Rebirth of Nezha in the Investiture of the Gods

Li Mingzhu stood amidst the clouds, gazing down at the Marquis Mansion of Beihai.

The entire mansion of Marquis Beihai was built facing the sea and backed by the mountains, occupying a space five times larger than Li Jing's General's Mansion. While it could not compare to the grandeur of the Royal Palace, it was undoubtedly far beyond what a minor marquis should be entitled to.

Yin Shang had four major marquises and eight hundred minor ones; Marquis Beihai was merely one among those eight hundred, showcasing his arrogance and overreach.

Within the mansion, pavilions and towers were densely packed, maidservants and servants gathered in crowds—the level of opulence rivaled even the Yin Shang Palace.

From observing the mansion's splendor, one could discern the character of Yuan Futong, let alone the memories left by Yuan Zikai from before.

Li Mingzhu was never the type to champion justice, but the actions of Yuan Futong and his son had crossed his bottom line. After all, whether in his past life or his current one, he remained part of the Human Clan.

Furthermore, for the sake of planning the future, he must assist Wen Zhong in conquering Beihai.

Whichever reason he chose, Yuan Futong's demise was inevitable.

Li Mingzhu raised his left foot lightly and then stomped down with force. Though he appeared to step on the clouds, the luxurious mansion below quaked violently, the ground splitting apart as countless buildings collapsed, forming a massive footprint visible from above.

"Yuan Futong! Come out and face your death!"

After trampling countless parts of the Beihai Mansion, Li Mingzhu roared downwards. His voice reverberated endlessly, while a wave of water and fire spilled downward with a gentle flick of his left hand.

The water and fire spilled forth from the Qiankun Ring with a life of their own. Anyone without cultivation would be spared, but those who possessed it would find themselves in peril. Even though their potency was reduced due to the large-scale deployment, they were still beyond the ability of ordinary cultivators to withstand.

Unless one's cultivation surpassed Li Mingzhu's own level, even if they managed to dispel the water and fire, they would still pay a heavy price.

The tyrannical might of the supreme-grade Innate Spiritual Treasure was evident, and this was only because Li Mingzhu wasn't fully channeling its power for efficiency—otherwise, its strength would have multiplied several times over!

Since Li Mingzhu had come to the Beihai Mansion, it was not merely to kill Yuan Futong; his intention was slaughter.

No matter if it were mortals, demons, or cultivators—those who aided Yuan Futong in his wicked deeds were already dead in Li Mingzhu's eyes!

Had it not been for Yuan Zikai's case, Li Mingzhu might have spared the others, killing only Yuan Futong. As for the Demon Clan who supported Yuan Futong, he had initially planned to use Nuwa's name to compel their retreat.

But now, that was impossible!

"Who dares disturb my Beihai Mansion?"

A golden light rose from the depths of the mansion, shooting directly at Li Mingzhu—it was none other than Yuan Futong himself.

Though Li Mingzhu had gleaned from Yuan Zikai's memories that Yuan Futong was also a cultivator, he hadn't expected Yuan Futong to possess peak Golden Immortal cultivation.

It was worth noting that while many generals on the Yin Shang court had cultivation, most hovered around the Primordial Spirit level—a true Immortal was rare.

A cultivator of Yuan Futong's level could have easily held the position of State Preceptor within Yin Shang's court.

Li Mingzhu had no intention of bantering with Yuan Futong. Without hesitation, he brandished the Qiankun Ring and attacked. He had come to kill.

Yuan Futong hadn't anticipated Li Mingzhu's straightforward aggression. However, being battle-hardened, he quickly reacted, pulling out a Vajra Pestle from somewhere and clashing with the incoming Qiankun Ring.

The Vajra Pestle emitted radiant golden light, seeming to gather boundless righteous energy—majestic and grand.

Yet, in Li Mingzhu's eyes, it felt inherently incongruous. How could a conniving and treacherous man wield such a tool of righteousness and virtue?

"Western Sect?"

Li Mingzhu snorted coldly. The sight of the Vajra Pestle confirmed that Yuan Futong was undoubtedly aligned with the Western Sect.

This was hardly unexpected—the Western Sect might not be directly involved in the current calamity, but given the propensity of Saint Zhunti to defy the Profound Sect, any opportunity to sow discord would hardly be passed up.

"Boom!"

The clash in midair erupted with tremendous thunder, sparks flying in all directions. The Vajra Pestle was sent hurtling back to Yuan Futong's grasp. The fact it could withstand a direct clash with the Qiankun Ring without damage was testament to its extraordinary nature—at minimum, it was a mid-grade Innate Spiritual Treasure.

Li Mingzhu couldn't help but curse Zhunti under his breath, marveling at the investment made. Such valuable treasures bestowed upon an insignificant pawn truly showcased the Saint's extravagance!

It was well known the Western Sect was impoverished in comparison to the affluent Three Eastern Sects. Even a mid-grade Innate Spiritual Treasure was considered a rarity to them.

When the first strike failed, Li Mingzhu retracted the Qiankun Ring and drew the Cheng Ying Sword!

To slay an enemy, one needs a sharp blade!

The Cheng Ying Sword spun rapidly before Li Mingzhu, invisible and formless. Though its shape eluded sight, its chilling Sword Qi radiated endlessly.

"Go!"

With a single gesture, Li Mingzhu dispatched the Cheng Ying Sword, controlling it like an extension of his own will.

The Shadowless Sword darted like a venomous serpent, targeting the most obscure and undefendable angles with every strike. Its assailant had no chance to guard against it.

Even though the Vajra Pestle was highly regarded among the Western Sect's treasures and known for its impenetrable offense and defense, Yuan Futong could not withstand the Cheng Ying Sword's onslaught.

In mere moments, Yuan Futong was riddled with 124 wounds. Yet these were no ordinary sword injuries—each slash embedded fragments of Sword Qi within his body. As long as Li Mingzhu desired, he could ignite the Sword Qi in an instant, ending Yuan Futong's life.

Would Li Mingzhu let Yuan Futong die so quickly?

He had promised to reunite Yuan Futong with his son—and he intended to keep that promise.

"Who dares harm the Marquis?"

A powerful voice erupted from the mansion, accompanied by a pair of flying daggers aimed at extreme speed toward Li Mingzhu.

"Watch out!"

Yuan Futong shouted in warning, but it was too late. Li Mingzhu had already unleashed the Qiankun Ring, shattering the daggers midair and continuing its trajectory into the mansion.

With a muffled grunt, the Qiankun Ring returned bloodstained—a mighty demon slain before even revealing its face.

This had less to do with the demon's cultivation and more with the overwhelming power of the supreme-grade Innate Spiritual Treasure Qiankun Ring, a force that few could endure.

"Greetings, Fellow Daoist. May I ask what offense Yuan Daoist has committed against you to warrant such ruthless extermination?"

Seven Golden Immortal-level demons ascended to the clouds together. The one leading them, an imposing figure dressed in white Taoist robes, asked, though his tone lacked confidence—clearly shaken by the sheer dominance of Li Mingzhu's prior actions.