately stepped out of the hut to welcome him, invited him inside, performed salutations, and seated him.

Laozi smiled and said, "Brother Daoist, your visit must undoubtedly be to break the Slaying Immortal Formation and find those fated for the Western Sect. Coincidentally, I was about to request your aid, but lo and behold, you arrived first. This aligns perfectly with the will of Heaven—wondrous beyond words!"

Zhunti Daoist replied, "To be frank, Brother Daoist, in the West, when the flowers bloom, everyone sees me and I see everyone. Thus, I ventured to the southeastern lands but had not yet encountered those with fate. On several occasions, I saw hundreds of red streams of light shooting into the sky from the southeastern regions, signifying fated ones. So, I came to guide them to cultivate the Western doctrines. This is why I did not shy from the arduous journey to meet the many friends under the Jie Sect."

In his heart, Zhunti was already overjoyed. Since Laozi had spoken first, it signified that this matter would certainly succeed, bringing great hope for the flourishing of the West!

Laozi said, "Your arrival today is precisely a sign of Heavenly omens."

"How excellent!" Primordial also chimed in agreement. However, as of now, there were only three Saints present, and Jieyin had not yet arrived—without him, the Slaying Immortal Formation could not be broken.

Zhunti stated, "Let me personally invite Senior Brother Jieyin to join us in breaking the formation!" Zhunti understood that these two Saints did not wish to owe karmic debts to Jieyin; already indebted to him, they were somewhat displeased. Hence, he knowingly offered to invite Jieyin himself.

Meanwhile, Zhunti hurried to the West, met Jieyin Daoist, bowed deeply, and took a seat. Jieyin Daoist asked, "Fellow Daoist, why have you returned so quickly after heading East?"

Zhunti Daoist replied, "I have seen hundreds of streaks of red light emanating from both Chan and Jie Sects. Now, Tongtian Sect Hierarch has set up the Slaying Immortal Formation, which comprises four gates that require four people to break. We already have three; there is still one missing. I have specially come to invite you, Senior Brother, to travel with me and complete the karmic cycle."

The Hierarch of the Western Sect replied, "I have never left the Pure Land and am unfamiliar with worldly affairs. I fear mishandling this could lead to an undesirable outcome."

Zhunti responded, "Senior Brother, we follow the path of spontaneity and non-attachment; what formation bound by mere forms could we not break? You must not decline—we should join efforts and head forth!"

Heeding Zhunti's words, Jieyin Daoist agreed and journeyed eastward. Stepping upon auspicious clouds, they soon arrived at the reed hut.

Guang Chengzi reported to Laozi and Primordial, "The two honored leaders of the Western Sect have arrived." Laozi and Primordial, along with their disciples, stepped out of the hut to welcome them. They saw a Daoist, towering at over ten feet tall.

"The Immortal, barefoot, exudes redolent fragrances; his feet upon auspicious clouds, beyond ordinary sight.

From the twelve-petal lotus platform emanate magical treasures, white light ripples by the Eight Virtues Pond.

His lifespan matches Heaven and Earth—such words are no exaggeration;

His blessings rival vast waves—such claims are not frivolous.

Cultivation consummated in Shariputra, breathing techniques transcend mortality;

Detached and at ease, pure bliss is none other than the Western Land."

Laozi and Primordial greeted Jieyin and Zhunti, invited them into the hut, bowed in salute, and took their seats. Laozi said, "To trouble you with this visit today is because the Three Sects must unite to navigate this tribulation. It is not that we purposefully create such hindrances."

Jieyin Daoist replied, "I have come to meet those with fate and to fulfill predestined mysteries."

Primordial said, "With all four fellow Daoists present today, we should swiftly break this formation. Why linger amidst these worldly disturbances?"

Laozi said, "Instruct the disciples to break the formation tomorrow."

Primordial summoned Yu Ding, Dao Xing Tian Zun, Guang Chengzi, and Chi Jingzi. "The four of you, extend your hands."

Primordial wrote a talismanic seal in their palms. "Tomorrow, when you hear thunder within the formation and see flames surging, quickly seize the four treasured swords. I have my plans for them."

Having given these instructions, Primordial felt that victory was assured—but was it truly so?

As they were strategizing, a streak of red light descended from the Nine Heavens—it was Nuwa's arrival.

Nuwa's phoenix carriage stopped above the Shang Dynasty's main military camp, yet she did not descend; clearly, Nuwa disdained King Zhou and the Yin Shang dynasty.

Tongtian personally came to greet her; Nuwa's arrival was a timely aid to his urgent plight.

At dawn the next day, the disciples lined up; the Golden Bell and Jade Chime were struck. The four Sect Hierarchs approached the Slaying Immortal Formation and commanded their attendants, "Inform Tongtian Sect Hierarch that we have come to break the formation."

The attendants flew into the formation to deliver the message. Soon, Tongtian Sect Hierarch and Nuwa, leading their disciples, emerged from the Slaughter Immortal Gate to meet the four Hierarchs.

Tongtian Sect Hierarch addressed Jieyin and Zhunti Daoist, "You two hail from the Western Sect's Pure Land—what is your purpose here?"

Zhunti Daoist replied, "Though my brother and I are leaders of the Western Sect, we came here to meet those with fate. Fellow Daoist, hear my verse:

Born of the lotus upon the Pure Platform,

The teachings of the Three Vehicles open wondrous dharma gates.

Refined Shariputra transcends mundanity,

Ornaments of Mingzhu shatter worldly dust.

Within the Eight Virtues Pond, purple flames arise,

Golden moss grows upon the Seven Treasures Tree.

For the East is rich with talent,

I come seeking the green vine to nurture sacred embryos."

Before Tongtian could respond, Nuwa interjected, "You have your West, and I have my East—like water and fire, how can they coexist? Why do you provoke such trouble? You speak of being born from the lotus and acting with purity, yet how does this compare to the endless transformations of the Five Elements, manifesting instantly? Hear my verse:

The Primordial Body merges with the Innate Dao,

Endless kalpas unfold, yet nature remains eternal.

Vast and unattached, the Great Law is passed,

Unmoving in serenity, it is hailed as the First Mystery.

What the furnace refines is not merely mercury;

What exists beyond is the path of eternal life.

Transformation forever births new changes,

And the practices of the West are but escapist meditation."

Zhunti Daoist replied, "Fellow Daoists Tongtian and Nuwa, there is no need to boast or engage in wordplay. The Dao is as deep as the ocean—it cannot be summed up in mere words. Now that all four of us have arrived, we advise you to kindly put away this formation. What say you?"

Tongtian Sect Hierarch replied, "Since all four of you are here, let us see whose abilities prevail."

With these words, Tongtian turned and returned to the formation, with Nuwa closely following.

Primordial said to the Western Hierarchs, "Fellow Daoists, we shall each advance to one gate so we may attack simultaneously."

Jieyin Daoist replied, "I shall enter the Li Palace."

Laozi said, "I shall enter the Dui Palace."

Zhunti said, "I shall enter the Kan Land."

Primordial said, "I shall enter the Zhen Sector."

The four Sect Hierarchs each took their respective entry points.

Primordial entered the Zhen Sector first, advancing through the Slaying Immortal Gate. From the Eight Diagram Platform, Tongtian Sect Hierarch unleashed rolling thunder, activating the Slaying Immortal Sword. The blade quivered.

Auspicious clouds appeared above Primordial, adorned with a thousand golden flowers and strings of Mingzhu; how could the sword strike through? Primordial passed through the Slaying Immortal Gate and arrived at the Slaying Immortal Hall.

Jieyin Daoist entered the Li Palace, corresponding to the Slaughter Immortal Gate. Tongtian Sect Hierarch once more summoned thunder to activate the Slaughter Immortal Sword. Jieyin Daoist manifested three Shariputra above his head, halting the sword in its tracks.

Jieyin Daoist crossed the Slaughter Immortal Gate and stood at the Slaughter Immortal Hall.

Laozi entered the Imprisoning Immortal Gate corresponding to the West. Tongtian Sect Hierarch struck with thunder once more to activate the Imprisoning Immortal Sword.

A Linglong Treasure Tower appeared above Laozi, radiating endless light that pinned down the Imprisoning Immortal Sword. Laozi passed through the Imprisoning Immortal Gate and arrived at its corresponding hall.

Zhunti Daoist entered the Absolute Immortal Gate. Tongtian Sect Hierarch unleashed a thunderclap, activating the Absolute Immortal Sword. Zhunti Daoist wielded the Seven Treasures Magic Tree, releasing countless golden lotuses that subdued the sword. Zhunti Daoist entered the Absolute Immortal Gate and reached its hall. The four Sect Hierarchs gathered before the halls.

Laozi said, "Tongtian Sect Hierarch, we have all entered your Slaying Immortal Formation. What is your next move?" Laozi, with a wave of his hand, unleashed thunder, shaking the formation as a yellow mist filled the air, masking the interior.

The four Sect Hierarchs stood within their respective halls as Tongtian Sect Hierarch wielded his sword, targeting Jieyin Daoist.

Jieyin Daoist, unarmed, raised only his horsetail whisk. The whisk bloomed with lotus flowers of five colors, catching the sword strokes. Laozi brought his staff down in flurries.

Primordial raised the Three Jade Ruyi and struck wildly at the swords. Zhunti Daoist swayed his body and called out loudly, "Fellow Daoist, quickly come!"

From the skies, the Peacock King descended. Zhunti manifested his Dharma Body, with twenty-four heads and eighteen arms, holding ornaments such as pearl strands, canopies, floral crowns, fish intestines, gold bows, silver halberds, blessing divine mallets, treasure chisels, and golden bottles, surrounding Tongtian Sect Hierarch completely.

Had it been just Tongtian alone, this exchange would have already sealed his defeat. However, with Nuwa also present, the situation was not so simple.

Ever since entering the formation, Nuwa had seemingly vanished without a trace and had yet to make a move. Although the four Saints had been vigilantly watching, none of them had anticipated what Nuwa was doing.

Upon entering the formation, Nuwa's first action was to deal with Yu Ding and the others. It turned out that Tongtian had long anticipated the strategy of Primordial and the others to break the formation in this manner.

By assigning four capable disciples to seize the Slaying Immortal Four Swords, they needed only the Saints to stall for time, ensuring the inevitable collapse of the formation.

If their roles were reversed, Tongtian would have made the same arrangements. Nuwa, therefore, took it upon herself to neutralize this move.

The consequence of this was that, by this time, the Slaying Immortal Formation should have been on the verge of collapse. Yet, it remained resolutely intact.

After sending Yu Ding and the other four Golden Immortals out of the formation, Nuwa quickly returned to join Tongtian. Tongtian also escaped the encirclement of the four Saints.

As long as the formation remained unbroken, he would inherently retain his Innate advantage and stand undefeated.